This is true, but if I'm paying good money for a mechanical chronograph. I want to enjoy that beautifully decorated movement otherwise what's the point.
I ve got a Longines with L888-2 movement inside and been wearing it for 3 years. Still keeps perfect time +1-2 seconds a day. And it is incredibly thin, melts on the wrist and feels so comfortable.
Honestly, I don't have a preference for open case backs. I kind of really like the idea that a beautiful movement is hiding behind the case back, and love the idea that it's completely out of view only for the watchmaker to admire while servicing. The fact that Longines goes to the effort to decorate an unseen movement speaks volumes of their passion towards producing gorgeous watches.
To me the only real upside to having glass caseback is that some watches are much easier to authenticate if you could see the movement, other than that I actually don't mind having a solid caseback.
Agree completely. I think Longines likes showing off their trademark on the caseback, as they are proud of having the world's oldest one still being used.
I love seeing the workings in a watch. Perhaps companies should provide an additional display caseback as a promotional special edition. I feel the same as you that it is such a shame not to display the workings. I would love to make casebacks with display crystal for modding.
I get why people like exhibition case backs. These mechanical movements, even more basic ones, are amazing. For me though unless the movement is handmade, hand finished and beautifully decorated I prefer a closed case back to keep the overall case thickness down. Also, I like Longines too, but dang Bruce you have been on a serious Longines binge of late. Lol
The problem is in the misunderstanding of product design and the opinion of very little few noisy customers. At first you bought the "heritage" line, which want to design as authentic as possible. Similiar to the past models where no saphire caseback did exist. Actually it is fine if they the front of the watch. But I think they should more consider the modern technical abilities as they do in every other process of manufacturing a "heritage" watch. I mean the materials are modern metals, glasses, leathers. Produced with modern machines to make the watch even higher quality, more resistant and more luxury then in the past. Why? Because it's the demand of the market. So why don't do they fullfill the demand of the market for open casebacks? Because some people would shout "That's not like the original!" Same for divers. Oroginal divers had no opem caseback to make it more water resistant. But who takes his expensive diving watch to diving? I honestly never met one. The luxury dive watch is for joy. For diving everybody uses Casio Duro or Citizen Promaster. A classic watch is used these days as a piece of art, to enjoy it and see something beautiful. And to enjoy the movement is a part of my joy. So, when ever I decide to buy a watch. If it's above 300 dollar I expect an open caseback. Best example is Laco. Miyota movement. 370 euros I guess. But pretty nice finished open caseback and the design is still the classic Fliegerwatch. That's about showing the proudness of it's craftmanship and appreciating the customer. Sorry for the long comment 😊
I have the steel version which I got at a good price, but I do agree with you about the closed case back. My only real complaint is that the lume isn't great. The numerals fade very quickly, but the hands last a little longer. I'm not too keen on the leather strap and will probably change it for a steel version at some point. Accuracy was about +15 seconds a day when in first bought it, but after some wrist time it is now about +5 seconds a day which is acceptable.
Purhased the Sinn 103 ti ar , but, its biggest competition was this Longines titanium " big eye". The column wheel movement etc was a big draw. Sinn has the open caseback and display and probably that swayed it.
You know when I first started collecting the open caseback was was a must have.major reasons for buying my 104 and ball engineer ii magneto s were because of this. Now that I'm older I realize unless you're wearing it upside ... it really doesn't need it
@@nkmsvwde5612 same here, I've owned many watches over the years including ones with sapphire casebacks. Whilst it's nice to have, it's not a requirement for me nowadays. I think I would only really appreciate the movement if it was a Lange. I had a sapphire sandwich speedy, sold that and got a hesalite speedy with a solid caseback instead.
Better still, an exhibition caseback revealing a hand winding version of this movement, it would be slimmer even with the movement revealed. They could use the same mid case too which would save them some of the tooling costs. I suggested this to Longine about 9 months ago . . .
