Respect. Longines deserves respect. Huge kudos for expertly curating this collection, providing succinct yet deeply insightful commentary. That’s not easy. Great job and lovingly done. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a long long time
This video made me smile the entire time. Of all the brands I have researched (entry level through high horology), Longines is the brand I find myself most attracted to and actively collecting. If you ever have the chance to visit the Longines Museum, do so. It is incredible (for a watch geek like me, at least).
That Silver Arrow is just gorgeous. I think you just gave me one more reason to drool over watches. I think it’s perfect vintage inspired dress piece. Cheers.
How cool is it? I keep returning to look at it... there was a section of the video I removed talking about how it has quite a "50's Rolex Pre-Explorer look" especially with those hands 🔥
Why is Longines so successful? I reckon for all of us enthusiasts, it's that meeting point of attainable prices, great specifications AND some of the most unique designs out there. Mind-blowing what a brand can do with one collection to produce such widespread pieces. Are there any other brands (collections) you'd like me to cover next? 🥃
NORQAIN would be an interesting brand to tackle. I don't think anyone else has done a deep dive on the brand and yet they've been able to establish a footprint in about five years or so.
Frederique Constant. Overlooked and often snobbishly dismissed but they have some nice looking pieces at realistic prices. The three hand Highlife in blue is very good looking and excellent value.
Let's not forget it's a humble brand without all the hubris and buffoonery /pomp that so many other brands employ. A quiet elegance that's so often lacking in today s world.
The Silver Arrow perfectly embodies late '40s design - but it draws a lot from Art Deco (don't enter the Chrysler Building without it!) I can imagine men of my grandfather's generation wearing it to their Manhattan offices. It looks like no other watch out there today, and I'd wear it with real joy. And only $1600 on the secondary market . . . I'm definitely intrigued. I have the Legend Diver w the bronze case - another piece of unique Longines eye candy - that's become my daily driver, and this would be the ideal dress watch to park beside it.
Oh dear, I have to agree with this video as I have a few of the watches mentioned. I have the Tuxedo 3 hander on my wrist today but had the difficult choice to decide between it and my sector dial silver dial that I prefer over the later black dial version that I don't have. I'll wear that one tomorrow. The Big Eye is arguably my favourite chronograph in steel. To me it's the most readable at a glance timer that I have. It's simply brilliant in my eyes. If I recall correctly this is not a modular chronograph but uses a modified Valjoux 775X movement with a column wheel. A great video and thanks for sharing.
Really love that sector dial. It's one I considered several times..I still don't know why I've never owned a Longines... Maybe some day...I do find many of them a little thick, but really need to go try some on... To be honest man I've been loving this Smiths PRS-29A so much, it's kind of put me off watches he ha...36mm, manual wind, well built , train track.. what's not to like. Have a great weekend man
The brand is missing manual winding pieces. Imagine the damage they could do with slim chronographs and more formal pieces? But man, the lil Smiths… check out “smithsw10” on Instagram, his page is solely dedicated to them (for good reason) 😉 Enjoy this gorgeous bought of sunshine we’re getting brother!
3rd time through on this video…says a ton about the way you construct content and Longines as a brand. Your in-depth look at the black sector dial in prior videos was a major catalyst for purchase. I love it! Cheers!
A truly great and informative video about one of the most historical brands out there! I’m looking forward to buying the Flagship Heritage at the moment, but would gladly wear any of the models that you mentioned.
My pleasure to share this (I'm sure there will be a Part 2 for Longines in the future 😉) AND the Flagship deserves its own video... unreal selections they've created for that line 🔥
Oh, yes. Longines is probably the best at heritage reissues and reviving watches from their extensive back catalog and doing it right. And, they all seem to look unique to the brand as well as all so beautiful. AND, they generally all are fairly priced for what you get. As such, out of the 5 mfgs that produced an important WW2 pilot watch, the WEEMS, which included Omega, Zenith, Movado and JLC, Longines was the one I felt could and would produce an excellent heritage reissue of one. And, it wasn't until fairly recently that within the last year I found out that they actually did.. about 30 years ago, circa 1990-1995, I believe. Through "the hunt" for one, I found a decent example of this Japan only limited edition, ref L2.606.4 WEEMS Pilot Watch "Replica". I guess Longines was so convinced it recreated it so well, it could be mistaken for a genuine vintage WW2 timepiece that they engraved those words on the case back. Anyways, a beautiful watch and about as close as I will get to say a vintage Omega WEEMS example, the CK2129. It's thoroughly "neo-vintage" being from the 90's. But, easily transcends and time travels 80 years to give me an authentic(enough ) experience of what it may have been like to have such a watch during WW2. Lastly, I own and greatly enjoy the new LLD39 in blue. The proportions work so well for my 7" wrist and the fit and finish is their. I particularly enjoy the new muted blue color they are using on the main dial and outer internal timing bezel. And, I wouldn't mind the tuxedo chronograph at the end. Held one in person and it is quite exquisite to behold in person. Cheers.
Thanks for a great overview. I have a 10yo Longines A7 USA special edition and love it. I am a 68 yo and remember when my minister, the mayor, and my doctor wore Longines. My grandfather, a big Mississippi farmer wore a Longines wrist watch on Sundays and carried a Longines pocket watch in the bib of his overalls. Have eyed the Lindbergh watch as well as the military watches. I even tried the black dialed one on in Munich. All lovely watches. And ‘reasonably’ priced. Preach on my friend.
You are so on the mark with this brand. Admittedly, I have 5 Omegas and one Longines. The beautiful Longines Report sits proudly next to both my Aqua Terras, my Planet Ocean, my 300M diver and my Moonwatch professioinal - a third of the price, but, in all honesty, not the also-run of my collection. Nicely done as always!
This was a wonderful video. I truly appreciate your spirit regarding Longines, and this brand's watches are always intriguing. Longines has been on my radar ever since you acquired your Big-Eye as well as the heritage sector dial. I strongly suspect a Longines will be my next acquisition. I adore the 38mm Master Collection with the Salmon dial and small seconds. In addition, I was so close to choosing the Zulu Time 39 blue dial over the Pelagos 39. Your weekly efforts to educate us about horology continue to astound me. As always, THANKS!
