Blast From the Past

In the 1950s, success was celebrated by treating yourself to an elegant, diamond-set watch. One of the most precious offerings of those days was the Signet, made by Longines, which was itself a symbol of the great success the brand enjoyed.

- Martin Green

When looking at a vintage watch, it is always important to consider its historical setting. This is especially true of diamond-set watches. They are now often immediately regarded as ladies' watches not only because of the use of gemstones but also due to their usually modest size. However, this was quite different in the years they were made. Especially in North America, there is a long tradition of men wearing diamond-set watches. While now often associated with the music and entertainment industry, back in the 1950s and '60s, it was often established businessmen who wore a diamond-set watch as a token of their success. And when you really made it, you would wear the Longines Signet featured here.

This particular Longines Signet was made around 1956, the year that Elvis Presley entered the charts with Heartbreak Hotel, Dwight D. Eisenhower secured his second term as president, and the Bell X-2 became the first manned aircraft to travel at three times the speed of sound. The Longines Signet came with a price tag of US $495, making it one of the most expensive offerings from the brand at the time. For perspective, the average income in the United States in 1956 was around US $4,500 a year.