Maybe thickness is the only excuse but how much thicker would a sapphire case back be, 0.5mm, 1mm? If it’s less than 1mm I’d say it’s worth it to see that beautiful movement. Being vintage inspired would be a terrible reason to not show the movement because while it’s being worn, you can’t see the back anyway, so it doesn’t matter. But if you’re purposefully looking at the back, then you might as well see the movement.
The decorated Longines movement based on the work horse Valoux 775X movement certainly looks very good Bruce. Longines use a more complicated version in the L2.673.4.78.3 that has the sapphire case back where we get to see the blued column wheel but case back looks like its bigger on the BigEye compared to the 40mm L2.673.4.78.3 so an unlikely swap. Longines did make a larger diameter version of the L2.673.4.78.3 but I do not know if the case back was larger. Either way the back crystal part may be of use to some one who wants to fabricate a new back for the BigEye. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Bruce! I think that's an ETA base movement? I guess it all depends on how thicc you want the watch to be - it already shows 14.5mm thick, so adding additional thickness for the sapphire case back might make it a bit unwieldy... As you know, I have a similar watch in the Breguet Type XX (Lemania movement there, but similar in many respects). It's also 14.5 mm thick with a solid caseback! Chris at Fankhauser had my case back off, too, and the Breguet has a beautiful movement in it. I don't fault it for the solid case back, though. I just don't think I'd want my Breguet to be as thick as a Planet Ocean. :-)
Movements are decorated for the sake of quality and perfection not to show them off , there are countless pateks with amazing movements all in closed casebacks and at the same time the thinner the watch the prestigious it is so it’s a wise and aristocratic decision to keep it like that ! Good for longines there are not posers
On movements, my new Longines Spirt Zulu is losing less than half a second a day. It’s better than my old Omega SMP coaxial, a well regulated ETA based movement is as good as it gets. Don’t want to see them though lol, functional not beautiful. I have also found steel is more comfortable than glass a case back.
@Bruce Williams I think that the Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph case back looks like it could fit, but I make no promises. Specs for the 1973 are 40mm Diameter with a 14.4mm Thickness vs BigEye's 41mm Diameter and 14.5mm Thickness. What do you think?
I think that the Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph case back looks like it could fit, but I make no promises. Specs for the 1973 are 40mm Diameter with a 14.4mm Thickness vs BigEye's 41mm Diameter and 14.5mm Thickness. What do you think?
I have a now discontinued Longines Saint-Imier chronograph with a display caseback. Different movement but looks very much same. I think it's beautiful to look at. Of course not haute horology level, but still. I have been wondering why Longines has chosen to hide the movements on so many of their newer models.... I guess it's because they are heritage models and back in the days watches rarely had see -through casebacks, but still, I think it's a shame really. Would be interesting to see how is their movement finishing on their entry-level pieces, like Hydroconquest. Is it up to the same standards or something more below that. And, what I think is also interesting, is that as Swatch Group owns both Longines and ETA, and ETA makes Longines these movements exclusively, you can almost say that Longines has in-house movements.... almost :D Like Tudor with Kenissi....and I love and own Tudor too. Anyway, I really think Longines offers so much quality, finishing, heritage, brand and style for so little that it's unbelievable.
Hi Bruce the Master Complication chronograph Longines has a clear case back (mine is 18k gold) and it comes in steel too, but not sure about Titanium. Hope this helps. Cheers Noel
I would definitely enjoy some options, an open caseback and a purist one! Like the bracelet model with an open case back and a cheaper strap option with closed case back. Like omega almost does with sapphire/hesalite moonwatches.
Omega is doing it best with the Speedmaster: want the vintage feel? Get the acrylic crystal with closed caseback model. Want a more modern look and see the movement? Sapphire sandwich for you. And at the end of the day everyone is happy
If they made the back cover glass then that would probably add at least an extra millimeter to an already too thick watch, and that would make the watch downright uncomfortable for most people. Anyway, after the first day, everything becomes trivial and no one looks at the movement anymore.
I’m not sure if that’s how users of watch brands like A. Lange & Sohne view their watches. But you might be right about its thickness since it’s an automatic movement. If the movement was switched to a handwinding one however, it might be able to stay thin.
