What To Know Before You Buy A Longines Watch

Summary

This video script explores Longines' rich history in watchmaking, highlighting its innovations and diverse model families. It delves into the brand's historical significance, from its founding in 1832 to its contributions to horology and equestrian events. The script breaks down Longines' collections, including sports and classic categories, and offers top picks for enthusiasts. It also addresses potential drawbacks and the brand's unique position in the market, providing insights for those considering a Longines timepiece.

Takeaways

• 🕰 Longines, with nearly two centuries of watchmaking history, is renowned for its innovation and historical significance in horology.
• 🏆 The brand's winged hourglass logo is the oldest registered trademark in watchmaking, symbolizing its commitment to quality since 1880.
• 🏇 Longines has deep roots in equestrian events, serving as the official timekeeper for the Kentucky Derby and other global equestrian competitions.
• ⌚ The brand introduced several pioneering timepieces, including the first chronograph pocket watch in 1878, and the first dual time zone pocket watch in 1908.
• 🕰️ Longines was a leading manufacturer of pilot watches, with models like the 1925 Zulu watch, which indicated a second time zone and was used by aviation icons.
• 🛠️ The 1930s to 1960s saw Longines creating the first serially produced flyback chronograph wristwatch and producing military watches for the Allied Forces during WWII.
• 🏅 Post-quartz crisis, Longines was acquired by SSIH, which later became the Swatch Group, allowing access to a wide range of proprietary movements and parts.
• 📈 Today, Longines is one of the largest Swiss watch brands, consistently ranking in the top 10 in sales annually with a diverse product line.
• 🔍 The brand's catalog is divided into the Sport and Classic collections, with various model families under each, catering to different preferences and needs.
• 🏅 Key models highlighted include the Hydro Conquest for divers, the Legend Diver for enthusiasts of vintage-inspired watches, and the Avigation Big Eye for chronograph lovers.
• 💰 Longines offers excellent value for money, with high-quality movements, finishes, and designs that often outperform competitors in its price range.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Longines in the watchmaking industry?

Longines has a significant historical impact on the watchmaking industry, being a trailblazing innovator with many contributions to horology, including the creation of the first chronograph pocket watch in 1878, the first dual time zone pocket watch in 1908, and the first compact risk chronograph caliber in 193 with the 13ZD.

What is unique about Longines' winged hourglass logo?

The winged hourglass logo of Longines is unique as it is considered the oldest trademark in watchmaking, introduced as a counterfeiting measure on their calibers and officially registered in 1880 when Swiss trademark law was established.

How has Longines been associated with equestrian events?

Longines has a heritage of being the official timekeeper and partner of equestrian events, including the Kentucky Derby, a tradition that continues from its creation of the first chronograph pocket watch used in horse racing in 1878.

What was the significance of the Longines' Zulu watch introduced in 1925?

The Zulu watch introduced by Longines in 1925 was significant as it was the first wristwatch indicating a second time zone and became the trusted timekeeper for navigating and aviating icons such as Philip van Horn Weems, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart.

What are the two primary categories that Longines watches fall under?

Longines watches primarily fall under two categories: the Sport Collection and the Classic Collection, with each category further breaking down into various model families.

What is the Conquest lineup known for within the Longines Sport Collection?

The Conquest lineup within the Longines Sport Collection is known for being versatile 'go anywhere, do anything' models, offering a range of sizes and features such as resistance to magnetic fields and a 72-hour power reserve.

What are some of the key features of the Hydro Conquest dive watch from Longines?

The Hydro Conquest dive watch from Longines features a range of sizes, 300 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystals, and a variety of dial options and strap/bracelet configurations, including a ceramic case variant.

What makes the Longines Legend Diver stand out among other dive watches?

The Longines Legend Diver stands out with its vintage-inspired design based on the original 1959 reference, compressor-style case, dual crowns, internal rotating elapsed timing bezel, and a COSC-certified movement with 300 meters of water resistance.

What is the significance of the Longines Avigation Big Eye Chronograph in the Pilot's watch category?

The Avigation Big Eye Chronograph is significant as a classic 41 mm chronograph with an L688 automatic winding column wheel movement, featuring an oversized register design that gives it its name and makes it a hallmark of Longines' aviation-inspired collection.

What are some of the reasons why Longines may not be for everyone according to the script?

Some reasons why Longines may not be for everyone include the overwhelming number of models which can lead to choice paralysis, a confusing method of naming their watches, and a spectrum of collectibility within their collection that may not appeal to all watch buyers.

What are some of the advantages of Longines movements in terms of value for money?

Longines movements offer advantages such as exclusive use by Longines, assembly in their facility, stellar accuracy, silicon balance springs, magnetic resistance exceeding ISO standards, and lengthy power reserves, all at a compelling value for the price.

How does Longines address the issue of brand collectibility within their wide range of watches?

Longines addresses brand collectibility by offering a range of models that cater to both mass market appeal and enthusiasts, ensuring that there are options for surface-level watch buyers as well as popular choices that resonate with diehard enthusiasts.

What are some of the top picks from Longines' catalog recommended from an enthusiast perspective?

Top picks from Longines' catalog for enthusiasts include the Legend Diver for its historical significance and specifications, the Conquest for its updated movement and refined design, the Zulu Time for its GMT functionality and aviation history, and dress watches from the Heritage Classic range for their elegant designs and variety.

What is the significance of the Longines Master Calendar Chronograph in terms of value?

The Longines Master Calendar Chronograph offers remarkable value as it combines a calendar and chronograph complication in a wearable case for under $4,000, a price range that is unheard of for this type of complication in the luxury watch segment.