I've always loved the Black Bay 58, but I think this has a lot more character. I'm a sucker for a beads of rice bracelet as well! Great review as always, Bruce!
I couldn't resist and bought the Blue 39mm with bracelet on Friday, I love this design. I love what Longines has done in the past year, they have other great looking models.
I tried on the 42mm version years ago, and while I loved it, it was too big for me. I finally tried the 39mm today. What a difference. This is next on my list.
I tried in on in person and the design, as well as the proportions are stunning! Perfectly combines dive watch- with dressy features. Also the bracelet (love the design and tapering) is brilliant and does not pull on arm hair at all! (Saw that concern in some comments). The COSC certification makes it an absolute bargain.
I think the new LD 39 is a great upgrade! Unfortunately Longines does not only noticably push their quality but also prices. The newer models doesn't have the great no brainer bang per buck comparing to the latest models released until last year. Still fair enough but now you need to compare them with other previously more expensive watches from other manufacturers like Tudor. And then it just becomes a matter of personal taste.
They're very different designs which just happened to in the diver category. The vintage submariner design is done to death from $20 quartz to the BB58. The Legend Diver design, however, is always a standout.
A while back Longines to me at least were going though stagnant times however as you mention they have really upped their game in a big way. Introducing some great heritage watches along with some great new models. This Legend Diver 39 may well end up on my list to purchase at some point. I love that they dropped the date on this model, to me it looked out of place at the 3 position on some other options. Being COSC is another plus. It it better than a BB58? It's subjective as these watches a so different. I have a BB58 black dial and reflection although not a problem is quite noticeable but it fits with the era that the watch is looking at. I would not rule out having both in a collection if it can be justified.
I wish they used a quick adjust clasp. The way the clasp looks you’d think it has it😅 Either way this is probably the best release from Longines all year!!
Dressier, more refined than the Black Bays. I can see many people wanting both in a collection. Big mistake not to fit on the fly clasp, as this is the way the market is clearly going.
Thanks for one more of several good ones on Longines releases lately! The price increase may be both justified and deserved. However, “they all” used to be covered by home insurance. For me, here in northern Europe, many Longines pieces now require a separate rider to be covered. Anyhow, they are great time keepers and offer so much to chose from in sizes and design now.
I have both this Longines and the blue bb 58 blue and I don't compare them.I use the Longines as my dress watch and my beloved bb 58 blue as my daily driver.I also have an Orient Kamasu blue as my travel watch.
Longines is a master brand , the history they have is enormous they have done everything through the years and always at a great quality and aesthetic. Still to this day is one of my favourite brands
Great watch - thanks for the review. My understanding is that L888 movement has a free-sprung balance wheel, being regulated with the 2 screws. So in that regard it matches the tudor caliber. It lacks the balance bridge though...
Would i swap my bb58 for this piece, NO. But is it a great piece in it's own right, absolutely. If they do another version with cream markers i might just be tempted.
I´ve just ordered the new Seiko Marinemaster SJE101 (with the 6L37 movement), I think that is a serious contender in comparison with the Black Bay 58 too.
Just a fyi on Longines website it shows and says the new 39mm legend divers with the beads of rice bracelets come with the updated clasp with on the fly micro adjust
I think I would buy both. However I already own the BB58 Heritage burgundy and the early reference Longines Hydroconquest with red bezel so still a little biased on my decision making!
i was actually deciding between the 42 and 39 and everyone seemed to be jumping on the 39mm but when I saw the watch live at the AD, the 39 just seem kinda off in both the proportion and the colour. the indices feel a little to clutter, a little too compressed even...
I think it’s not as sporty as most Tudor BB, it’s more class. I think this model is more aligned against Tudor’s BBs without bezels (ex BB 36) and Omega ATs.
Great looking watch, but I'm not keen on AR being on both sides of the crystal as I'd be concerned about scratches. Also a little too dressy for my taste with the bracelet. BB for me.
Owner of a 2014 version: I will wait for lume on bezels minute track. The 42 version has alwasy fit in a rude sporty way with my 18cm wrist. But the second hand is an idea too simple executed. The old 38 hours movement is acceptable, but keeps a desire for the 72hours one.
