Longines

Longines Models

When conducting a Longines review, one quickly discovers a renowned Swiss watchmaker with a rich history dating back to 1832, offering a diverse range of collections that cater to various tastes and lifestyles. Any comprehensive guide will highlight collections from the sporty Conquest and HydroConquest to the elegant DolceVita and PrimaLuna, each embodying the brand's commitment to precision and style. The Master Collection and Heritage line showcase the brand's horological expertise, while noting how the Spirit and Legend Diver pay homage to Longines' aviation and diving heritage. Longines watch collections often emphasize how the brand continues to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology, as seen in the innovative Conquest VHP, classic Evidenza, and high-frequency Ultra-Chron models.

Conquest

The Longines Conquest collection embodies the perfect blend of performance and elegance. Designed for the modern adventurer, these timepieces feature robust construction, impressive water resistance, and precise movements. The Conquest line offers a variety of models, from sleek three-hand watches to more complex chronographs, catering to both men and women who appreciate a sporty yet sophisticated aesthetic.

With its distinctive design elements, including the iconic curved case and protected crown, the Longines Conquest collection stands out in the world of sports watches. Many models feature ceramic bezels, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, and luminous hands and markers for enhanced legibility. The Conquest series also includes special editions, such as the Conquest Roland Garros, celebrating Longines' partnership with the French Open tennis tournament.

DolceVita

The Longines Dolcevita collection is a tribute to the sweet life, capturing the essence of Italian elegance and joie de vivre. These rectangular watches draw inspiration from a 1920s model in the Longines Museum, blending vintage charm with modern sophistication. The Longines DolceVita line offers a range of sizes and styles, making it suitable for both men and women who appreciate timeless design.

Characterized by clean lines and refined details, the Longines DolceVita watches feature sleek cases, often adorned with diamonds for added luxury. The collection includes models with various dial designs, from classic Roman numerals to more contemporary layouts. Some versions also incorporate complications such as small seconds or a second time zone, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.

Mini DolceVita

The Longines Mini DolceVita collection takes the elegance of the original DolceVita line and presents it in a more compact, feminine form. These petite timepieces are perfect for those who prefer a smaller watch or enjoy stacking multiple pieces on their wrist. The Longines Mini DolceVita watches maintain the rectangular case shape and refined aesthetics of their larger counterparts, but in a more delicate size.

Despite their diminutive dimensions, Longines Mini DolceVita watches don't compromise on style or quality. Many models feature diamond-set bezels or hour markers, adding a touch of sparkle to the elegant design. The collection offers a variety of strap options, including leather bands and metal bracelets, allowing wearers to customize their look for different occasions.

Master Collection

The Longines Master Collection represents the epitome of the brand's watchmaking expertise, combining classic design with advanced mechanical movements. These timepieces showcase Longines' commitment to traditional horology while incorporating modern innovations. The Longines Master Collection offers a wide range of complications, from simple date displays to moon phases, chronographs, and annual calendars.

Characterized by their elegant round cases and refined dials, Longines Master Collection watches appeal to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of mechanical timepieces. Many models feature transparent case backs, allowing admirers to appreciate the intricate movements within. The collection includes both men's and women's models, with various case sizes and material options to suit different preferences.

Heritage

The Longines Heritage collection pays homage to the brand's rich history, reimagining iconic models from the past with modern technology and materials. These watches capture the essence of different eras, from early aviation timepieces to elegant dress watches of the mid-20th century. The Longines Heritage line offers watch enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of horological history with the reliability of contemporary watchmaking.

Many models in the Longines Heritage collection feature faithful reproductions of vintage dials, hands, and case designs, often with subtle updates to meet modern standards. The collection includes famous reissues such as the Longines Legend Diver and the Avigation BigEye chronograph. These timepieces not only serve as stylish accessories but also as conversation starters for those who appreciate the stories behind their watches.

