Longines is one of the watch brands where you have to search in more detail to find the right model. As a matter of fact, it‘s the little details that make the difference.
I have discovered Longines like many other enthusiasts throughout the Hydroconquest diver line. I had the gen 1 and the 41mm gen 2 Hydroconquest. I think the size just wasn‘t right for me and although we are talking about high quality divers here, I have always associated the Longines brand with elegant and timeless watchmaking. Hydroconquest is a spectacular line, but I was looking more into the elegant sportswatch / dresswatch category on a stainless steel bracelet. As in my opinion, elegance is what Longines should be all about.
Before I also had the Longines Record in 38.5mm. Even this was an endless search for me to find. Luckily a dealer in Japan had one in mint condition. But with a blue Rolex OP39 in my collection, the blue dial Longines Record was just sitting there like a substitute. So I made up my mind to sell the Record. But at least I knew that I was on the right direction.
And than, out of nothing and again from Japan, I found this Longines from the Saint Imier Collection. A 38mm elegant watch on this crazy bracelet that looks more like a chain, but does not kill the elegance at all. I can even not describe how beautiful this dial color is. The bezel design is perfect and makes the look of the watch even more compact. The case design is embedded like a bridge that comes and goes around the bezel and the lugs of the watch. Just beautiful design patterns, on a watch that nobody even heard before and nobody talks about. And again, I can say that the little details makes the difference and you just have to search for your Longines, which is not an easy task. But once you‘ve found it, you will be the luckiest watch collector out there.
The journey continues…
Thanks for sharing this rare and beautiful gem! I agree with you that elegant pieces are what Longines makes best. My favourites in the current catalogue are the Heritage Classic Sector Dial and some of the pieces from the Master Collection.
Thanks for sharing this rare and beautiful gem! I agree with you that elegant pieces are what Longines makes best. My favourites in the current catalogue are the Heritage Classic Sector Dial and some of the pieces from the Master Collection.
Definitely great choices there! Like the Master Collection as well!