Longines is large. Like, actually big.
It’s typically straightforward to neglect that Longines is considered one of 5 watch manufacturers that sells north of $1 billion in watches at retail per 12 months. When you think about the comparatively greater costs of the common watch bought by the opposite 4 (Swatch group sibling Omega, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Cartier), the common ~$2,000 value of a Longines interprets to a number of watches bought. it’s not a stretch to deduce that Longines is aware of methods to promote accessibly priced luxurious watches than virtually anyone else on the market.
It’s been some years for the reason that launch of the Longines Flagship Heritage ref. L4.795.four.78.2, although I by no means acquired to spend greater than a minute or two with it till not too long ago. It embodies three components that make the model such a worldwide presence: it’s design is impressed by the model’s personal historical past whereas being completely trendy in its building; it’s completed impeccably; and at last, it’s value of $1,675 is a value-flex that seemingly wouldn’t be achieved with out the Swatch Group’s intensive infrastructure and sources.
The model has been beneath the management of Mr. Walter von Känel since 1988, after I was however one 12 months previous. He’s all the time understood that, at this value level, there’s a big international market with very numerous tastes. Nevertheless, the widespread thread stays that Longines is a model with distinct information of its historical past and the facility of the Swatch group behind it, permitting ending high quality (and entry to ETA actions) that different manufacturers merely can’t feasibly present for the worth.
Watches just like the Heritage Pores and skin Diver, Avigation BigEye, Conquest VHP, Miltary COSD, and Heritage Diver 1967 (I may hold going) have gotten a number of consideration from watch media previously few years. I really like all these watches, however there’s something to be stated about Longines’ extra demure, but no much less spectacular, gown watches. Contemplating how many individuals are shopping for these Longines gown watches, it will be a disservice to our viewers to neglect them.
The Longines Flagship assortment was launched in 1957, and this up to date Flagship Heritage carries a number of visible cues and design selections from just a few classic fashions, whereas making the required changes for up to date tastes and preferences. Case dimension is elevated, however I feel at 38.5mm-wide and 10.25mm-thick with a 46mm lug-to-lug, it hits that Goldilocks “excellent” dimension for a contemporary gown watch.
For some purpose, Longines describes the dial as being “silver” however I feel it’s nearer to a really mild cream colour. It’s a mellow, refined tone that nails the “vintage-inspired” aesthetic whereas staying far, far-off from precarious fauxtina. The utilized indices and Longines wings emblem have some good particulars and chamfering, which matches a really good distance in contributing to how this watch actually seems to be and seems like one thing a notch or two above its value level. The lugs even have ornamental chamfering and function one other refined however refined contact.
The dauphine hour and minutes palms have a skinny strip of lume on every, which is barely noticeable at a passing look however will make do when the performance is required. I consider classic Flagship watches both had no date window or a date window at three o’clock. Right here, the date window is at 6 o’clock, which is an honest concession that gives the plain usefulness of a date-window with the aesthetic symmetry supplied by its placement. Once more, classic model however with up to date performance that’s accomplished in a really tasteful and refined manner when vital. Noticing the sample right here?
The choice to have a metal caseback with the enamel Flagship emblem discovered on the classic fashions was seemingly a simple one, however nonetheless necessary to the watch’s design success general. Fairly than having an exhibition caseback that will in the end fall flat, there’s the ornamental blue- and gold-colored circle depicting a fairly impressively detailed and textured ship design. It’s a little bit of attention-grabbing aptitude that provides a ton of character to an admittedly conservative gown watch.
It’s a wise transfer that exhibits off a true-to-the-original classic design contact that’s distinctive to Longines. Contained in the watch is the L615 motion, which is a modified ETA 2895 that operates at 28,800 vph and has a 42-hour energy reserve. It will get the job accomplished as a tried and true motion, nevertheless it’s not going to make for a pleasant exhibition caseback view with out some critical modifications. The closed caseback offers with that, although.
Lastly, the Longines Flagship Heritage ref. L4.795.four.78.2 comes on a brown alligator leather-based strap with a metal buckle brandishing the Longines wing emblem.
Sure, it’s a conservative gown watch. Perhaps that’s to your style and possibly it’s not; there’s no improper reply. What isn’t as much as debate is the very fact that there’s a big demand for these, particularly amongst individuals who don’t commonly eat watch media or are as obsessive as myself and also you, the reader, seemingly are. The Datejust, Calatrava, Villeret and so on are longstanding staples of their respective model collections and value a number of occasions as a lot as this Longines. What impresses me right here is how Longines knocks the design out of the park whereas satisfying the market of patrons who need sensible touches like a date operate and lume. Once more, the Longines Flagship Heritage ref. L4.795.four.78.2 is priced at $1,650. You’ll be able to be taught extra at longines.com
Vital Information
>Model: Longines
>Mannequin: Flagship Heritage ref. L4.795.four.78.2
>Worth: $1,650
>Dimension: 38.5mm-wide, 46mm lug-to-lug, 10.5mm-thick
>Would reviewer personally put on it: Sure
>Pal we’d suggest it to first: Somebody who needs or wants a gown watch that has timeless design however with trendy ending and building. Or an informal purchaser who needs one versatile and conventional watch to put on till they hand it down.
>Greatest attribute of watch: The ending on the case and dial.
>Worst attribute of watch: The 42-hour energy reserve
