Longines' story began in 1832 when Auguste Agassiz founded the company in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Throughout Longines' history, the brand has been synonymous with excellence, precision, and elegance. Longines has a long-standing association with sports timing, having served as the official timekeeper for numerous world championships and prestigious events, including the Kentucky Derby and the French Open.
In addition to its sporting heritage, Longines has also been a pioneer in the development of aviation watches, creating timepieces for early aviators and explorers. Today, Longines continues to draw inspiration from its rich past while embracing modern technologies and design trends, offering a diverse range of watches that cater to the discerning tastes of contemporary watch enthusiasts.
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.
Longines uses a variety of premium materials in the construction of its watches, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Longines watches come in a range of sizes to accommodate different wrist sizes and preferences:
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.
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.
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.
Longines watches are positioned in the entry-level luxury segment, offering high-quality Swiss craftsmanship and sophisticated designs at relatively accessible price points. The Longines watches price range varies depending on the specific model, materials, and complications, with entry-level timepieces starting at around $1,000 and more advanced models reaching up to $10,000 or more.
disc. = discontinued
Brand | Model Number | Longines Retail Price | Pre-Owned Prices (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|
Longines Conquest | L3.727.4.96.6 | N/A | $995 |
Longines DolceVita | L5.512.4.16.6 | N/A | $795 |
Longines Heritage | L2.811.4.53.0 | N/A | $1,195 |
Longines offers a diverse range of models, each with its own unique features, design, and personality. From the sporty elegance of the Conquest to the vintage-inspired charm of the Legend Diver, Longines has a watch to suit every taste and occasion. Let's explore some of the most popular Longines models.
The Longines Conquest is a versatile and sophisticated sports watch that combines performance and style. With its sleek lines, precise movements, and durable construction, the Conquest is an ideal choice for those who seek a timepiece that can transition seamlessly from the boardroom to the tennis court.
Inspired by the Italian concept of "the sweet life," the Longines Dolcevita is a collection of elegant and refined timepieces that celebrate the art of living. With their distinctive rectangular cases, exquisite dials, and luxurious straps, DolceVita watches are a perfect choice for those who appreciate understated sophistication and timeless design.
The Longines Mini Dolce vita is a charming and petite version of the DolceVita collection, designed specifically for those with smaller wrists or a preference for more diminutive timepieces. Despite their reduced size, these watches maintain the same level of craftmanship and attention to detail as their larger counterparts.
The Longines Master collection represents the pinnacle of the brand's horological expertise, showcasing a range of advanced complications and exquisite designs. From chronographs and annual calendars to moonphase displays and power reserve indicators, the Master Collection offers a watch for every discerning collector.
Paying Homage to Longines' rich history, the Longines heritage collection features a range of timepieces that draw inspiration from the brand's extensive archives. These watches combine vintage-inspired designs with modern watchmaking techniques, resulting in timepieces that are both nostalgic and contemporary.
The Longines Conquest VHP (Very High Precision) is a collection of quartz watches that offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability. With their advanced movement technology, robust construction, and sporty design, Conquest VHP watches are perfect for those who demand the utmost precision in their timepieces.
The Longines primaluna is a collection of elegant and feminine watches that combine classic design with modern elegance. With their round cases, diamond-set bezels, and mother-of-pearl dials, PrimaLuna watches are a stunning choice for women who appreciate the finer things in life.
Inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, the Longines evidenza collection features a range of timepieces with distinctive tonneau-shaped cases and elegant dials. These watches are a perfect choice for those who appreciate the bold and geometric aesthetics of the Art Deco era.
The Longines spirit collection pays tribute to the brand's rich aviation heritage, featuring a range of pilot watches inspired by the timepieces worn by early aviators and explorers. With their oversized crowns, legible dials, and robust construction, Spirit watches are perfect for those with a sense of adventure.
The Longines hydroconquest is a collection of high-performance dive watches that combine technical excellence with sporty design. With their unidirectional bezels, luminous hands and markers, and water resistance of up to 300 meters, HydroConquest watches are built to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration.
Inspired by Longines' rich diving heritage, the Longines legend diver is a collection of vintage-style dive watches that pay homage to the brand's iconic timepieces from the 1960s. With their distinctive domed crystals, internal rotating bezels, and Super-LumiNova markers, Legend Diver watches are a perfect choice for those who appreciate the charm of vintage timepieces.
The Longines ultra chron is a collection of high-beat mechanical watches that offer exceptional accuracy and precision. With their advanced movement technology, high-frequency oscillators, and robust construction, Ultra-Chron watches are a testament to Longines' commitment to horological innovation and performance.