Conquest VHP

The Longines Conquest VHP (Very High Precision) collection represents the brand's commitment to cutting-edge quartz technology. These watches offer exceptional accuracy, with a precision of +/-5 seconds per year, far surpassing standard quartz movements. The Longines Conquest VHP models combine this advanced timekeeping with sporty, contemporary designs suitable for everyday wear.

Features of the Longines Conquest VHP include a perpetual calendar, smart crown for easy setting, and a unique gear position detection system that allows the hands to realign after exposure to magnetic fields. The collection offers various styles, from classic three-hand models to chronographs, all maintaining the robustness and water resistance associated with the Conquest line.

PrimaLuna

The Longines PrimaLuna collection is dedicated to capturing the ethereal beauty of the moon, offering elegant timepieces primarily designed for women. These watches feature distinctive round cases with softly curved lines, often adorned with diamonds for a touch of celestial sparkle. The Longines PrimaLuna line includes both quartz and automatic models, catering to different preferences in terms of movement types.

Characterized by their refined dials and graceful hands, Longines PrimaLuna watches exude a timeless elegance suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Many models feature mother-of-pearl dials, adding a lustrous depth to the watch face. The collection offers various strap and bracelet options, allowing wearers to customize their timepiece to suit their personal style.

Evidenza

The Longines Evidenza collection stands out with its distinctive tonneau-shaped case, inspired by a 1925 model from the brand's archives. These timepieces blend vintage charm with modern elegance, offering a unique alternative to traditional round watches. The Longines Evidenza line includes models for both men and women, featuring a range of dial designs and complications.

With its curved case that follows the contours of the wrist, the Longines Evidenza collection offers exceptional comfort in addition to its stylish appearance. The watches often feature guilloché dials, Roman numerals, and blued steel hands, enhancing their classic appeal. Some models incorporate complications such as small seconds or a moon phase indicator, adding both functionality and visual interest to these distinctive timepieces.

Spirit

The Longines Spirit collection pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of early aviators and explorers who relied on Longines timepieces during their adventures. These watches combine vintage-inspired design elements with modern watchmaking technology, resulting in timepieces that are both nostalgic and contemporary. The Longines Spirit line offers a range of models, from three-hand automatics to chronographs, all featuring COSC-certified movements for exceptional accuracy.

Characterized by their clean, legible dials and robust construction, Longines Spirit watches are designed to be reliable companions for modern adventurers. Many models feature a distinctive five-star emblem on the dial, a historical Longines symbol denoting exceptional quality. The collection includes various case sizes and material options, including titanium versions for those who prefer a lighter weight on the wrist.

HydroConquest

The Longines HydroConquest collection is designed for diving enthusiasts and water sports aficionados, offering robust timepieces with impressive water resistance. These watches combine technical performance with a sporty, contemporary aesthetic, making them suitable for both underwater adventures and everyday wear. The Longines HydroConquest line includes a variety of models, from three-hand automatics to chronographs, all featuring unidirectional rotating bezels for tracking dive times.

With their bold designs and functional features, Longines HydroConquest watches are built to withstand the rigors of aquatic activities. Many models feature ceramic bezels for enhanced durability and scratch resistance, along with luminous hands and markers for excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The collection also offers special editions, such as the HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games, celebrating Longines' role as official timekeeper for various sporting events.

Legend Diver

The Longines Legend Diver is a modern reinterpretation of a iconic diving watch from the 1960s, beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike. This timepiece faithfully recreates the original's distinctive features, including the internal rotating bezel controlled by a second crown and the clean, highly legible dial. The Longines Legend Diver combines vintage charm with modern watchmaking technology, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and performance.

Available in various materials and sizes, the Longines Legend Diver collection caters to different tastes while maintaining the essence of the original model. Some versions feature bronze cases that develop a unique patina over time, while others offer more contemporary stainless steel or titanium options. Despite its vintage-inspired design, the Legend Diver boasts modern features such as sapphire crystals, automatic movements, and impressive water resistance, making it a practical choice for diving enthusiasts and vintage watch lovers alike.

