Longines Celebrate 190th Anniversary, Unveils New Master Watches
Originally founded in Saint- Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, Longines is almost a household name today. This watch company boasts a long history, rich with tradition, elegance and top-notch performance, and has produced sport watches, classic watches and some highly innovative timepieces throughout its near two-century lifespan. Now, as it celebrates its 190th anniversary, the brand unveils three new, exceptional Master Collection watches.
The Master Collection is a key pillar for Longines and encompasses calendar watches, chronographs and simply elegant three-hands with date – all housing manufacture-made movements that demonstrate the technical prowess of the brand. By blending its advanced aesthetic viewpoint with performance-driven perfection in the three new watches, Longines offers a true legacy look.
Created in stainless steel, or 18-karat rose gold or yellow gold, the new watches are thoroughly modern while still resolutely heritage inspired. Because we carry the stainless steel version (there are also limited editions of 190 pieces in rose or yellow gold), we will take a much closer look at that model, which has all the bells and whistles of the other two but is not limited and has a sweet retail price point of $2,400.
The 40mm watch is crafted in stainless steel with a grained sandblasted silver dial with a shimmering finish that is immediately alluring. The dial is engraved with stylized Arabic numerals in a deep silver hue and an outer dotted minute track. The slender hour, minutes and seconds hands are crafted in blued steel for a harmonious appeal. The case lines are sleek and allow for a great view of the dial, as there is no added bezel. This concept brings an air of urban chic to the watch.
The watch is powered by Longines automatic (self-winding) mechanical Caliber L888.5 that uses high-tech materials for more precise timing and less wear and tear. The high-precision movement beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour and is equipped with a silicon balance spring that is resistant to temperature variations and magnetic fields and is also corrosion resistant. These factors contribute to the precision and the lifespan of the watch. The movement also offers the wearer 72 hours of power reserve.
The rotor is hand finished in a perlage pattern, and much of the state-of-the-art movement and its meticulous workmanship is visible via a transparent sapphire case back. There is even a commemorative engraving on the case back. The watch is finished with a dark anthracite-gray alligator leather strap and is backed by Longines’ five-year warranty. It is water resistant to 30 meters.
The Master Collection is the watch of choice for several Longines brand ambassadors, including American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and British Emmy nominated actor Rege’-Jean Page.
