Longines Ref.1583.1 Cal.L890.1, with original buckle, automatic, serviced, manufactured in 1975

This is a 1975 Longines automatic model.

This model is powered by the L890.1, an in-house automatic caliber manufactured by Longines in 1975, featuring a center seconds hand, date display, and a coaxial twin-barrel mechanism.
The "twin-barrel" design philosophy, which utilizes multiple barrels (mainsprings) to generate stable torque, is an approach similar to modern high-end movements (such as those from Renaud & Papi, who work on complex Audemars Piguet watches, or the Grand Seiko 9SA5). However, this timepiece is a technical challenge that employs a highly unique "coaxial" structure, where two barrels are stacked vertically to work in tandem.
It should be noted that the twin-barrel mechanism in this machine is not intended for extending the power reserve (long power reserve), but was adopted as a technical approach to deliver energy by stacking two thin barrels.

The Cal. L890.1 was manufactured for a very short period of just about two years starting in 1975, and was immediately succeeded by the "Cal. L990" in 1977, making it a rare find with few surviving examples.
The Cal. L990 inherited this model's twin-barrel mechanism while achieving an incredible thinness of 2.95mm through changes such as barrel configuration. It is a legendary movement that boasted the world's thinnest level for an automatic watch with a date featuring twin barrels, which was extremely rare at the time. The elaborate technical challenge undertaken during the short life of the Cal. L890.1 served as the direct foundation for that great legendary movement.

That Cal. L990 also followed a winding fate; due to financial difficulties during the Quartz Crisis, the rights were transferred to Nouvelle Lemania (as the Lemania 8810), and it later evolved into a core movement (Cal. 591) that powered Breguet's ultra-thin dress watches. Subsequently, when Breguet was acquired by the Swatch Group in 1999, history crossed paths once again within the same group as the original developer, Longines.
This machine (Cal. L890.1) is a collection piece of exceptionally high historical value, serving as the "starting point" for the grand drama and technical innovation that remains in the history of Swiss watchmaking. You can enjoy the elaborate structure and the romance of this short-lived transitional movement.

The stainless steel case features a 1970s-style, substantial C-line (cushion-shaped) silhouette.
The contrast between the delicate vertical hairline finish on the flat top and the beautiful mirror finish on the bold bevels of the sides stands out, creating the solid feel and dignity unique to the C-line.
The case back is a screw-back type and is finished in a 12-sided shape—a traditional and elaborate Longines design feature—giving a sense of the detailed craftsmanship expected of a luxury timepiece from that era.

The crown features the "LONGINES" name and the "winged hourglass" logo. Because the crown is finely knurled, it is easy to grip with your fingertips, providing excellent operability for manual winding and time setting.

The silver dial, encased in that substantial frame, features a delicate radial sunburst finish.
Over time, it has aged into a soft, warm, champagne-gold-leaning tone, revealing the profound character unique to vintage pieces.
At the 12 o'clock position, the brand's iconic "winged hourglass" logo is applied in 3D.
The hands and indices are unified in a stylish, slender bar style, creating a look that is exceptionally clean, refined, and sharp, standing in contrast to the substantial case design.

Condition

This watch has been overhauled and the exterior finished.

The dial and hands maintain a very clean condition with no noticeable stains or corrosion.
The hairline finish on the front of the case remains clear, though there is a small dent on the side of the upper-right lug. Additionally, there are minor signs of corrosion on the case back due to aging.
Overall, it remains in good condition, retaining enough of the charm expected of a vintage item.

The strap has been replaced with a new leather belt from Morellato. Furthermore, it is equipped with a rare genuine Longines buckle.

Due to its age, this watch is not water-resistant. Environments with high moisture (wearing it on rainy days, washing your face, or on hot, sweaty days) are strictly prohibited.
Also, as it is a precision instrument, please be very careful to avoid drops, strong impacts, and magnetism (smartphones, PCs, speakers, magnets in bags, etc.).

Operating instructions for Caliber L890.1

How to pull the crown: Insert a fingernail between the case and the crown and pull out gently.

If you pull the crown too hard, it may come out entirely. Please pull it out gently.
To prevent the crown stem from bending, please remove the watch from your wrist before operating it.
Operating it gently will reduce the strain on the crown.

Manual winding: With the crown in the standard position, rotate upwards.

Time setting: With the crown pulled out to the second click, rotate downwards.

The second hand will stop when the crown is at the second click.

Quick-set date: With the crown pulled out to the first click, rotate downwards.

If you perform the quick-set operation while the watch hands are between "9:00 PM and 3:00 AM," the calendar gear will be damaged.
Before using the quick-set function, please first set the time to around 6 o'clock.