And like you, I'm also on the hunt for another piece to add (probably a simpler piece this time round) As always sir, it's an absolute pleasure. Nothing better in sharing in the appreciation we have for a great watch brand 😉🥃
Such an excellent video. Longines is the brand we "think" is a gateway into the luxury watch market. When you actually own one, it so surpasses your expectations that much more expensive watches you purchase afterwards are sometimes a slight disappointment.
Totally agree with you. There is such versatility across the Longines collection, that anyone could have a three or five watch collection solely from Longiens.
Exactly my thoughts too. I was astounded how excellent the BigEye was that I owned (hindsight, I could’ve kept it and saved a few more months for other pieces) but considering what we pay for these pieces and the quality of build we get? Plus the fact that their designs are undeniably brilliant… just a winning formula 🔥
Would love to see Swatch allowing Longines to fly higher. Looking at this list, I was expecting you to show the Spirit Pioneer. I think that's right up your alley. Too large for my wrist, otherwise I'd own one. My favorite three hander Spirit. Also love the Spirit Flyback. I hope they can release a 39. I guess they have find a way to decrease the height, to keep reasonable proportions. Maybe I can pull off the current Flyback Ti on a strap...
That Heritage Chrono is 🔥🔥 You’re correct, if this was a manual wind thinner version it would kill the competition! Love my Big Eye though! More character than almost any other watch I own! Great vid!!
I absolutely love Longines. I cannot believe how underappreciated they are; especially in the US. On the other hand it means you get better quality than other comparable yet heavily lauded brands for a fantastic price.
I love Longines. It is my favorite watch brand, and I have seven different Longines watches in my watch collection. What I like most about Longines is the value you get for the price, which has allowed me to obtain several Longines to wear depending on my varied lifestyle and wardrobe I am wearing for the day, from dressy to casual, to my historical aviation interests (like the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch and the Avigation BigEye), to my other interest in Scuba Diving and underwater exploration. I have a Longines watch for every occasion. One of Longines watches which I think of as a very classic and timeless elegant design dress watch, at a very affordable price, is the La Grande Classique de Longines. When I first saw it (the white dial with Roman numerals, gold PVD coating, with the black Alligator strap) advertised in a magazine, I fell in love with it and purchased it (I liked the Quartz model as it is thinner and less words on the dial), which introduced me to the Longines brand. I never hear it discussed by you or any of the other watch experts and commentators on RUclips. I would like to hear any comments you may have about it.
If the Ultrachron had a date window at 6 o’clock I would DEFINITELY buy one, I love that watch, but no date is a deal breaker for me. I live in hope, please Longines🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for another thoughtful analysis. Quite a delight to listen to, except, of course, for that debacle at 1:38 where you treacherously invoke the term “irregardless”. Not even your smooth-as-silk delivery can numb the “nails-on-the-chalkboard” auditory devastation inflicted by such a misstep. Surely this could have been cast to the cutting room floor among your thousand other edit clippings. All in good fun, of course. Onward and upward.
Some great watches here that have passed under my radar! The Marine Nationale, RAF (in Black), that gorgeous sector dial Heritage Classic, and the Zenith-esque Silver Arrow are really nice pieces. But your No.1 Tuxedo Chrono is just stunning - that dial is glorious, worthy of a classic Patek! I love the switch from positive to negative arabic numbers on that internal dial ring. Thanks again - now I need to do a deeper dive on these pieces 🙂 Have a great weekend - are you watching the Fury fight??
And I realised while editing, virtually every watch covered had numerals on their dials. One of my biggest draws to any watch is seeing that it has Arabics. Longines just kills the numbered dial game 😉 Thank you for this Jesse 🥃
As a kid wayyyyy back in the 70’s here in Australia, I was obsessed with Longine time pieces! I was competing in Little Athletics & our stop watches used by the officials were Longines! It took me many years, ok some 40 years before I actually bought one,a Longines Hydroconquest! I bought a San Martin tribute to the 1945 some 12-18 months ago to whet my appetite. It still lingers in my mind to finally but either this or the Big Eye! Oh the decisions!😍😵💫🤤
I think part reason why many don't chase Longines is the variety is off the charts. It's actually insane thinking how much the brand offers. I'd recommend putting together a shortlist and going through them individually to try and weed out what you'd like to pursue next 😉
Btw, thanks for your focus on Longines. While the company sells lots of watches, most RUclips channels don't pay much attention. No other company compares in historic reissues, and its great back catalog allows much choice.
I keep looking at Omega, but Longines has so much going for it for the money: history, pedigree, design, etc. Always wanted a Speedy, but $8k is hard to swallow.
Such a clean watch (always a pleasure seeing a date at the 6) I think this must've arrived a year or two before I got into the watch hobby. And man we need to see those 1940's styled hands make a return! 🥃
Longines is such versitale brand. Pretty much every style of watch is in the category of "would buy" if I was looking to buy one. Ultra-chron is my favourite of those. Those pop up on the second-hand market occasionally at a very tempting price.
Thanks for the overview, I´d add the dolcevita to the list:) Longines has got the absoute best logo in the whole industry imo as well as the one of the best logos cross-industry.
Small note: with any Longines model with blue hands, even the more expensive models, the hands are not heat blued. Instead they're either dyed or coated. Same goes for many Omega models at even higher price points, like the speedy chronoscope. I guess heat blueing hands on the industrial scale they're operating on just isn't possible, despite real heat blued hands being available on far less expensive pieces.
I really like , i like the sector dial but i cant find it at Stores here in Mexico, the tuxedo is great. But im looking to buy a máster collection Antracite small seconds is Great
I finally opened the box. This is a really nice watch. It's oozing retro, but is surprisingly well finished. I especially like the sparkle of the blued hands and of the perimeters of the subregisters. The latter is something most people will not notice.
Love the Lindbergh (hindsight I should've covered some of those early 1900's pieces that they nailed. Hunter casebacks and the works... the brand is just unstoppable 🔥
TBH I'm glad you didn't so the prices stay low 🤣 In all seriousness, yours is some of my absolute favorite watch content. You are the best at considering the design of the watch and not just running through specs and talking points. You focus on watch design as it applys to not only art/fashion, but utility and philosophy. The soul of a watch is not in its movement, but in the balance of its design, engineering, and purpose. You eloquently delve into all of those aspects and it's some of the best content on RUclips. Keep up the good work mate 👍
Imagine Longines and Omega broke away and formed their own lil "Omegines" team? Bringing back the 30T2, 13ZN, "Tre Tacche" designs (etc etc) - that would make the headlines 😉
@@ID-Guyimagine them independent... and competing against each other. Tissot used to compete with them, too. Same story, artificially locked in their specific tiers...