@@Tunnelsnakes The problem with the Swatch group is that they use standard Valjoux movements that they modify very little, more aesthetically. That's why Hamilton also uses a manually wound chronograph movement, but this does not reduce much of the thickness of the watch. Honestly, I think it would be time for these brands that sell watches for $3000 to produce other movements to be able to reduce the thickness of the watches to be worn in everyday life. We are currently paying $3,000 for a name that meant something in the horology industry 80 years ago and for a design that any microbrand can do. Otherwise, 99% of the watches that today cost more than $500 do not justify their price. Unfortunately, this model also qualifies in the category: interesting in the first week, then put up for sale.
Really don’t know why they don’t show the movement. Specially when they put effort making it look better. I can understand it on the divers, but all the other models deserve a show case back
Way too much group think by watch manufacturers. Every mechanical watch should come with an exhibition case back. And have a closed case back available as a purchase option. The same with dates. Always offer no date as the primary offering. And a date as an option. You get options with almost all consumer purchases you make, especially high dollar purchases. The watch makers need to wake up fast.
I disagree. Seeing the backside isn't necessarily a plus. When I'm wearing my seamaster I forget about the see through and don't think about it once at work or wherever I am. It's just not needed imo.
It’s not needed, but it can be there for those that do want it. I guess I should ask: would your Seamaster be much better without the open caseback, or do you think it would wear the same to you if it was solid?
I’d reach out to Mark at Long Island Watch for a source on a exhibition case back. I believe he just introduced an exhibition case back in his Islander watch brand.
Regarding aftermarket display case backs, I know you can find display case backs for Rolex watches on the web.. Why not Longines too......? Perhaps said same companies can address other brands if demand is there .www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/how-to-get-a-sapphire-caseback-for-your-rolex I'd pay 200 bucks for a display case back for my longine spirit chronometer.
Am I the only one that finds the every three minute extended markers at the chronograph fascinating?? Why three? Why not five? I've heard rumors that it has to do with antiquated long distance billing, but I'm not too sure. I love you've been giving love to Longines BW, they are definitely on fire!
Modern Chronographs are pretty thick to begin with.The sapphire case back would make it even thicker as opposed to a solid one.Just food for thought.
This is true, but if I'm paying good money for a mechanical chronograph. I want to enjoy that beautifully decorated movement otherwise what's the point.
It depends; I think the hand winding ones are much thinner, but in this case, I am not so sure since it’s an automatic movement.
My Breitling Super Chronomat is the same thickness 14.5 and yet has a display caseback. Most chronograph are thick anyway.
That's actually not the case (back)
I ve got a Longines with L888-2 movement inside and been wearing it for 3 years. Still keeps perfect time +1-2 seconds a day. And it is incredibly thin, melts on the wrist and feels so comfortable.
Nice one, Bruce. My dad was an avid Longines guy before he moved on to Omega. Thanks for doing this video, it brings back wonderful memories 🙏🏻
Honestly, I don't have a preference for open case backs. I kind of really like the idea that a beautiful movement is hiding behind the case back, and love the idea that it's completely out of view only for the watchmaker to admire while servicing. The fact that Longines goes to the effort to decorate an unseen movement speaks volumes of their passion towards producing gorgeous watches.
I guess it’s nice knowing that the watchmaker can enjoy it, but call me selfish when I say I want a bit of that enjoyment too ;)
To me the only real upside to having glass caseback is that some watches are much easier to authenticate if you could see the movement, other than that I actually don't mind having a solid caseback.
Agree completely. I think Longines likes showing off their trademark on the caseback, as they are proud of having the world's oldest one still being used.
Your intro makes me feel like I'm in a rap video, twerking, and wearing nothing but a fifty fathoms with a sapphire bezel.
Beautiful watch. Completely agree with your assessment of the caseback
I love seeing the workings in a watch. Perhaps companies should provide an additional display caseback as a promotional special edition. I feel the same as you that it is such a shame not to display the workings. I would love to make casebacks with display crystal for modding.