When considering a Longines watch, many enthusiasts and collectors often compare the brand to other well-established names in the luxury watch industry. These comparisons help highlight the unique strengths and characteristics of Longines timepieces, as well as their position within the broader landscape of high-end watchmaking. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common Longines watch comparisons.
Both Longines and Tag Heuer are respected Swiss luxury watch brands, but they have some notable differences. While Tag Heuer is known for its association with motorsports and its bold, sporty designs, Longines is often associated with a more classic and refined aesthetic. In terms of pricing, Longines watches are generally more affordable than Tag Heuer timepieces, making them an attractive option for those seeking high-quality Swiss craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
Longines and Tissot are both well-established Swiss watch brands that offer high-quality timepieces at relatively affordable prices. While Tissot is known for its diverse range of watches and its commitment to innovation, Longines is often associated with a more classic and elegant design language. In terms of brand prestige, Longines is often considered a step above Tissot, with a longer history and a more extensive presence in the luxury watch market.
Oris and Longines are both respected Swiss watch brands that offer high-quality timepieces at competitive prices. While Oris is known for its independently produced mechanical watches and its commitment to environmental causes, Longines has a long history in watchmaking and is known for its elegant, timeless designs. To read more on how these two brands compare, check out our in-depth article on oris vs Longines.
OMEGA and Longines are both prestigious Swiss luxury watch brands with a rich history and a strong reputation for quality. While OMEGA is often associated with a sportier and more modern aesthetic, as well as its association with space exploration and James Bond, Longines is known for its classic, elegant designs and its association with sports timing and aviation. In terms of pricing, OMEGA watches are generally more expensive than Longines timepieces. For a more detailed comparison, read our Longines vs OMEGA article.
Tudor and Longines are both well-respected Swiss watch brands that offer high-quality timepieces at more affordable prices compared to some of their luxury counterparts. While Tudor is known for its association with Rolex and its rugged, tool watch-inspired designs, Longines is often associated with a more classic and refined aesthetic. In terms of brand recognition and prestige, Tudor has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, while Longines maintains a strong and steady position in the market.
Breitling and Longines are both established Swiss luxury watch brands, but they have some distinct differences in terms of design and target audience. While Breitling is known for its bold, aviation-inspired timepieces and its focus on technical innovation, Longines is often associated with a more classic and elegant aesthetic, as well as its rich history in sports timing and watchmaking tradition. In terms of pricing, Longines watches are generally more affordable than Breitling timepieces, making them an attractive option for those seeking high-quality Swiss craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
"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
The brand name Longines is pronounced as "Lawn-zheen." The accent falls on the second syllable, which is spoken with a soft "g" sound, akin to the "s" in "measure." This pronunciation reflects the Swiss-French origin of the company, emphasizing its heritage in the luxury watchmaking industry.
Longines is widely regarded as a reputable brand in the watchmaking industry, known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and elegant designs. Their timepieces are celebrated for combining technical precision with aesthetic sophistication, making them a popular choice among watch enthusiasts. Moreover, Longines offers a diverse range of models at relatively accessible price points, making them a great option for those seeking quality and luxury without the extreme costs associated with some other high-end brands.
Longines is considered a luxury brand, positioned within the accessible luxury segment of the watchmaking industry. Known for its rich history and craftsmanship, Longines offers high-quality timepieces that blend elegant design with precision engineering. While it may not reach the ultra-high price points of some elite brands, Longines is respected for providing exceptional value and a strong heritage, making it a prestigious choice for discerning customers.
Longines is owned by The Swatch Group, a powerhouse in the watch and jewelry industry based in Switzerland. Acquired in 1983, Longines is a part of this leading global group, which owns several other prestigious watch brands. This affiliation benefits Longines by providing access to cutting-edge technology and resources, enhancing its innovation and maintaining its status as a renowned watchmaker.
Longines watches are known for their craftsmanship and enduring appeal, which helps them maintain a respectable resale value over time. While they may not appreciate like some luxury watch brands, Longines timepieces are respected in the secondary market for their quality and reliability. This makes them a solid choice for those looking to invest in a watch that retains value well, without the steep initial cost of more expensive brands.
Longines watches are meticulously crafted in Switzerland, adhering to the country's longstanding traditions of precision and quality in watchmaking. The brand's production facilities are located in Saint-Imier, in the Swiss Jura Mountains, where Longines was originally founded in 1832. This commitment to Swiss manufacturing ensures that each Longines watch meets rigorous standards of quality and authenticity, upholding the prestige of the "Swiss Made" label.