Ultra-Chron

The Longines Ultra-Chron collection represents the brand's venture into high-frequency movements, offering exceptional precision and stability. These timepieces feature movements that oscillate at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), significantly higher than standard automatic movements. The Longines Ultra-Chron watches combine this advanced technology with sleek, contemporary designs, appealing to those who appreciate both technical innovation and stylish aesthetics.

Characterized by their smooth-sweeping seconds hands and robust construction, Longines Ultra-Chron watches offer enhanced accuracy and shock resistance due to their high-frequency movements. The collection includes models with various dial designs and case materials, allowing wearers to choose a timepiece that suits their personal style while enjoying the benefits of cutting-edge watchmaking technology.

Longines Watches Price

Longines watches occupy a unique position in the entry-level luxury segment, offering a compelling blend of Swiss craftsmanship and sophisticated design at relatively accessible price points. The brand's diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets, with entry-level timepieces starting at around $800 - $1,000. More advanced models, featuring premium materials and complex complications, can reach up to $80,000 or more, reflecting the brand's ability to serve both newcomers to luxury watches and seasoned collectors. This pricing strategy allows Longines to maintain its reputation for quality while remaining attainable for many watch enthusiasts. Ultimately, the Longines price range demonstrates the brand's commitment to providing value across various market segments within the luxury watch industry.

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Longines Watches Features

When considering a Longines watches, it is essential to understand the exceptional features that set these timepieces apart. As we discussed in our Longines buying guide, these timepieces are renowned for their precision, elegance, and attention to detail, incorporating high-quality materials and advanced watchmaking techniques to ensure both reliability and aesthetic appeal. Let's take a closer look at the key features that define Longines watches.

Materials

Longines utilizes a variety of high-quality materials in crafting their luxury timepieces, demonstrating their commitment to durability and aesthetics. Stainless steel is a popular choice for many Longines models, offering excellent corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. For more premium offerings, the brand incorporates precious metals such as 18k gold and rose gold, adding a touch of luxury and value to select watches. Ceramic is increasingly used in Longines' sports watches, particularly for bezels, due to its scratch-resistance and modern look. Longines uses a variety of premium materials in the construction of its watches, including:

• Bronze: A unique and eye-catching material that develops a distinctive patina over time, adding character to the watch.
• Gold: Luxurious and timeless, Longines offers watches in 18k yellow, white, and rose gold.
• Ceramic: Scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, ceramic is a modern and durable choice for watch components.
• PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition is a coating process that enhances the durability and aesthetic appeal of watch surfaces.
• Stainless steel: Robust, corrosion-resistant, and versatile, stainless steel is a popular choice for its strength and sleek appearance.
• Titanium: Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and resistant to corrosion, titanium offers excellent durability and comfort.

Movement

At the heart of every Longines watch is a meticulously crafted movement, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. The Longines movement options include both quartz and mechanical calibers, each designed to deliver exceptional performance and precision. Many Longines watches feature movements with advanced complications, such as chronographs, annual calendars, and moonphase displays, showcasing the brand's technical expertise and commitment to horological excellence.

Dial

Longines watches feature a wide array of dial designs and colors, catering to various tastes and preferences. From classic and understated to bold and vibrant, Longines dials are carefully crafted to ensure optimal legibility and aesthetic appeal. Some popular dial colors include black, white, blue, silver, and mother-of-pearl, with many models featuring intricate textures, patterns, or applied indices for added visual interest.

Bezel

The bezel is an integral part of many Longines watches, serving both functional and decorative purposes. Longines bezels are crafted from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, and gold, and often feature engraved or applied markings for added functionality. Some models, such as the HydroConquest and Legend Diver, feature unidirectional rotating bezels, which are essential for diving and tracking elapsed time.