I get why people like exhibition case backs. These mechanical movements, even more basic ones, are amazing. For me though unless the movement is handmade, hand finished and beautifully decorated I prefer a closed case back to keep the overall case thickness down. Also, I like Longines too, but dang Bruce you have been on a serious Longines binge of late. Lol
The answer is simple: Dimensions. They simply don't want to add depth to the caseback.
The problem is in the misunderstanding of product design and the opinion of very little few noisy customers.
At first you bought the "heritage" line, which want to design as authentic as possible. Similiar to the past models where no saphire caseback did exist.
Actually it is fine if they the front of the watch. But I think they should more consider the modern technical abilities as they do in every other process of manufacturing a "heritage" watch. I mean the materials are modern metals, glasses, leathers. Produced with modern machines to make the watch even higher quality, more resistant and more luxury then in the past.
Why? Because it's the demand of the market.
So why don't do they fullfill the demand of the market for open casebacks?
Because some people would shout "That's not like the original!"
Same for divers.
Oroginal divers had no opem caseback to make it more water resistant.
But who takes his expensive diving watch to diving?
I honestly never met one.
The luxury dive watch is for joy.
For diving everybody uses Casio Duro or Citizen Promaster.
A classic watch is used these days as a piece of art, to enjoy it and see something beautiful.
And to enjoy the movement is a part of my joy.
So, when ever I decide to buy a watch. If it's above 300 dollar I expect an open caseback.
Best example is Laco.
Miyota movement. 370 euros I guess. But pretty nice finished open caseback and the design is still the classic Fliegerwatch.
That's about showing the proudness of it's craftmanship and appreciating the customer.
Sorry for the long comment 😊
I have the steel version which I got at a good price, but I do agree with you about the closed case back. My only real complaint is that the lume isn't great. The numerals fade very quickly, but the hands last a little longer. I'm not too keen on the leather strap and will probably change it for a steel version at some point. Accuracy was about +15 seconds a day when in first bought it, but after some wrist time it is now about +5 seconds a day which is acceptable.
Purhased the Sinn 103 ti ar , but, its biggest competition was this Longines titanium " big eye". The column wheel movement etc was a big draw. Sinn has the open caseback and display and probably that swayed it.
You know when I first started collecting the open caseback was was a must have.major reasons for buying my 104 and ball engineer ii magneto s were because of this. Now that I'm older I realize unless you're wearing it upside ... it really doesn't need it
@@nkmsvwde5612 same here, I've owned many watches over the years including ones with sapphire casebacks. Whilst it's nice to have, it's not a requirement for me nowadays. I think I would only really appreciate the movement if it was a Lange. I had a sapphire sandwich speedy, sold that and got a hesalite speedy with a solid caseback instead.
does anybody ask rolex which is 3times more expensive, to show the movement?????
Because, their movements have little to no decoration whatsoever. About as bland as Amy Schumer's comedic career.
@@LockheedMartinF22Raptor7 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Better still, an exhibition caseback revealing a hand winding version of this movement, it would be slimmer even with the movement revealed. They could use the same mid case too which would save them some of the tooling costs. I suggested this to Longine about 9 months ago . . .
I would love to have an exibition case back on my Spirit Chronograph to see the L688.4 movement
Maybe thickness is the only excuse but how much thicker would a sapphire case back be, 0.5mm, 1mm? If it’s less than 1mm I’d say it’s worth it to see that beautiful movement. Being vintage inspired would be a terrible reason to not show the movement because while it’s being worn, you can’t see the back anyway, so it doesn’t matter. But if you’re purposefully looking at the back, then you might as well see the movement.