Tudor is great! Their watches are just… boring in comparison. Both Longines and Tudor do the faux vintage aesthetic very well, but Longines is visually stunning. Meanwhile, the performance is fairly identical. Disregard ETA all you want, but I set my Zulu time over 3 weeks ago and I’m only +1 second right now! I probably have an exceptional example, but it’s possible with Longines. When performance is about equal, price is over a grand cheaper, maintenance will be cheaper, and it looks more exciting, Tudor has been a bit obsolete lately. Tudor has objectively better bracelets and clasps, but when you swap straps and the bracelet is locked in the box anyway, that point becomes null and you’re left with the watch itself not the bracelet/strap.
Always loved this watch but the size of the previous versions never appealed. This however, is the perfect Legend Diver IMO. Something I'll consider after a year when good discounts are available or on the pre-owned market. But Black Bay killer...I don't think so.
Very nice and true review. I bought this watch recently (on learher), I find it absolutely exquisite, especially considering it is a serious 300m diver and even if I agree with you on the missed opportunity that is the non-lum internal bezel. Not such a big deal though. Happy you mentioned the « exceptionaly » smooth crown(s) action, as it is truely incredible, despite no reviewer underlining it. Original, elegant and fun, with a very good movement.
Legend diver is a bit overpriced,that's it, but overall ot looks better than the BB58 and the Longines service cost way less than Tudor's, half or even less and the service interval maybe it will be higher because the watch has a lower rate.
Have to agree. Good to have the LLD more accessible to others but they didn’t shrink the outer ring so the proportions are a bit off imo. Happy to stick with the 42 for now. No date window is a great move however.
The no on-the-fly adjust calsp is a big miss. It's a must have feature at this price range. Some of the sub $1000 watches are now coming with on-the-fly adjust clasp.
I've always loved the Black Bay 58, but I think this has a lot more character. I'm a sucker for a beads of rice bracelet as well! Great review as always, Bruce!
Thank you
I use to think Longines was sub Tudor. Not anyone. Beautiful watch with a ton of history.
Definitely someone.
I couldn't resist and bought the Blue 39mm with bracelet on Friday, I love this design. I love what Longines has done in the past year, they have other great looking models.
This gets bonus points for looking nothing like a submariner.
I tried on the 42mm version years ago, and while I loved it, it was too big for me. I finally tried the 39mm today. What a difference. This is next on my list.
I tried in on in person and the design, as well as the proportions are stunning! Perfectly combines dive watch- with dressy features. Also the bracelet (love the design and tapering) is brilliant and does not pull on arm hair at all! (Saw that concern in some comments). The COSC certification makes it an absolute bargain.
I’m obsessed with this watch
I think the new LD 39 is a great upgrade! Unfortunately Longines does not only noticably push their quality but also prices. The newer models doesn't have the great no brainer bang per buck comparing to the latest models released until last year. Still fair enough but now you need to compare them with other previously more expensive watches from other manufacturers like Tudor. And then it just becomes a matter of personal taste.
They're very different designs which just happened to in the diver category. The vintage submariner design is done to death from $20 quartz to the BB58. The Legend Diver design, however, is always a standout.
A while back Longines to me at least were going though stagnant times however as you mention they have really upped their game in a big way. Introducing some great heritage watches along with some great new models. This Legend Diver 39 may well end up on my list to purchase at some point. I love that they dropped the date on this model, to me it looked out of place at the 3 position on some other options. Being COSC is another plus. It it better than a BB58? It's subjective as these watches a so different. I have a BB58 black dial and reflection although not a problem is quite noticeable but it fits with the era that the watch is looking at. I would not rule out having both in a collection if it can be justified.
A nice watch, but it doesn’t immediately strike me as balanced and beautiful the way the Black Bay did the first time I saw it.
I wish they used a quick adjust clasp. The way the clasp looks you’d think it has it😅 Either way this is probably the best release from Longines all year!!
Dressier, more refined than the Black Bays. I can see many people wanting both in a collection. Big mistake not to fit on the fly clasp, as this is the way the market is clearly going.
Yup at 3k it should have q adjustment.
@@jaime3465Someone should tell Grand Seiko 😂.
Grand Seiko is starting to introduce on the fly adjustment to their bracelets. But yes, I agree. They took forever to get on that train.
Literally perfect proportions. They could not have done better imo.
Thanks Bruce! A fantastic review of a fantastic watch.
Thanks for one more of several good ones on Longines releases lately! The price increase may be both justified and deserved. However, “they all” used to be covered by home insurance. For me, here in northern Europe, many Longines pieces now require a separate rider to be covered. Anyhow, they are great time keepers and offer so much to chose from in sizes and design now.
I have both this Longines and the blue bb 58 blue and I don't compare them.I use the Longines as my dress watch and my beloved bb 58 blue as my daily driver.I also have an Orient Kamasu blue as my travel watch.
Longines is a master brand , the history they have is enormous they have done everything through the years and always at a great quality and aesthetic. Still to this day is one of my favourite brands
The BB58 has been a beast for Tudor. Longines had to do something and this is a good response. I still like my Tudor.
9:15 The Longines has free sprung balance too.
Great movement, looks awesome . Well done Longines .
Well done indeed
Great watch - thanks for the review. My understanding is that L888 movement has a free-sprung balance wheel, being regulated with the 2 screws. So in that regard it matches the tudor caliber. It lacks the balance bridge though...
Bruce misspoke. It’s actually the L888.6 movement that is upgraded from the L888.
Would i swap my bb58 for this piece, NO. But is it a great piece in it's own right, absolutely. If they do another version with cream markers i might just be tempted.
I have both, this wears better than 58.
Great video. The only area for improvement is the lume as it is not the best.
Good review! Is there a difference between a "Beads of Rice" and "Grains of Rice" you mention that this watch has?
“Grains” just makes more sense. Who refers to a single piece of rice as a bead anyway? 😅
Very nice music at the end! Both are great I have the Pélagos 39 and this new Longines
I just bought Tag Heuer Carrera 36mm green colour because I watched your videos, greetings from Malaysia :)
I’d rather have the Longines than the Tudor. Not only is it better looking but much more comfortable to wear.
Not yet but I think they are getting up there... Longines is killing it.
I´ve just ordered the new Seiko Marinemaster SJE101 (with the 6L37 movement), I think that is a serious contender in comparison with the Black Bay 58 too.
Marinemaster is way ahead Tudor BB. This competes with submariner
mine black dial arrives within the week..superb watch.😍
Cosmetically it’s totally different. Actually looks more like a speedy to me. I know it’s a dive watch but I wouldn’t compare it to the Tudor.
Just a fyi on Longines website it shows and says the new 39mm legend divers with the beads of rice bracelets come with the updated clasp with on the fly micro adjust
I think I would buy both. However I already own the BB58 Heritage burgundy and the early reference Longines Hydroconquest with red bezel so still a little biased on my decision making!
Hoping they release new dial variants down the line. A burgundy dial like on the 36mm model would be sick.
i was actually deciding between the 42 and 39 and everyone seemed to be jumping on the 39mm but when I saw the watch live at the AD, the 39 just seem kinda off in both the proportion and the colour. the indices feel a little to clutter, a little too compressed even...
I think it’s not as sporty as most Tudor BB, it’s more class. I think this model is more aligned against Tudor’s BBs without bezels (ex BB 36) and Omega ATs.
Both are versatile dive watches. The Longines is a bit dressier, whereas the Tudor is a bit more toolish.
If quick adjust clasps became industry standard it would transform the hobby.
Great looking watch, but I'm not keen on AR being on both sides of the crystal as I'd be concerned about scratches. Also a little too dressy for my taste with the bracelet. BB for me.
Owner of a 2014 version: I will wait for lume on bezels minute track. The 42 version has alwasy fit in a rude sporty way with my 18cm wrist. But the second hand is an idea too simple executed. The old 38 hours movement is acceptable, but keeps a desire for the 72hours one.
Longines always is good value for money!
I give longines the edge over tudor. Great quality and slightly less bulky
The Black Bay is a fine watch, but this looks a lot better!
Tudor is great! Their watches are just… boring in comparison. Both Longines and Tudor do the faux vintage aesthetic very well, but Longines is visually stunning. Meanwhile, the performance is fairly identical. Disregard ETA all you want, but I set my Zulu time over 3 weeks ago and I’m only +1 second right now! I probably have an exceptional example, but it’s possible with Longines.