Watch Bands

Longines offers a diverse range of watch bands to suit various preferences and occasions, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The Longines watch bands are crafted from premium materials and designed to complement the watch case seamlessly. These bands are available in a variety of styles, including classic leather straps, robust rubber options for sports models, and elegant metal bracelets in stainless steel or precious metals. Longines also provides the option to easily interchange bands on many of their models, allowing wearers to customize their timepiece to match different outfits or activities.

• Bracelet: Longines' metal bracelets, available in materials such as stainless steel and titanium, offer a sleek and sophisticated look. The Longines bracelet options include various finishes and designs, from classic three-link styles to more intricate multi-link or mesh variations.
• Rubber Strap: Ideal for sports watches or those with active lifestyles, the Longines rubber strap is durable, comfortable, and water-resistant. These straps are available in various colors and designs, often featuring a textured or patterned surface for enhanced grip and visual appeal.
• Leather Strap: For a timeless and elegant appearance, the Longines leather strap is a popular choice. Crafted from genuine leather, these straps are available in a range of colors and finishes, from smooth and supple to textured and distressed.
• Nato Strap: The Longines nato strap offers a casual and versatile option, perfect for everyday wear or more adventurous pursuits. Made from durable nylon or polyester, these straps are lightweight, breathable, and easily interchangeable, allowing you to switch up your watch's look to match your mood or outfit.

Sizes

Longines offers a wide range of case sizes across their various collections, catering to different wrist sizes and style preferences. Their portfolio includes smaller, more delicate options ideal for those who prefer a subtle presence on the wrist, as well as larger, bolder designs for those who like a more prominent timepiece. The brand ensures that each size is carefully considered to maintain optimal proportions and readability, regardless of the watch's dimensions. This diversity in sizing allows Longines to accommodate a broad spectrum of customers, from those seeking understated elegance to those desiring a more commanding wrist presence.

• Diameter: Longines offers watch diameters ranging from petite 24mm models to more substantial 44mm options, catering to both men and women.
• Thickness: The thickness of Longines watches varies depending on the model and its features, with dress watches often measuring thinner than sporty or complicated models.
• Lug to Lug: The lug to lug distance, which measures the length of the watch case from one lug to another, is an essential factor in determining how a watch will fit on the wrist. Longines watches offer a range of lug to lug sizes to ensure a comfortable and proportionate fit for various wrist sizes.
• Lug Width: The lug width determines the size of the strap or bracelet that can be attached to the watch case. Longines watches feature lug widths ranging from 12mm to 24mm, allowing for a variety of strap and bracelet options to suit individual preferences.

Chronograph

Many Longines watches feature a chronograph complication, which allows the wearer to measure elapsed time with precision. The Longines chronograph models often include multiple subdials, tachymeter scales, and distinctive pushers, adding both functionality and visual interest to the watch. Chronograph watches are popular among sports enthusiasts, racing aficionados, and those who appreciate the technical complexity of mechanical timepieces.

Water Resistance

Longines watches offer varying degrees of water resistance, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily wear and specific activities. Many Longines models are equipped with water resistance ratings ranging from 30 meters (suitable for splashes and brief immersion) to 300 meters or more (suitable for swimming and diving). It is essential to consult the specific model's specifications to determine its exact water resistance capabilities and to ensure proper care and maintenance.

Moonphase

Some Longines watches, particularly those in the Master Collection, feature a moonphase complication. This intricate display depicts the current phase of the moon, adding a touch of celestial elegance to the watch face. The moonphase complication is a testament to Longines' commitment to horological artistry and its ability to create timepieces that are both visually stunning and technically impressive.

Expert Opinion

"What consistently impresses me about Longines is the brand's unwavering commitment to quality, elegance, and value.  From the classic lines of the Master Collection to the sporty sophistication of the Conquest, Longines offers a timepiece for every taste and occasion. This commitment to value allows a wider audience to experience the joys of owning a high-quality Swiss timepiece without compromising on quality or style."

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches