New: Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary with prices

Longines celebrates its rich 190 year history with a series of three watches in the Master Collection.

Press release details with commentary and additional information in italics.

New: Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary

Retail prices are as follows:

Stainless Steel L2.793.4.73.2                                                                         SGD 3,420

18k yellow gold L2.793.6.73.2 LIMITED AND NUMBERED TO 190            SGD 17,170

18k rose gold L2.793.8.73.2 LIMITED AND NUMBERED TO 190               SGD 17,170

Prices are inclusive of GST.

Commentary

We have been quietly expecting a huge drop exercise from Longines for its 190th Anniversary, but when the news of the new Master Collection was received, we were still surprised. Pleasantly, might we add.. A brand new Master Collection with very classical aesthetics as a tribute the long, chequered and rich history of the brand.

The watches released are in three variants – one in stainless steel, one in yellow gold and another in rose gold. The steel model will come with a sandblasted silver dial, while the yellow gold will have a vertical brushed grey dial, and the rose gold will be equipped with a grained Anthracite dial.

All three watches have the same Arabic numerals which is engraved into the dial, and infilled with black, yellow gold or rose gold respectively. The hands are in blued steel for the SS model, and in yellow and rose gold for the other two. Even, side by side, the three watches look completely different from each other, although they are essentially the same model in different case material and dials.

All three watches have the same base case design in 30mm diameter and 9.35mm thick, with a water resistance rating of 30m, though all three are fitted with the same anthracite alligator strap with triple safety folding clasp.

The movement used in the new watches is the Caliber L888.5, w hich is a self winding mechanical movement measuring 11½ lines, 21 jewels beating at 25’200 vibrations per hours. The movement is equipped with a silicon balance spring and boasts of a 72 hour autonomy. The movement is based on the ETA caliber A31.L11, and is not a new movement, but one which has seen service in numerous Longines watches.

Our pick, of course would be the non-limited steel watch, which looks very classical in its near monochromatic dial accented with black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands.

Release details

Without a doubt, Longines is a watchmaking brand with a strong tradition. This is the inexorable result of a long, continuous and rich history. This 190-year history brought the brand to the pinnacle of watchmaking, which is expressed today in a series of three exclusive timepieces from The Longines Master Collection, a worthy heir to the brand’s know-how.

Mastering the measure of time: over the years and through its different guises, the winged hourglass brand has ceaselessly striven to combine its quest for precision with an aesthetic standard that still underpins its identity today. Centuries-old craftsmanship forged in tradition, elegance and performance has raised Longines to the ranks of the great watchmakers. 

The history of Longines is punctuated by technical and aesthetic innovations that reflect the ambitions of the brand’s founders: to dare to be avant-garde, achieve excellence and make innovation a continuous quest. Those aspirations still shape the company’s legacy.

To mark its 190th anniversary, Longines is presenting a series of three exclusive timepieces from The Longines Master Collection, a line emblematic of its rich heritage. Combining classic elegance and excellence, these watches are available in stainless steel and gold. The 18-carat yellow gold and rose gold versions are presented in a limited, numbered edition of 190 pieces to underline their exclusivity.

These new timepieces stand out aesthetically through their meticulous workmanship and the special care lavished on every detail. The grained anthracite, brushed grey or sandblasted silver dial is distinguished by a unique finish and delicately engraved Arabic numerals. Elegant pink, gilt or blued steel hands mark the passing hours, minutes and seconds, highlighting the dials’ refined purity. The 40mm round case, with classic lines, houses an exclusive in-house Longines movement with a silicon balance-spring, guaranteeing high-precision. All the painstaking craftsmanship of this watch can be admired through the transparent back, which features a commemorative engraving. A soft, anthracite grey leather strap completes  the style of these high-end pieces.

These outstanding watches are the worthy heirs to the brand’s age-old craftsmanship and encapsulate the rich history of Longines.

Longines movements

With centuries of watchmaking expertise, Longines has played a pioneering role in a number of technological advances and continues to display an unwavering commitment to innovation. Its constant pursuit of excellence has, in turn, led it to equip all of its automatic timepieces with state-of-the-art movements which, notably, includea silicon balance-spring. This material is not only light and corrosion-resistant but also remains unaffected by normal temperature variations and magnetic fields. Its unique properties improve the precision and longevity of the watch and allow Longines to provide these models with a 5-year warranty.