I agee with you, Bruce. Please show us the movement more often. Thanks for the great video. Take care :)
Yesssssss! I have been saying this! The Hydroconquest as well. I would do a 3rd party swap out for a exhibition back
Would be great if you had the option of a display back. You could always just have the current case back machined and put in the glass
The decorated Longines movement based on the work horse Valoux 775X movement certainly looks very good Bruce. Longines use a more complicated version in the L2.673.4.78.3 that has the sapphire case back where we get to see the blued column wheel but case back looks like its bigger on the BigEye compared to the 40mm L2.673.4.78.3 so an unlikely swap. Longines did make a larger diameter version of the L2.673.4.78.3 but I do not know if the case back was larger. Either way the back crystal part may be of use to some one who wants to fabricate a new back for the BigEye. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Bruce! I think that's an ETA base movement? I guess it all depends on how thicc you want the watch to be - it already shows 14.5mm thick, so adding additional thickness for the sapphire case back might make it a bit unwieldy... As you know, I have a similar watch in the Breguet Type XX (Lemania movement there, but similar in many respects). It's also 14.5 mm thick with a solid caseback! Chris at Fankhauser had my case back off, too, and the Breguet has a beautiful movement in it. I don't fault it for the solid case back, though. I just don't think I'd want my Breguet to be as thick as a Planet Ocean. :-)
Movements are decorated for the sake of quality and perfection not to show them off , there are countless pateks with amazing movements all in closed casebacks and at the same time the thinner the watch the prestigious it is so it’s a wise and aristocratic decision to keep it like that ! Good for longines there are not posers
Decorating the movement does not improve quality - it's just cosmetic.
Longines makes Plenty of watches with Open Casebacks. I have a Heritage Chronograph with same mvmnt that I can see !!
On movements, my new Longines Spirt Zulu is losing less than half a second a day. It’s better than my old Omega SMP coaxial, a well regulated ETA based movement is as good as it gets. Don’t want to see them though lol, functional not beautiful. I have also found steel is more comfortable than glass a case back.
Glad Longines getting some love, even my old Hydroconquest has display worthy finishing. Especially considering some Tudor and Seiko displays.
I agree 100% Bruce. I want to see the movement in an expedition case base, if I’m paying $2k +
@Bruce Williams I think that the Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph case back looks like it could fit, but I make no promises. Specs for the 1973 are 40mm Diameter with a 14.4mm Thickness vs BigEye's 41mm Diameter and 14.5mm Thickness. What do you think?
Bruce, you can mill out the original case to fit a piece of sapphire
The Big Eye looks awesome! It's a shame there is no open case back and also I wish it came on the mesh bracelet that is used for the Legend diver.
Bruce, I have the same thought regarding the BigEye caseback, please continue your search and let us know if you find one.
I think that the Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph case back looks like it could fit, but I make no promises. Specs for the 1973 are 40mm Diameter with a 14.4mm Thickness vs BigEye's 41mm Diameter and 14.5mm Thickness. What do you think?
Agree with you - if I'm paying for a higher grade movement I want to see it!
I have a now discontinued Longines Saint-Imier chronograph with a display caseback. Different movement but looks very much same. I think it's beautiful to look at. Of course not haute horology level, but still. I have been wondering why Longines has chosen to hide the movements on so many of their newer models.... I guess it's because they are heritage models and back in the days watches rarely had see -through casebacks, but still, I think it's a shame really. Would be interesting to see how is their movement finishing on their entry-level pieces, like Hydroconquest. Is it up to the same standards or something more below that. And, what I think is also interesting, is that as Swatch Group owns both Longines and ETA, and ETA makes Longines these movements exclusively, you can almost say that Longines has in-house movements.... almost :D Like Tudor with Kenissi....and I love and own Tudor too. Anyway, I really think Longines offers so much quality, finishing, heritage, brand and style for so little that it's unbelievable.
I absolutely prefer a solid case back on this watch, most watches for that matter.
Agreed! Just bought the Longines Heritage Pulsometer, and you can see this same movement :)
If you want one with the same movememt, a clear case back and more impressive dial. Go for Longines Pulsometer monopusher
Gorgeous piece
I prefer a closed case back …one less thing to worry about….
Hi Bruce the Master Complication chronograph Longines has a clear case back (mine is 18k gold) and it comes in steel too, but not sure about Titanium. Hope this helps.
