Longines is a watch brand for those who seek out fine Swiss watchmaking. Each and every watch designed by Longines has its own individual flair that radiates the core values of the brand and their rich history. Classic and sports collections cater to both men and women, so there is something for everybody. This wide array of choice is brilliant, but you then have to ask yourself which Longines should I buy? Today, we will break down the two collections and their different atmospheres as well as recommend our favourite piece from each. So keep reading for our ultimate guide to Longines watches.
A Brief History of Longines
In 1832, Aguste Agassiz teamed up with fellow watchmakers to create a watchmaking workshop in the Swiss village of Saint-Imier. Fast forward 20 years, and his nephew Ernest Francillon took over the operations of the workshop. Francillon was a man of vision, so he decided to build a factory where all the workers could be together. As well as this, he established a mechanised production system to ensure the highest quality and precision. The factory was built on a field known locally as ‘Es Longines’, and this is how the brand’s name came about. The Longines factory was inaugurated in 1867 and to this day continues its operations at the same very place.
To protect products against counterfeits, Francillon ensured that all watches leaving the factory were engraved with three things: a serial number, the trade name Longines and the brand’s winged hourglass logo. In 1880, when Swiss law protecting trademarks was introduced, Francillon registered Longines. In 1889, he took the opportunity to present the Longines name and logo at the Federal Office of Intellectual Property. To this day, Longines remains the oldest watch brand trademarked in the International Registry at the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
Over time, Longines has built a wide variety of high-quality chronographs, high-beat stopwatches and elegant watches. The brand’s list of achievements is long and extensive, including several quartz innovations and playing a major role in the world of competitive sports. Arguably the most important part of Longines’ history came in 1983 when the brand’s owner (ASUAG) merged with SSIH. The result of this was a group known as SMH, which later ultimately became the Swatch Group in 1988. Even now, Longines continues to be a part of the Swatch Group and sees great success year after year.
Our Ultimate Guide to Longines Watches
As previously mentioned, Longines’ collections have been split into five different atmospheres; diving, avigation, performance, watchmaking tradition and elegance. This helps to distinguish the watches and their varying features; making it much easier for the potential buyer to find their perfect watch.
Sport – Diving
In a Longines diving watch, performance meets class and sophistication. The collection can be further split into two sub-categories and they are HydroConquest and the Longines Legend Diver Watch. The HydroConquest line is a collection for both men and women looking for high-performance timepieces that perfectly balance technical innovation and elegance. Whereas, the Legend Diver collection has more of a luxurious feel. Both collections have been constructed with high-quality materials and include watches with great levels of water resistance. So no matter which watch you choose, you can guarantee that will never let you down.
Our Diving Pick: LONGINES HydroConquest Automatic (41mm) Black Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet L37814056
With a water-resistance of up to 300 metres and a 72 power reserve, this Longines HydroConquest is the perfect companion for any diving adventure. The centre of the model sees a black dial adorned with luminescent indices and hands, and to ensure for optimal readability they are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova. The dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass and a sturdy stainless steel case houses an exclusive Longines L888 calibre. The green unidirectional ceramic bezel of this model provides great safety. If you accidentally bump it whilst underwater it will cause you to surface sooner than planned; you will never go beyond the capacity of your tank. A stainless steel bracelet completes the design and to ensure it doesn’t slip off your wrist, fastens with a double-security folding clasp.
Sport – Avigation
Longines maintains close, long-standing links with the world of aviation. The brand has produced a large number of pilot watches and chronographs that were part of the development of civil and military aviation throughout the first half of the 20th century. Today, Longines releases models that are inspired by this fascinating heritage; they are in the avigation collection. The avigation segment consists of Longines Spirit which draws inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage, Longines Spirit Zulu which features 3 different time zones, and Longines Heritage Military which draws inspiration from a 1940s watch model. All of these sub-segments capture the essence of a pilot’s watch and pay homage to the brand’s legacy beautifully.
Our Avigation Pick: LONGINES Spirit Chronograph | Men’s | Swiss Automatic L38204930
Inspired by the pioneering spirit and exploits of history’s most prominent aviators, this Longines Spirit showcases great attention to detail and outstanding craftsmanship. For easier handling, this model has an oversized crown. It is decorated with a mixed finish and features an embossing of the iconic Longines logo. The sunray blue dial is contrasted by applied white hour markers and sandblasted silver hands. For ease of reading, the Arabic numerals have a larger appearance and are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova. The chronometer of this model is certified by the COSC, so not only does it guarantee a high level of accuracy, but a high level of quality too. Completing the watch’s timeless appeal is a navy leather strap with topstitching; it also gives the model a more vintage look. Although the design of this watch is inspired by the past, it will undoubtedly endure for decades to come.
