New: Longines Master Collection GMT

Longines adds two new GMT references to their classical Master Collection in yellow gold and rose gold.

Press Release information with commentary in italics.

New: Longines Master Collection GMT

The retail price for both the rose gold and yellow gold Longines Master GMT is SGD 22,630, inclusive of 9% GST.

Commentary

The Longines Master Collection is part of the core series by Longines. The collection is very classical, and restrained in design. The formula has worked well with the traditionally looking dressy watches in this line. We have covered the collection several times. Recently with the 190th Anniversary Automatics, and the Small Seconds. To kick off the new year, and the first new watch announced for 2024, Longines continues with two new models in gold, one rose gold and the other in yellow gold to their Master Collection.

The two novelties are exactly the same as each other, with the exception of the case material with a 40mm diameter. The dial layout is very aesthetically pleasing, with Roman numerals as appliqué markers for the hours. The rehaut is sloped and is marked in 24 hours with Arabic numerals. The hour and minute hands are elegant leaf shaped, and the long javelin like central seconds are executed in the same material as the case. And a blued hand for the second timezone is also centrally mounted. A beveled date window punctures the dial at just above the 6 o’clock position, cutting off the hour marker.

Both are limited to 500 pieces each and equipped with a self winding movement with a silicon balance spring.

What is new to the Master Collection is also the GMT function, and both launch editions are in gold. We speculate that we might possibly see a steel version in the future.

Release information

The brand’s emblematic collection, THE LONGINES MASTER COLLECTION, is available in two new limited series of 500, in yellow gold or rose gold. These unique models are equipped with an exclusive Longines GMT movement, visible through the transparent case back. 

 The Longines Master Collection perfectly embodies the watchmaking expertise and timeless elegance of the winged hourglass brand. This emblematic line is now enriched by two new exclusive GMT models in 18-carat yellow gold or 18-carat rose gold, each limited to 500 pieces.

These elegant timepieces are powered by the exclusive Longines L.844.5 calibre. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, this calibre offers a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard. This self-winding mechanical movement is visible through the transparent sapphire case back of the 40 mm-diameter case and offers a power reserve of up to 72 hours.

The frosted silver dial is distinctive for its elegant finish. It displays a 24-hour scale in Arabic numerals on the rim, reversed at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock for easier reading of the second time zone. A railroad minute track separates these Arabic numerals from the Roman numerals of the eleven applied gold hour markers. The date aperture appears at 6 o’clock. Elegant gold hands mark the hours, minutes and seconds.  The GMT hand is accentuated in black to tone with the 24‑hour scale numerals, thus making the second time zone easier to read. 

The Longines Master Collection GMT is distinguished aesthetically by its streamlined sophistication and the exceptional care taken over every detail. This attentiveness extends to the ultra-soft anthracite-grey leather strap, finished using a special “soft-touch” vegetable tanning process and fitted with a tongue buckle in yellow gold or rose gold.

GMT function

The multiple time-zone watch is intrinsically linked to the brand’s pioneering spirit and its centuries-old expertise in this type of timepiece. It originated with the first Longines dual time‑zone wristwatch manufactured in 1925, which featured the Zulu flag on its dial – Zulu referring to the letter Z which designates universal time for aviators and members of the armed forces. The development of other GMT models, particularly for aeronautical purposes, has remained key to Longines’ pioneering role in this field, with the company having registered a patent for the invention of this watchmaking complication as early as 1936.

About our movements

With centuries of watchmaking expertise, Longines has played a pioneering role in many technological advances and continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to innovation. The brand’s constant quest for excellence has led it to equip all its automatic timepieces with state-of-the-art movements that include a balance spring made of silicon. Not only is this material lightweight and corrosion-resistant, it is also unaffected by normal temperature variations and magnetic fields. Its unique properties enhance the watch’s accuracy and longevity and enable Longines to guarantee these models for 5 years.

Longines Master Collection GMT Specifications

REFERENCE NUMBERS L2.844.6.71.2  L2.844.8.71.2 

CALIBRE

Self-winding mechanical movement

Exclusive Longines calibre L844.5, Magnetically resistant, with silicon balance-spring

11½ lines, 21 jewels, 25,200 vibrations per hour, Power reserve: up to 72 hours  

FUNCTIONS

Hours, minutes, seconds and date aperture at 6 o’clock, 24-hour hand with time-zone mechanism (GMT)

CASE

Diameter 40 mm; 10.40 mm thick, Round case shape. 2N 18ct yellow gold for ref. L2.844.6.71.2; 5N 18ct rose gold for ref. L2.844.8.71.2, Sapphire glass with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, Crown in 2N 18 ct yellow gold or 5N 18 ct rose gold, with struck winged hourglass logo, Transparent case back with engraving: ONE OF 500, Distance between lugs: 21 mm

DIAL

Frosted silver, 11 applied 2N yellow gold or 5N rose gold Roman numeral hour markers, Railroad minute track, 24-hour scale on the rim with inversion from 3 to 9 o’clock and transferred Arabic numerals, GMT marking above 6 o’clock

HANDS

2N yellow gold or 5N rose gold, polished with the GMT hand: black 

WATER-RESISTANCE

Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 metres)