Strongly agree with this. I’d love to see Swatch liberate Longines from its current brand positioning… I can see a hand wound dress watch taking customers from Jaeger Le Coultre or Omega
@@ID-Guy I am now collecting your whisky glass emoji's, as you seem to use them only for your favourite comments perhaps? 😈 Going back to the manual wind thing. Surely it would be possible for some brands to have watches with a manual option? It really should happen with date/no date too (like Helm do ; ) I would be happy to pay more, and it would be an innovation that might spark much needed interest. I wonder how many people would choose an automatic Speedmaster Moonwatch if it was an option? 😂
It’s always the case that the overlord has to keep the brand under their thumb. Must say though, just looking at these handful of pieces, it’s pretty incredible how much “freedom” they have compared to so many brands 🥃
I do like Longines designs. However asking €1.000,- plus for their Quartz watch models is taking the piss and gives them a bad reputation with watch enthousiasts. It implies Longines watches are not at an honest price level and perhaps not worth the money. Unlike Longines, Seiko asks a fair price for their lower tier models which gives them the respect.
It is a disservice to not look into the other watch lines of Longines. So much attention is placed on the Heritage watch line that it is blinkered. A lot of these heritage designs were from mainstream lines of Longines back then. The current mainstream lines are where future heritage designs will come from but so many are willfully blinkered to ignore them now but many of them will have the cheek and hypocrisy to say that they knew and liked those designs then.
That's what makes it so fascinating to me, because they're not in that "limelight" like so many popular makers but still smash it in sales. They deserve more coverage for sure man 🥃
It's a beautiful looking collection (and I tried to cover the Chronograph in the opening) They're worth a video by themselves. And I know, I've had many a correction in the comments 😆🥃
I feel that Longines is like the gate keeper for the luxury watch entrance. They doing awesome watches with great value, their Big Eye and Tuxedo are my favourites. Thanks brother for the video.
I completely agree with this. I own three completely different Longines models - hydroconquest, sector dial, and bigeye. All three are incredible pieces. At the same time my brother has a Tudor and a couple Omegas and I have a keen eye on those brands as just a touch of a step up. Great observation.
So happy to see models that are a bit leftfield or not spoken about too much at last. Please do more of this on future videos. 90% of watch YT channels focus on the Hype watches....this often results in great pieces like the Tuxedo and Sector Dial Longines getting missed and un-appreciated. Love the channel. Keep up the great work!
I’ve been watching your videos for years. I even got a shoutout on one of your live feeds for my Titanium Bigeye a few years back. For me, it’s hard to expess exactly how much of an impact your channel has on your audience. I’ve seen a lot of people say great things about a lot of pages in this community, and there are many that are excellent, but this is simply the most outstanding in every way. I’m sure I speak on behalf of many people in saying that we seriously enjoy every video you post.
It truly mean so much Chris. And at certain times, like a few weeks back (yes, believe me there are many, many times when I doubt if anything I’m saying has an impact) comments like these mean the most 🥃
My Longines Zulu Time was my first Swiss watch purchase. I've spent more on other luxury watches since then, but I am still captivated by my Longines. The dial, the accuracy, the craftmanship, the brand history, and the value are all fantastic. Thank you for this video. 🍺
I am retiring in 2 weeks and I was going to buy the Tudor Black Bay Burgundy. I’m going to have to go to the Longines boutique and have a look before I decide. Excellent review thank you ! 🍻
I love Longines. Own 4, silver arrow, bigeyes, zulutime blue 39mm and a 40mm weems chronograph white with internal rotative bezel. This last one is also a true beauty, should be part of this list❤.
The Tux collection (must be 3 years old now?) was such a breath of fresh air. Man, if Longines could produce more of those classic Tre Tacche designs 🔥 Their archives are incredible!
Oh man, I’d never heard of or seen that Silver Arrow reference but it’s just so cool. A definitive series 1 of Mad Men vibe to it. Thanks for opening my eyes to some of these.
Excellent review of so many overlooked watches from Longines! I really like the Heritage Military Marine National version. The Avigation Big Eye is just excellent and cool and versatile. The Spirit Zulu time is that watch that exudes near-Omega quality in finishing and style for much less money. An independent thinker could form a few different and excellent collections just from the choices in this video alone. Well played! Have a great weekend @ID_Guy!
Great remark on the quality finishing next to Omega. It stunned me how well built these pieces are (still does) Ah, love them. Think adding a new Longines will be next on my list - this video was totally just about me trying to rationalise what should be added 😆 Thank you as always Marc and enjoy your Sunday! 🥃
I’m not immediately inclined toward Longines’ design aesthetic but, given this, find myself growing more interested in them because of your videos. Pardon me if you’ve already done this, and perhaps I’ve even already watched it, but an entire video focused on your favorite Heritage Collection chronographs would be welcome. I discovering new-to-me, interesting looking models but don’t yet see one that appeals to me as much as the Zenith El Primero revival series.
I wish brands making chronographs would reduce the length of the pushers. The Bigeye is a great example - there’s no reason for those pushers to be so long and it makes the piece look out of balance. Those pushers could be half as long and just as functional, and the watch would look more balanced and elegant. In fact, I would argue those super long Frankenstein neck bolt pushers are more difficult to use. The tuxedo chronograph is perfect regarding the pushers length.
I love the value and style that Longines represents. However, they have an uncanny way of producing watches that wear larger than their diameter would suggest. Many of the heritage collections have long lugs that on many wrists are just too big. The Spirit range is a good example where they finally had to offer it in a third 37mm variant, just to get those lugs into a wearable format.
It does seem the case, whether its the thicker case flanks (or maybe casebacks that take up more real estate on the wrist) and L2L, great point. It's very seldom that we see lengths shorter than 48mm's - considering how they scale up the sizes of what used to be 34-35mm watches (with pretty long lugs) to 39+, scale everything appropriately has its drawbacks 😆
Great video IDguy you never fail to disappoint - ( live wrist watch week hopefully happening again ? ) back to Longines - love the Sector dial on beads of rice bracelet + the Heritage Tuxedo Chrono - both my cup of tea. Thanks for the show again.
Longines has everything - In-group movement made specifically for them - One of the oldest brand, extremely rich heritage they could cycle their archives and people wouldn't notice - One of the pioneers of watchmaking especially aviation (original zulu time for example) - Good price range (1.5k+) - Marketing done well enough that they are always top 10 They just have everything
And it's a brand that most don't cover because their designs are more often the opposite of "safe". Ah, to see them bringing back the "tre tacche" designs along with the billion other ideas they have in their archives 😉
I think your analysis and commentary is spot on. I have 2 Longines pieces and they are my favorite dress watches. Longines has a knack for softening the dressiness of dress watches with tool watch elements, especially with elements of aviation watches, but they seem to know how not to over do it. I agree too about watch thickness. I would rather have a thin cased tool watch with a quartz movement than a chunky cased mechanical movement. But of course, that is not just a Longines problem. I wish more watch manufacturers would explore ways to make quartz movements more graceful for luxury pieces. The Seiko VH31 is a good example of what I mean.
Love my UltraChron... Less than +1 sec per day accuracy, and finally, a dive watch with its own character and personality. Doesn't look like a Sub, Seamaster, or Panerai.... Excellent video as usual, thank you.
I've seen them pop up from time to time and it's such a compelling buy... what's not to love? Thanks for sharing this Ray, makes me even more interested to look at it again in more detail 🔥
I just bought the classic retrograde moon-phase from the master collection.white 44mm It’s absolutely gorgeous. Longines has got everything you need quality,style ,functionality ,design and value for money is incredible. Love your channel ❤
And I think it’s because they’re relatively “polarising” with such out-there designs that many don’t even know where to start looking. It’s mind-blowing when we start digging (how far the rabbit hole goes 😉) Enjoy your gorgeous Retrograde! Longines even makes Retrogrades…
I’ve often felt that sector dials allow a better ‘utility’ of time. A simple glance gives you an idea of the little tasks at hand you can accomplish in a specific space of time (quarters). You get a better ‘idea’ of time (time remaining). The design can be somewhat polarising though, I get that.
For me the one Longines that makes going with a Tudor GMT is the Zulu time. I really like the S&G model at 39mm. The warmth of that watch is really special
I'm also looking at that TT 39mm Zulutime. What a stellar piece... they've got tonnes to add when it comes to colours and all sorts in the coming years. Here's hoping they step up their clasp game thought (one thing Tudor has over all these names is the build quality) Well said JT and have a great weekend! 🥃
I started my serious watch journey with a Longines HydroConquest, followed by a Conquest and a Dolce Vita. That could have been a perfect three watch collection, but hey, other brands also have nice watches. But Longines being my first they always have a special place in my heart.
They just hit differently, right? I'm now on the hunt for that perfect intersection of a simple piece (time only) that captures what they do so well... think it might be a Tuxedo as this point 😆🥃
Respect. Longines deserves respect. Huge kudos for expertly curating this collection, providing succinct yet deeply insightful commentary. That’s not easy. Great job and lovingly done. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a long long time
This video made me smile the entire time. Of all the brands I have researched (entry level through high horology), Longines is the brand I find myself most attracted to and actively collecting. If you ever have the chance to visit the Longines Museum, do so. It is incredible (for a watch geek like me, at least).
That Tuxedo chronograph is a hidden gem
Man, it's such a hidden gem. Any other (haute) name on that dial and people would be going mad 🥃
That Silver Arrow is just gorgeous. I think you just gave me one more reason to drool over watches. I think it’s perfect vintage inspired dress piece.
Cheers.
How cool is it? I keep returning to look at it... there was a section of the video I removed talking about how it has quite a "50's Rolex Pre-Explorer look" especially with those hands 🔥
Why is Longines so successful? I reckon for all of us enthusiasts, it's that meeting point of attainable prices, great specifications AND some of the most unique designs out there. Mind-blowing what a brand can do with one collection to produce such widespread pieces. Are there any other brands (collections) you'd like me to cover next? 🥃
NORQAIN would be an interesting brand to tackle. I don't think anyone else has done a deep dive on the brand and yet they've been able to establish a footprint in about five years or so.
Frederique Constant. Overlooked and often snobbishly dismissed but they have some nice looking pieces at realistic prices. The three hand Highlife in blue is very good looking and excellent value.
JLC, Breguet, an Vacheron.
Let's not forget it's a humble brand without all the hubris and buffoonery /pomp that so many other brands employ. A quiet elegance that's so often lacking in today s world.
Just picked up an Annual Calendar from the Master Collection and love it. Beautiful, inspiring watch. Thanks for the video.
The Silver Arrow perfectly embodies late '40s design - but it draws a lot from Art Deco (don't enter the Chrysler Building without it!) I can imagine men of my grandfather's generation wearing it to their Manhattan offices. It looks like no other watch out there today, and I'd wear it with real joy. And only $1600 on the secondary market . . . I'm definitely intrigued.
I have the Legend Diver w the bronze case - another piece of unique Longines eye candy - that's become my daily driver, and this would be the ideal dress watch to park beside it.
Oh dear, I have to agree with this video as I have a few of the watches mentioned. I have the Tuxedo 3 hander on my wrist today but had the difficult choice to decide between it and my sector dial silver dial that I prefer over the later black dial version that I don't have. I'll wear that one tomorrow. The Big Eye is arguably my favourite chronograph in steel. To me it's the most readable at a glance timer that I have. It's simply brilliant in my eyes. If I recall correctly this is not a modular chronograph but uses a modified Valjoux 775X movement with a column wheel. A great video and thanks for sharing.
I wear the heritage tuxedo. People comment all the time- all good. It looks amazing with everything.
Really love that sector dial. It's one I considered several times..I still don't know why I've never owned a Longines...
Maybe some day...I do find many of them a little thick, but really need to go try some on...