Cheers Noel
Just sold mine (2018) black version. Isn’t it like a trendy mood to see the movement?
I would definitely enjoy some options, an open caseback and a purist one! Like the bracelet model with an open case back and a cheaper strap option with closed case back. Like omega almost does with sapphire/hesalite moonwatches.
That movement looks just as good as IWC chronos in 43m.
Fantastic idea
I was put off the new Spirit models due to the closed back.
Omega is doing it best with the Speedmaster: want the vintage feel? Get the acrylic crystal with closed caseback model. Want a more modern look and see the movement? Sapphire sandwich for you. And at the end of the day everyone is happy
can't agree more
I'll be buying a display caseback if you can make this happen
Same thing for the Hydroconquest...
...but a water resistance of 300 meters, so I accept !
Oris and Tissot have 300 m and glass backs 🤷♂️
If they made the back cover glass then that would probably add at least an extra millimeter to an already too thick watch, and that would make the watch downright uncomfortable for most people. Anyway, after the first day, everything becomes trivial and no one looks at the movement anymore.
I’m not sure if that’s how users of watch brands like A. Lange & Sohne view their watches. But you might be right about its thickness since it’s an automatic movement. If the movement was switched to a handwinding one however, it might be able to stay thin.
@@Tunnelsnakes The problem with the Swatch group is that they use standard Valjoux movements that they modify very little, more aesthetically. That's why Hamilton also uses a manually wound chronograph movement, but this does not reduce much of the thickness of the watch. Honestly, I think it would be time for these brands that sell watches for $3000 to produce other movements to be able to reduce the thickness of the watches to be worn in everyday life. We are currently paying $3,000 for a name that meant something in the horology industry 80 years ago and for a design that any microbrand can do. Otherwise, 99% of the watches that today cost more than $500 do not justify their price.
Unfortunately, this model also qualifies in the category: interesting in the first week, then put up for sale.
Really don’t know why they don’t show the movement. Specially when they put effort making it look better. I can understand it on the divers, but all the other models deserve a show case back
I have another model of a chronograph from Longines with that movement with a display case back.
Way too much group think by watch manufacturers. Every mechanical watch should come with an exhibition case back. And have a closed case back available as a purchase option. The same with dates. Always offer no date as the primary offering. And a date as an option. You get options with almost all consumer purchases you make, especially high dollar purchases. The watch makers need to wake up fast.
Gorgeous!
I have longines spirit and its my biggest gripe with this stunning watch. Shame Longines doesnt boast their job
I disagree. Seeing the backside isn't necessarily a plus. When I'm wearing my seamaster I forget about the see through and don't think about it once at work or wherever I am. It's just not needed imo.
It’s not needed, but it can be there for those that do want it. I guess I should ask: would your Seamaster be much better without the open caseback, or do you think it would wear the same to you if it was solid?
I’d reach out to Mark at Long Island Watch for a source on a exhibition case back. I believe he just introduced an exhibition case back in his Islander watch brand.
Il bracciale nel video dove è possibile acquistarlo ?
What bracelet did you put on that Bruce?
Regarding aftermarket display case backs,
I know you can find display case backs for Rolex watches on the web..
Why not Longines too......?
Perhaps said same companies can address other brands if demand is there .www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/how-to-get-a-sapphire-caseback-for-your-rolex
I'd pay 200 bucks for a display case back for my longine spirit chronometer.
Am I the only one that finds the every three minute extended markers at the chronograph fascinating?? Why three? Why not five? I've heard rumors that it has to do with antiquated long distance billing, but I'm not too sure. I love you've been giving love to Longines BW, they are definitely on fire!
That was with the omega dynamic chronograph.
yes
They are not hidding it…I have models showing it and some with a solid caseback……..
no interest in most display case backs
Yeah, we like to see all those mechanical bit... But also accept what Rolex does...
Hi
Come on now .. you know perfectly well it’s pronounced “Long-Jeans-es’s”