I spent a while with the Longines Flagship Heritage final 12 months when it was obtainable on a silverish cream dial, and now the model has added a black dial variant to the combo. The Flagship Heritage is a traditional costume watch in each sense, with conservative but perfect proportions and top-notch dial and case ending for an affordable value of $1,675.
The unique Longines Flagship dates again to 1957, and the model does a reasonably good job of protecting a steadiness between honoring its ancestor whereas giving even informal modern patrons what they count on from a costume watch in 2020. Measuring 38.5mm-wide, 10.25mm-thick, and 46mm lug-to-lug, I believe Longines obtained it good with the case for the Flagship Heritage. The ref. L4.795.four.78.2 with silver dial that I dealt with final 12 months was versatile, although clearly made extra sense whereas carrying one thing with a sleeve than with out. I believe largely the identical could be mentioned for the brand new ref. L4.795.four.58.zero with black dial, however there’s something about black that affords just a bit bit extra in the way in which of informal put on.
I’m a fan of the lengthy lugs that give the case (water-proof to 30M) somewhat bit extra wrist presence, and the delicate chamfering is a pleasant contact. You may see it seems completely wonderful on a 7.5 inch wrist, far more so than many watches with related case width however shorter lugs would. A lot of the enchantment of the demure Flagship Heritage lies within the tastefully designed and well-finished dial. With its utilized indices, good-looking dauphine palms, and 6 o’clock date window, the Flagship Heritage strikes a wonderful steadiness of getting a traditional look that isn’t old style.
Having touches like a skinny strip of lume on the hour and minute palms, or having a number of layers of AR coating on the underside of the crystal make for small however vital enhancements to the wearability of the Flagship Heritage. As you’ll be able to see within the photographs, glare is admittedly not a lot of a difficulty right here which inspired me, as we’re speaking about extremely polished palms and indices right here. Longines acknowledged that having a mismatching date window would probably spoil the dial, so I’m glad they went for a black background. The palms are pink gold-plated and work completely in the case of legibility and ease of studying. Plus, the 38.5mm case width permits for palms which are a ok size in order to not seem too quick for the dial.
The enclosed metal caseback pays tribute to the classic Flagship, donning the enamel Flagship emblem that these older fashions additionally had. I really like this contact as a result of, to begin with, it seems nice and is completed significantly properly for a mass-produced watch. That is apparent to most individuals studying, however so many watches on the market go for an exhibition caseback when there’s really nothing particular to exhibit. I choose this execution by Longines 100 occasions out of 100.
Beneath that metal and enamel caseback is the L615 motion made potential by the Swatch Group. This modified ETA 2895 operates at 28,800 vph with a 42-hour energy reserve.
The Longines Flagship Heritage ref. L4.795.four.58.zero with black and pink gold dial is a stable addition to the gathering. With black being such a default desire for therefore many patrons, I can think about this mannequin will find yourself being an on a regular basis look ahead to lots of people. Versatility, model recognition, and product high quality are a potent mixture when priced correctly. And, at $1,650 on a black alligator strap, I’d say the worth is nearly proper right here. You may try extra about this mannequin right here at longines.com.