To be honest man I've been loving this Smiths PRS-29A so much, it's kind of put me off watches he ha...36mm, manual wind, well built , train track.. what's not to like. Have a great weekend man
The brand is missing manual winding pieces. Imagine the damage they could do with slim chronographs and more formal pieces? But man, the lil Smiths… check out “smithsw10” on Instagram, his page is solely dedicated to them (for good reason) 😉 Enjoy this gorgeous bought of sunshine we’re getting brother!
3rd time through on this video…says a ton about the way you construct content and Longines as a brand. Your in-depth look at the black sector dial in prior videos was a major catalyst for purchase. I love it! Cheers!
A truly great and informative video about one of the most historical brands out there! I’m looking forward to buying the Flagship Heritage at the moment, but would gladly wear any of the models that you mentioned.
My pleasure to share this (I'm sure there will be a Part 2 for Longines in the future 😉) AND the Flagship deserves its own video... unreal selections they've created for that line 🔥
Oh, yes. Longines is probably the best at heritage reissues and reviving watches from their extensive back catalog and doing it right. And, they all seem to look unique to the brand as well as all so beautiful. AND, they generally all are fairly priced for what you get.
As such, out of the 5 mfgs that produced an important WW2 pilot watch, the WEEMS, which included Omega, Zenith, Movado and JLC, Longines was the one I felt could and would produce an excellent heritage reissue of one. And, it wasn't until fairly recently that within the last year I found out that they actually did.. about 30 years ago, circa 1990-1995, I believe. Through "the hunt" for one, I found a decent example of this Japan only limited edition, ref L2.606.4 WEEMS Pilot Watch "Replica". I guess Longines was so convinced it recreated it so well, it could be mistaken for a genuine vintage WW2 timepiece that they engraved those words on the case back. Anyways, a beautiful watch and about as close as I will get to say a vintage Omega WEEMS example, the CK2129. It's thoroughly "neo-vintage" being from the 90's. But, easily transcends and time travels 80 years to give me an authentic(enough ) experience of what it may have been like to have such a watch during WW2.
Lastly, I own and greatly enjoy the new LLD39 in blue. The proportions work so well for my 7" wrist and the fit and finish is their. I particularly enjoy the new muted blue color they are using on the main dial and outer internal timing bezel.
And, I wouldn't mind the tuxedo chronograph at the end. Held one in person and it is quite exquisite to behold in person.
Cheers.
Thanks for a great overview. I have a 10yo Longines A7 USA special edition and love it. I am a 68 yo and remember when my minister, the mayor, and my doctor wore Longines. My grandfather, a big Mississippi farmer wore a Longines wrist watch on Sundays and carried a Longines pocket watch in the bib of his overalls. Have eyed the Lindbergh watch as well as the military watches. I even tried the black dialed one on in Munich. All lovely watches. And ‘reasonably’ priced. Preach on my friend.
You are so on the mark with this brand. Admittedly, I have 5 Omegas and one Longines. The beautiful Longines Report sits proudly next to both my Aqua Terras, my Planet Ocean, my 300M diver and my Moonwatch professioinal - a third of the price, but, in all honesty, not the also-run of my collection. Nicely done as always!
Your analysis is amazing. Thank you for being so authentic.
Straight baller
The only way to be brother 😉 Really appreciate this comment man, thank you 🥃
This was a wonderful video. I truly appreciate your spirit regarding Longines, and this brand's watches are always intriguing. Longines has been on my radar ever since you acquired your Big-Eye as well as the heritage sector dial. I strongly suspect a Longines will be my next acquisition. I adore the 38mm Master Collection with the Salmon dial and small seconds. In addition, I was so close to choosing the Zulu Time 39 blue dial over the Pelagos 39. Your weekly efforts to educate us about horology continue to astound me. As always, THANKS!
And like you, I'm also on the hunt for another piece to add (probably a simpler piece this time round) As always sir, it's an absolute pleasure. Nothing better in sharing in the appreciation we have for a great watch brand 😉🥃
Such an excellent video. Longines is the brand we "think" is a gateway into the luxury watch market. When you actually own one, it so surpasses your expectations that much more expensive watches you purchase afterwards are sometimes a slight disappointment.
Totally agree with you. There is such versatility across the Longines collection, that anyone could have a three or five watch collection solely from Longiens.
Exactly my thoughts too. I was astounded how excellent the BigEye was that I owned (hindsight, I could’ve kept it and saved a few more months for other pieces) but considering what we pay for these pieces and the quality of build we get? Plus the fact that their designs are undeniably brilliant… just a winning formula 🔥
@@ID-Guy Well said.
Would love to see Swatch allowing Longines to fly higher.
Looking at this list, I was expecting you to show the Spirit Pioneer. I think that's right up your alley. Too large for my wrist, otherwise I'd own one. My favorite three hander Spirit. Also love the Spirit Flyback. I hope they can release a 39. I guess they have find a way to decrease the height, to keep reasonable proportions. Maybe I can pull off the current Flyback Ti on a strap...
That Heritage Chrono is 🔥🔥 You’re correct, if this was a manual wind thinner version it would kill the competition! Love my Big Eye though! More character than almost any other watch I own! Great vid!!
I absolutely love Longines. I cannot believe how underappreciated they are; especially in the US.
On the other hand it means you get better quality than other comparable yet heavily lauded brands for a fantastic price.
Exactly on the mark Sean, they can be found for bargains and hit all the marks (price, build and design) 🥃
Outstanding video on an outstanding brand.
Please don't ever use " Irregardless" ever again.
You will find “Irregardless” in the dictionary, but “Regardless” is so much more elegant!
A wonderful collection.
They definitely are set apart from the norm.
I love Longines. It is my favorite watch brand, and I have seven different Longines watches in my watch collection. What I like most about Longines is the value you get for the price, which has allowed me to obtain several Longines to wear depending on my varied lifestyle and wardrobe I am wearing for the day, from dressy to casual, to my historical aviation interests (like the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch and the Avigation BigEye), to my other interest in Scuba Diving and underwater exploration. I have a Longines watch for every occasion. One of Longines watches which I think of as a very classic and timeless elegant design dress watch, at a very affordable price, is the La Grande Classique de Longines. When I first saw it (the white dial with Roman numerals, gold PVD coating, with the black Alligator strap) advertised in a magazine, I fell in love with it and purchased it (I liked the Quartz model as it is thinner and less words on the dial), which introduced me to the Longines brand. I never hear it discussed by you or any of the other watch experts and commentators on RUclips. I would like to hear any comments you may have about it.
