Few brands have the ability to mine their history like Longines. The company’s archives really do have it all, from early adventure timepieces to trophy-winning sports timers and the most innovative of era-defining design exemplars. But, it is perhaps Longines’ sleek and chic dress watches that underline its position as a favourite among the style set including Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.
Taking its tagline “elegance is an attitude” to new heights, Longines has this year chosen to let its 190th birthday slip by almost unmarked. While most watch brands will throw an all-singing celebration for even the slightest hint of an anniversary, Longines has decided to mark its near bicentenary with a trio of simple watches from the often-overlooked Master Collection.
With this year already being one of the best in recent memory for Longines launches, it was no surprise that there was one more delight to come. Spectacular and on-trend additions to the Legend Diver Collection in 2022, have been joined by the Hydroconquest XXII Commonwealth Games watch and the Spirit 37, while the all-new Spirit Zulu Time and fan-favourite UltraChron were both incredibly well received on their introduction.
To mark 190 years, however, simple and classic was the order of the day. The Master Collection 190th Anniversary watches are available in stainless steel, yellow or rose gold – the precious metal versions limited to 190 pieces each.
The cases are a neat 40mm, the dials are in a grained anthracite (rose gold), soft grey (yellow gold) or sandblasted silver (steel) with rose, yellow or blued-steel, leaf-shaped hands. Engraved Breguet-style numerals, a vintage-style Longines logo and the legend ‘Automatic’ at 6 o’clock and the only dial adornments.
The sapphire crystal caseback reveals the Longines Calibre L888.5 with silicon hairspring and a power reserve of 70 hours. All three models are equipped with an alligator-leather strap and presented in a special anniversary box. The gold models are priced at £10,190, the steel costs £2,050.
