Longines Record
Next to popular watch models and conversation starters, I like to own watches that literally nobody talks about and that most of the watch experts don’t know even about their existence. A watch that you have discovered with your own sense and knowledge among millions of different watches out there. It doesn‘t come overnight and needs experience to find this piece. More than that, it takes courage to decide to buy this watch, which was not sponsored or hyped. Suddenly, with all those personal efforts, the watch itself and with the watch, also the whole journey becomes more interesting for you. Not only the experience but also the feeling that you have almost a personalized watch, a hidden treasure. And this is exactly my experience with this wonderful Longines Record in 38.5mm.
The journey continues…
Putting aside all of the "journey" talk for now, why is it called a Longines Record? Did you discover that?
(Pretty watch in an early 1950's style BTW.)
Putting aside all of the "journey" talk for now, why is it called a Longines Record? Did you discover that?
(Pretty watch in an early 1950's style BTW.)
I believe it is related to accurate time keeping, matches with the chronometer movement. The idea of putting the name „Record“ might be interesting with this fact, but I also believe into the power of names. A name can make a watch famous. I have another Longines called „Saint Imier“ and a Tudor called „Style“. I believe that these model names are not as famous as they should be and that the model name plays a certain role on that.
I believe it is related to accurate time keeping, matches with the chronometer movement. The idea of putting the name „Record“ might be interesting with this fact, but I also believe into the power of names. A name can make a watch famous. I have another Longines called „Saint Imier“ and a Tudor called „Style“. I believe that these model names are not as famous as they should be and that the model name plays a certain role on that.
The Record Watch Company S.A. was founded in 1903. They made high end triangular pocket watches and chronographs. Later, they were chosen to be one of the Dirty Dozen making watches for the British MoD.
Longines bought Record in the early sixties. They continued making watches under the Record name for about a decade. Longines trademarked the "Longines Record" in 1989 when the Swiss watch industry was consolidating again. Record is one of many old names folded into Swatch that can't be revived.
All that remains of the Record Watch Company is the Record that you are wearing.
I like it! Reminds me of the Bulova 96A242:
The Record Watch Company S.A. was founded in 1903. They made high end triangular pocket watches and chronographs. Later, they were chosen to be one of the Dirty Dozen making watches for the British MoD.
Longines bought Record in the early sixties. They continued making watches under the Record name for about a decade. Longines trademarked the "Longines Record" in 1989 when the Swiss watch industry was consolidating again. Record is one of many old names folded into Swatch that can't be revived.
All that remains of the Record Watch Company is the Record that you are wearing.
Thank you for this deep dive. Frankly speaking never heard of Record before. But what a great move they are still using a brand name for the model name.
I like it! Reminds me of the Bulova 96A242:
Yes indeed, funny story: I had this Bulova in my collection and sold it, once I have found the Record :)
Thank you for this deep dive. Frankly speaking never heard of Record before. But what a great move they are still using a brand name for the model name.
It keeps the name from being abandoned for lack of use. There is always an angle.
Thank you for this deep dive. Frankly speaking never heard of Record before. But what a great move they are still using a brand name for the model name.
Fun fact: Record used to make pocket watches for Ball.
Here is what started them:
Longines Record collection is a hidden gem within the collecting world. Some amazing pieces at really good prices.
I get the impression this line is/was more common in, and targeted at, the Asian markets.
Revue called from back in the day - they want to know if you’re taking the piss?
Revue called from back in the day - they want to know if you’re taking the piss?
What do you mean?
The Record Watch Company S.A. was founded in 1903. They made high end triangular pocket watches and chronographs. Later, they were chosen to be one of the Dirty Dozen making watches for the British MoD.
Longines bought Record in the early sixties. They continued making watches under the Record name for about a decade. Longines trademarked the "Longines Record" in 1989 when the Swiss watch industry was consolidating again. Record is one of many old names folded into Swatch that can't be revived.
All that remains of the Record Watch Company is the Record that you are wearing.
Actually this is the Longines Record model which Simon Baker the actor promoted a few years ago was the first Record 2.0 and was promoted with COSC. I think the supplied bracelet was ordinary (and looks like it has changed) and the standard Longines brown leather option wasn’t quite right, hence I got the Longines store to put on the blue leather option.
The record chronograph is gorgeous too!
Actually this is the Longines Record model which Simon Baker the actor promoted a few years ago was the first Record 2.0 and was promoted with COSC. I think the supplied bracelet was ordinary (and looks like it has changed) and the standard Longines brown leather option wasn’t quite right, hence I got the Longines store to put on the blue leather option.
This is the Record I have had my eye on for years and would pick up. But I have a Stowa Marine - so seems redundant to have two similar dress watches. But one day I might find a deal on one I can't pass up.
This is the Record I have had my eye on for years and would pick up. But I have a Stowa Marine - so seems redundant to have two similar dress watches. But one day I might find a deal on one I can't pass up.
When my nephew first saw this watch he immediately loved it so it will be his one day. I’ll have to ensure it’s kept serviced.
The record chronograph is gorgeous too!
I was about to say the gilt chrono record is fantastic and found this on the way. Such eye candy 🤩
I was about to say the gilt chrono record is fantastic and found this on the way. Such eye candy 🤩
I have no reason to ever wear anything this dressy, but the moment Longines released the press shots I was mashing 'refresh' everyday to pick one up.
Its everything a 40s inspired chronograph should be, and running -1spd still after a year!
I like it! Reminds me of the Bulova 96A242:
Reminds me of the Tudor 1926. A great design is a great design and none of these variations get the love they should - great everyday watches that dress up too.