If the Ultrachron had a date window at 6 o’clock I would DEFINITELY buy one, I love that watch, but no date is a deal breaker for me. I live in hope, please Longines🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for another thoughtful analysis. Quite a delight to listen to, except, of course, for that debacle at 1:38 where you treacherously invoke the term “irregardless”. Not even your smooth-as-silk delivery can numb the “nails-on-the-chalkboard” auditory devastation inflicted by such a misstep. Surely this could have been cast to the cutting room floor among your thousand other edit clippings. All in good fun, of course. Onward and upward.
😂
Some great watches here that have passed under my radar! The Marine Nationale, RAF (in Black), that gorgeous sector dial Heritage Classic, and the Zenith-esque Silver Arrow are really nice pieces. But your No.1 Tuxedo Chrono is just stunning - that dial is glorious, worthy of a classic Patek! I love the switch from positive to negative arabic numbers on that internal dial ring. Thanks again - now I need to do a deeper dive on these pieces 🙂 Have a great weekend - are you watching the Fury fight??
love longines watches ,i agree they deserve more love that they get!
Longines designs are so beautiful and interesting to my eye, they just capture what a watch should look like!
And I realised while editing, virtually every watch covered had numerals on their dials. One of my biggest draws to any watch is seeing that it has Arabics. Longines just kills the numbered dial game 😉 Thank you for this Jesse 🥃
As a kid wayyyyy back in the 70’s here in Australia, I was obsessed with Longine time pieces! I was competing in Little Athletics & our stop watches used by the officials were Longines! It took me many years, ok some 40 years before I actually bought one,a Longines Hydroconquest! I bought a San Martin tribute to the 1945 some 12-18 months ago to whet my appetite. It still lingers in my mind to finally but either this or the Big Eye! Oh the decisions!😍😵💫🤤
I think part reason why many don't chase Longines is the variety is off the charts. It's actually insane thinking how much the brand offers. I'd recommend putting together a shortlist and going through them individually to try and weed out what you'd like to pursue next 😉
Nicely done...your review was captivating and the watches are fantastic...
I could have a 4-5 piece collection of just Longines,The legend Diver is a grail.
Btw, thanks for your focus on Longines. While the company sells lots of watches, most RUclips channels don't pay much attention. No other company compares in historic reissues, and its great back catalog allows much choice.
I keep looking at Omega, but Longines has so much going for it for the money: history, pedigree, design, etc. Always wanted a Speedy, but $8k is hard to swallow.
The Avigation Chrono Special Series was my entry piece to this fantastic hobby back in time…
Such a clean watch (always a pleasure seeing a date at the 6) I think this must've arrived a year or two before I got into the watch hobby. And man we need to see those 1940's styled hands make a return! 🥃
Nice to see another lefty like myself!
That new central power reserve model is a beauty.
Here! Here! I fully agree with you assessment and take re: Longines. I own a Big Eye Blue Chronograph. It will not be my last Longines.
And I'm now looking to add a new piece (something simpler) - there are just too many options to choose from 😆 Keep enjoying your BigEye, it's a gem! 🔥
Diving with a compressor case ?
“Set it … before you wet it “
I didn’t know half of these existed.
Thank you!
Imagine trying to fiddle with that crown in the water then you see the dial suddenly becoming way, way clearing and not distorted... oh dear 😆🥃
100% bru! SO under appreciated Amazing watches, if they shed a couple of mm they are industry beaters.
Longines is such versitale brand. Pretty much every style of watch is in the category of "would buy" if I was looking to buy one. Ultra-chron is my favourite of those. Those pop up on the second-hand market occasionally at a very tempting price.
I've seen the Ultra-Chrons at amazing prices too! Killer bang per buck (and for those who know about Hi-Beats, even better!) Ah, love the brand 🥃
Great video mate. Totally agree, Longines are a top watch brand
Thanks for the overview, I´d add the dolcevita to the list:) Longines has got the absoute best logo in the whole industry imo as well as the one of the best logos cross-industry.
And the logo has been around since like 1860, right? (1867, just checked) It's freaking incredible... nothing comes close 🔥
Which was the watch model featured at 5:21 with the black dial?
Small note: with any Longines model with blue hands, even the more expensive models, the hands are not heat blued. Instead they're either dyed or coated. Same goes for many Omega models at even higher price points, like the speedy chronoscope. I guess heat blueing hands on the industrial scale they're operating on just isn't possible, despite real heat blued hands being available on far less expensive pieces.
The spirit in 37 mm is a banger
I really like , i like the sector dial but i cant find it at Stores here in Mexico, the tuxedo is great. But im looking to buy a máster collection Antracite small seconds is Great
I had missed the tuxedo chrono. It arrived today.
I finally opened the box. This is a really nice watch. It's oozing retro, but is surprisingly well finished. I especially like the sparkle of the blued hands and of the perimeters of the subregisters. The latter is something most people will not notice.
I want Longines to use their older in-house chronograph movements.
I agree. Have two pieces myself (bought only this year). However, it sucks that their value drops like a stone.
What about the Lindbergh hour angle watch? The 38mm from the 90's is my grail watch
Love the Lindbergh (hindsight I should've covered some of those early 1900's pieces that they nailed. Hunter casebacks and the works... the brand is just unstoppable 🔥
TBH I'm glad you didn't so the prices stay low 🤣
In all seriousness, yours is some of my absolute favorite watch content. You are the best at considering the design of the watch and not just running through specs and talking points. You focus on watch design as it applys to not only art/fashion, but utility and philosophy. The soul of a watch is not in its movement, but in the balance of its design, engineering, and purpose. You eloquently delve into all of those aspects and it's some of the best content on RUclips. Keep up the good work mate 👍
Great presentation of beautiful watches. However, I feel it’s my duty to tell you “irregardless” isn’t a word. It’s just regardless.
Fantastic choices. Longines is nailing the vintage inspired modern watches like no other. I just wish they weren’t part of the Swatch group.
Imagine Longines and Omega broke away and formed their own lil "Omegines" team? Bringing back the 30T2, 13ZN, "Tre Tacche" designs (etc etc) - that would make the headlines 😉
@@ID-Guyimagine them independent... and competing against each other. Tissot used to compete with them, too. Same story, artificially locked in their specific tiers...
A manual wind Master Collection piece is sorely missing IMO : (
Imagine what they could do with manual wind movements in their chrono’s (and slimmer dress pieces?) Great point 🥃
Strongly agree with this. I’d love to see Swatch liberate Longines from its current brand positioning… I can see a hand wound dress watch taking customers from Jaeger Le Coultre or Omega
@@ID-Guy I am now collecting your whisky glass emoji's, as you seem to use them only for your favourite comments perhaps? 😈
Going back to the manual wind thing.
Surely it would be possible for some brands to have watches with a manual option?
It really should happen with date/no date too (like Helm do ; )
I would be happy to pay more, and it would be an innovation that might spark much needed interest.
I wonder how many people would choose an automatic Speedmaster Moonwatch if it was an option? 😂
One of the most successful collection: Longines Spirit.
nice work as always IDguy.. pulling the trigger on a L
Still wearing my Hydro 10 years on think it will be with me till I dirt dart !
Longines are great, but lots have annoying issues that almost seem thrust upon them by Swatch to keep them in check.
It’s always the case that the overlord has to keep the brand under their thumb. Must say though, just looking at these handful of pieces, it’s pretty incredible how much “freedom” they have compared to so many brands 🥃
I know there’s plenty of people who prefer Tudor to Longines, but I just don’t get it. There’s not a watch on this list I wouldn’t take before a BB58
Hello, the centre power reserve, that should be no 1!!?
It needed a spotlight… and this video should’ve covered double the watches 😆🥃
how about la grande classique
I do like Longines designs.
However asking €1.000,- plus for their Quartz watch models is taking the piss and gives them a bad reputation with watch enthousiasts.
It implies Longines watches are not at an honest price level and perhaps not worth the money.
Unlike Longines, Seiko asks a fair price for their lower tier models which gives them the respect.
New friend here sending may full suppor nkuwan
It is a disservice to not look into the other watch lines of Longines. So much attention is placed on the Heritage watch line that it is blinkered. A lot of these heritage designs were from mainstream lines of Longines back then. The current mainstream lines are where future heritage designs will come from but so many are willfully blinkered to ignore them now but many of them will have the cheek and hypocrisy to say that they knew and liked those designs then.
Difficult to understand why longines is not premium image like rolex and omega.
That's what makes it so fascinating to me, because they're not in that "limelight" like so many popular makers but still smash it in sales. They deserve more coverage for sure man 🥃
Nobody loves the Longines Record. And i love my Longines Record 38.5mm. BTW IDG...irregardless?
It's a beautiful looking collection (and I tried to cover the Chronograph in the opening) They're worth a video by themselves. And I know, I've had many a correction in the comments 😆🥃
I feel that Longines is like the gate keeper for the luxury watch entrance. They doing awesome watches with great value, their Big Eye and Tuxedo are my favourites. Thanks brother for the video.
That Tuxedo dial is calling us… every time I see it I think “Yes.” - that Chronograph… Have an excellent weekend m’boy! 🔥
I completely agree with this. I own three completely different Longines models - hydroconquest, sector dial, and bigeye. All three are incredible pieces. At the same time my brother has a Tudor and a couple Omegas and I have a keen eye on those brands as just a touch of a step up. Great observation.
So happy to see models that are a bit leftfield or not spoken about too much at last. Please do more of this on future videos. 90% of watch YT channels focus on the Hype watches....this often results in great pieces like the Tuxedo and Sector Dial Longines getting missed and un-appreciated. Love the channel. Keep up the great work!
I’ve been watching your videos for years. I even got a shoutout on one of your live feeds for my Titanium Bigeye a few years back. For me, it’s hard to expess exactly how much of an impact your channel has on your audience. I’ve seen a lot of people say great things about a lot of pages in this community, and there are many that are excellent, but this is simply the most outstanding in every way. I’m sure I speak on behalf of many people in saying that we seriously enjoy every video you post.
Well stated and totally agree.
It truly mean so much Chris. And at certain times, like a few weeks back (yes, believe me there are many, many times when I doubt if anything I’m saying has an impact) comments like these mean the most 🥃
My Longines Zulu Time was my first Swiss watch purchase. I've spent more on other luxury watches since then, but I am still captivated by my Longines. The dial, the accuracy, the craftmanship, the brand history, and the value are all fantastic. Thank you for this video. 🍺
The perfect intersection of all the things we love about watches. So happy that the Zulutime was your first, helluva way to start with swiss pieces 😉
Longines is my favorite watch brand.💯👍
I am retiring in 2 weeks and I was going to buy the Tudor Black Bay Burgundy. I’m going to have to go to the Longines boutique and have a look before I decide. Excellent review thank you ! 🍻
Enjoy your retirement! You can't go wrong with either Longines or Tudor.
@@rhgrabowski3855 thanks man ! 🍻
@@rhgrabowski3855 Thank you !!
Damn if you ain’t good! Love your videos! Thanks for bringing them to us!
Always my pleasure to share whatever the hell is knocking around in my head every week Jimmie 😆 Thank you as always brother! 🥃
I love Longines. Own 4, silver arrow, bigeyes, zulutime blue 39mm and a 40mm weems chronograph white with internal rotative bezel. This last one is also a true beauty, should be part of this list❤.
Longines is legendary, huge amount of heritage and history.
this is a brand as prestigious as any ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So pleased to see #2, the tuxedo dial that they no longer sell! I thought it was underrated and a great throwback.
The Tux collection (must be 3 years old now?) was such a breath of fresh air. Man, if Longines could produce more of those classic Tre Tacche designs 🔥 Their archives are incredible!
Good vid,😂 irregardless of all the people complaining about the use of the “irregardless” word in it…
Oh man, I’d never heard of or seen that Silver Arrow reference but it’s just so cool. A definitive series 1 of Mad Men vibe to it. Thanks for opening my eyes to some of these.
Mad Men, what a great take. Does feel exactly like it, right? Ah, they’re hidden gems… and my pleasure as always to share it Prof! Thank you sir 🥃
I don't think it's an exaggeration to say you're doing the best watch videos. Love everything you put out.
Longines is awesome!!!!! and your presentation even better, thanks from venezuela!!!
Excellent review of so many overlooked watches from Longines! I really like the Heritage Military Marine National version. The Avigation Big Eye is just excellent and cool and versatile. The Spirit Zulu time is that watch that exudes near-Omega quality in finishing and style for much less money.
An independent thinker could form a few different and excellent collections just from the choices in this video alone. Well played! Have a great weekend @ID_Guy!
Great remark on the quality finishing next to Omega. It stunned me how well built these pieces are (still does) Ah, love them. Think adding a new Longines will be next on my list - this video was totally just about me trying to rationalise what should be added 😆 Thank you as always Marc and enjoy your Sunday! 🥃
I’m not immediately inclined toward Longines’ design aesthetic but, given this, find myself growing more interested in them because of your videos. Pardon me if you’ve already done this, and perhaps I’ve even already watched it, but an entire video focused on your favorite Heritage Collection chronographs would be welcome. I discovering new-to-me, interesting looking models but don’t yet see one that appeals to me as much as the Zenith El Primero revival series.
I've been eyeing that sector dial and will buy the silver dial one day.
Love Longines! Great video!
I wish brands making chronographs would reduce the length of the pushers. The Bigeye is a great example - there’s no reason for those pushers to be so long and it makes the piece look out of balance. Those pushers could be half as long and just as functional, and the watch would look more balanced and elegant. In fact, I would argue those super long Frankenstein neck bolt pushers are more difficult to use. The tuxedo chronograph is perfect regarding the pushers length.
Fantastic video. I’m a huge Longines fan and realize I need to spend more time with the silver arrow and tuxedos 😊
Love your show always, REGARDLESS of when you say “IRREGARDLESS”, which isn’t a word found in any dictionary.
Irregardlessly regarding my creation of a new word 😆 Appreciate the correction brother and thank you! 🥃
I love the value and style that Longines represents. However, they have an uncanny way of producing watches that wear larger than their diameter would suggest. Many of the heritage collections have long lugs that on many wrists are just too big. The Spirit range is a good example where they finally had to offer it in a third 37mm variant, just to get those lugs into a wearable format.
It does seem the case, whether its the thicker case flanks (or maybe casebacks that take up more real estate on the wrist) and L2L, great point. It's very seldom that we see lengths shorter than 48mm's - considering how they scale up the sizes of what used to be 34-35mm watches (with pretty long lugs) to 39+, scale everything appropriately has its drawbacks 😆
Great video IDguy you never fail to disappoint - ( live wrist watch week hopefully happening again ? ) back to Longines - love the Sector dial on beads of rice bracelet + the Heritage Tuxedo Chrono - both my cup of tea. Thanks for the show again.
babe, irregardless isn't a word, but regardless is.
Imagine being so nuts that you invent a new word? 🤣🥃
Longines has everything
- In-group movement made specifically for them
- One of the oldest brand, extremely rich heritage they could cycle their archives and people wouldn't notice
- One of the pioneers of watchmaking especially aviation (original zulu time for example)
- Good price range (1.5k+)
- Marketing done well enough that they are always top 10
They just have everything
And it's a brand that most don't cover because their designs are more often the opposite of "safe". Ah, to see them bringing back the "tre tacche" designs along with the billion other ideas they have in their archives 😉
@@ID-Guy it's a shame honestly, i am currently in love with my 39mm legend diver in blue and it's a killer of a watch
I think your analysis and commentary is spot on. I have 2 Longines pieces and they are my favorite dress watches. Longines has a knack for softening the dressiness of dress watches with tool watch elements, especially with elements of aviation watches, but they seem to know how not to over do it. I agree too about watch thickness. I would rather have a thin cased tool watch with a quartz movement than a chunky cased mechanical movement. But of course, that is not just a Longines problem. I wish more watch manufacturers would explore ways to make quartz movements more graceful for luxury pieces. The Seiko VH31 is a good example of what I mean.
Love my UltraChron... Less than +1 sec per day accuracy, and finally, a dive watch with its own character and personality. Doesn't look like a Sub, Seamaster, or Panerai.... Excellent video as usual, thank you.
I've seen them pop up from time to time and it's such a compelling buy... what's not to love? Thanks for sharing this Ray, makes me even more interested to look at it again in more detail 🔥
I just bought the classic retrograde moon-phase from the master collection.white 44mm
It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Longines has got everything you need quality,style ,functionality ,design and value for money is incredible.
Love your channel ❤
And I think it’s because they’re relatively “polarising” with such out-there designs that many don’t even know where to start looking. It’s mind-blowing when we start digging (how far the rabbit hole goes 😉) Enjoy your gorgeous Retrograde! Longines even makes Retrogrades…
@@ID-Guy They certainly do..
Longines punch high above its weight !
Thanks ID guy for this episode! I’m quite taken back by their history..
Nice to see another owner of the retrograde moon phase. Talk about thinking outside the box.
I’ve often felt that sector dials allow a better ‘utility’ of time. A simple glance gives you an idea of the little tasks at hand you can accomplish in a specific space of time (quarters). You get a better ‘idea’ of time (time remaining). The design can be somewhat polarising though, I get that.
For me the one Longines that makes going with a Tudor GMT is the Zulu time. I really like the S&G model at 39mm. The warmth of that watch is really special
I'm also looking at that TT 39mm Zulutime. What a stellar piece... they've got tonnes to add when it comes to colours and all sorts in the coming years. Here's hoping they step up their clasp game thought (one thing Tudor has over all these names is the build quality) Well said JT and have a great weekend! 🥃
I started my serious watch journey with a Longines HydroConquest, followed by a Conquest and a Dolce Vita. That could have been a perfect three watch collection, but hey, other brands also have nice watches. But Longines being my first they always have a special place in my heart.
They just hit differently, right? I'm now on the hunt for that perfect intersection of a simple piece (time only) that captures what they do so well... think it might be a Tuxedo as this point 😆🥃
The Tuxedo is killer, every now and then it will pop up again on my list…
Great stuff. Some beautiful pieces. Love this brand
Not the Triple calendar moonphase chrono? 🤔