When performance is about equal, price is over a grand cheaper, maintenance will be cheaper, and it looks more exciting, Tudor has been a bit obsolete lately. Tudor has objectively better bracelets and clasps, but when you swap straps and the bracelet is locked in the box anyway, that point becomes null and you’re left with the watch itself not the bracelet/strap.
Always loved this watch but the size of the previous versions never appealed. This however, is the perfect Legend Diver IMO. Something I'll consider after a year when good discounts are available or on the pre-owned market. But Black Bay killer...I don't think so.
Lovely, the pipe to the right of the 9 and left of the 3 seems unnecessary though. I’d take this over a BB58. The BB58 wears very small imo
The new gray dial 39 is the first legend diver I think I’d take over a black bay
Really nice review
Thanks!
100% a better looking watch than the bb
Longines, where's the mther white pearl 39 mm + milanese bracelet? Tks fot the vid, man.
Wait the new hydrogmt has an on the flight adjustment and this one doesnt. Wtf was longines thinking. Otherwise 10/10 watch.
I think this watch and the bb58 can very well live in the same collection
Watch has a lot of character, I prefer this one.
These look really good
Very nice and true review. I bought this watch recently (on learher), I find it absolutely exquisite, especially considering it is a serious 300m diver and even if I agree with you on the missed opportunity that is the non-lum internal bezel. Not such a big deal though.
Happy you mentioned the « exceptionaly » smooth crown(s) action, as it is truely incredible, despite no reviewer underlining it.
Original, elegant and fun, with a very good movement.
Bruce, can you review the Carrera Glass Box - its fantastic
Legend diver is a bit overpriced,that's it, but overall ot looks better than the BB58 and the Longines service cost way less than Tudor's, half or even less and the service interval maybe it will be higher because the watch has a lower rate.
Tudor❤
If they did a white dial, I'd buy one
Both great watches, but different creatures with quite different appeals.
It's quite thick and sits high so is going to be a cuff catcher; it is not a watch for long-sleeve shirts.
I’m hoping they re-release the 42mm no date on mesh with their modern movement.
Would buy if it had a white/silver/champagne dial, I have enough dark dialed watches
91 and 13 - it's all I see looking at that dial. I really don't understand why they did that.
The beads of rice is pretty busy, what does it look like on a sailcloth strap?
As this is a review sample, I can't change straps on it
I own both and never compare them.
Huge miss on the clasp and the lume. Always thought the seconds hand was a tad too short.
Lovely watch otherwise
Nice watch. 👍
I have this watch and a Black Bay 58 blue and I wouldn't tease them for anything.I also have 2 subs and they would go first.
Defo take this over the BB54….BB58 on leather strap with shield clasp? Not so sure
BB58 needs arc and a t-fit I think
Tudor are COSC certified. I would have a Tudor
This watch is also COSC certified.
The Longines is also COSC cert.
I've never heard of Longines having the QC issues that Tudor has been suffering from the past few years.
what's your wrist size sir?
7.25"
I'd take Longines over Tudor every day of the week.
This or aqua terra?
dude I was agreeing with you until you showed the 58 on that nato, god damn..
The fake rivets on the BB bracelet kills it for me. So unnecessary.
The only fault imo is the lines beside the hour indicators
Tudor is another ho-hum diver. Longines is miles ahead in watch design!
I think it is just because the design is more true to the original while the black bay has the snowflake hands
39mm hype wagon. Everyone knows 44.3 is the perfect size.
Lol😂
I am in on large watches
Have to agree. Good to have the LLD more accessible to others but they didn’t shrink the outer ring so the proportions are a bit off imo.
Happy to stick with the 42 for now. No date window is a great move however.
Longines or Tudor?
No, save more money for a better watch.
Longines is Awesome!
The no on-the-fly adjust calsp is a big miss. It's a must have feature at this price range. Some of the sub $1000 watches are now coming with on-the-fly adjust clasp.
Yes, its pretty common across price points these days
Much better than Tudor.
What are you smoking?
Somebody's bias is showing lol
Beautiful watch! Worst looking crystal!
Theres enough bracelet there to wear it on your leg
Not my cup of tea 🤷🏽
The Longines over Tudor very Day.
I can’t get over the lines next to the numbers on the dial. The line next to the 3 looks like it’s a 13 to me now 🥲