Sport – Performance
The Longines Sports Performance collection combines craftsmanship and innovative techniques in a perpetual search for performance. It can be further split into two segments; Conquest and Conquest Classic. Each watch from the Conquest line contains a subtle fusion of performance and elegance with the most demanding technical features. Whereas the watches in the Conquest classic line are a tribute to the chronograph models produced from 1878. Regardless of what line you pick from, you can guarantee that your watch has a reliable movement and a perfectly timeless appeal.
Our Performance Pick: LONGINES Conquest Classic | Women’s | Swiss Quartz | Two-Tone L22863877
This Conquest Classic model is bold, yet refined. The elegant round 29.5mm case is made of stainless steel and features a red PVD-coated bezel. It houses a quartz movement and an L152 calibre that is exclusive to Longines. To reinforce the feminine nature of the watch, the luxurious mother-of-pearl dial is set with 11 diamonds that act as indices. Completing the dial design is pointed rose gold-coloured hands; this is all protected by sapphire crystal glass. A two-tone stainless steel bracelet adds to this model’s classic silhouette. To ensure both comfortability and security on the wrist, it fastens with a triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism. Thanks to its water resistance of up to 50 metres, this petite watch is ideal for daily wear.
Classic – Watchmaking Tradition
Born of the grand tradition of watchmaking, the models in this collection are steeped in history. Each segment within this collection perfectly embodies tradition, elegance and performance. The Master Collection is the perfect illustration of the brand’s ethos, while Longines Record models aspire to become the spearheads of the brand. The Flagship collection is inspired by the launch of the first Flagship in 1957 which was met with resounding success. Both the Elegant Collection and Longines 1832 Collection embody classic design and sleek lines. To create the ultimate timepiece, the Heritage Classic collection combines the aesthetics of Longines’ most remarkable models with modern watchmaking techniques.
Our Watchmaking Tradition Pick: LONGINES Flagship Heritage Classic Moonphase (38.5mm) Silver Dial / Brown Alligator Strap L48154782
The simple refined light silver dial of this model is accented by contrasting gold-applied indices. The pointed gilt hands tie in the design of the dial, retaining the vintage look of the model. For ease of reading the hands are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova. At the 6 o’clock position, there is a moonphase display which is encircled by the integrated date display. A valuable addition to this model is the screw-down case back which is decorated with a gold medallion of a yacht; it exhibits the EFCo logo which refers to Ernest Francillon & Compagnie. Securing the model is a dark brown alligator leather strap. Not only does it guarantee comfort, but it also highlights the luxurious design of the model. While keeping the distinctive style of the original 1957 model, this Flagship watch exudes elegance and understated refinement.
Classic – Elegance
This collection is the perfect embodiment of the classic design and sleek lines typical of a Longines timepiece. Split up into four segments, the Elegance Collection is suited to those who appreciate both value and the finer things in life. The DolceVita segment illustrates the contemporary elegance of the brand, whereas the Présence and PrimaLuna segments offer soft and sober lines for timeless elegance. Watches from La Grande Classique de Longines are an embodiment of the oldest aesthetic tradition of the Swiss watchmakers; their slim profile cases lend this collection to a timeless beauty.
Our Elegance Pick: LONGINES | DolceVita Elegance Contemporary | Women’s | Swiss Quartz L52550716
Favoured by Longines Ambassador of Elegance Jenifer Lawrence, this DolceVita is a homage to the sweetness of life. The case is made of stainless steel and is a nod to the rectangular-shaped wristwatches from the Art Deco movement in the 1920s. For an added element of elegance, the edges of the case are set with 46 diamonds (for a total of 0.386 carats). Navy Roman numerals are painted over the silver dial with a flinqué design, and the hands are in complementing blue steel. Securing the watch is stainless steel bracelet which is both stylish and comfortable. The interchangeable nature of the bracelet means you can switch it to 8 possible options, so not only is this watch beautiful to look at but also versatile to wear.
No matter what style of watch you are looking for, if you want one that captures the essence of luxury Swiss watchmaking, a Longines timepiece is the one for you!
What did you think of our ultimate guide to Longines watches? Which collection is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
