The 2016 Longines Heritage 1969 (ref. L2.310.4.72.0) is yet another bold attempt at reintroducing one of their many classic models for the modern audience.
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Longines Heritage Military COSD L2.832.4.53/73.x
War never changes. Watches, however, do. It is nice when reputable brands introduce all sorts of homages to the legendary WWII-time models issued for armies and navies of all parties involved. For obvious reasons, I can’t call this 2015 Longines Heritage Military COSD (ref. L2.832.4.53/73.x) a true “reissue”. However, it is still a nice choice for a person who wants to buy a military-style timekeeper that doesn’t look like it came straight from the Call of Duty: Black Ops. This one was designed with an officer and a gentleman in mind.
Longines Pulsometer Chronograph Automatic
At Baselworld 2015, Longines has expanded its line of vintage-styled timekeepers. Besides the gorgeous 2012 Tachymeter and Telemeter models, the brand will also soon start selling their new Longines Pulsometer Chronograph (ref. L2.801.4.23.2).
Longines Conquest Heritage 1954-2014 Limited Edition
Based on one of their models from 1950s, the 2014 limited edition Longines Conquest Heritage 1954-2014 comes in a compact 35-millimeter case which is available not only in an expensive rose or yellow gold but also in a lot more affordable stainless steel. Combine it with a nice business dress and you have a clear winner.
Longines Heritage 1935 Automatic Pilot’s Watch (Ref. L2.794.4.53.0)
With its lovingly reproduced look and feel of the original Longines CAF “aviator” that was first introduced almost 80 years ago (it was actually an evolution of one of their even older models from the 1920s), the 2014 Longines Heritage 1935 (Ref. L2.794.4.53.0) gives you a perfect chance to own a timekeeper that perfectly blends the unique design language of the pre-war era with modern technology.
Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph (refs. L2.791.4.52.0 & L2.791.4.72.0)
The Longines Heritage 1973 Chronograph (refs. L2.791.4.52.0 & L2.791.4.72.0) collection is a homage to the classic 1973 chronograph. Although you can’t seriously call this new timepiece a “reissue,” it looks close to the original making it a serious competitor to vintage-styled chronographs introduced recently by Tudor and its arch-rival Tag Heuer.
Longines Heritage 1968 Square Stainless Steel (Ref. L2.792.4.71.0)
This new Longines Heritage 1968 Square doesn’t look like a re-issue of a certain model that was released by the Swiss brand back in the 1960s. However, it looks more than a curt nod to the period when the Western civilization was reaching its peak giving a pretty good idea of how Longines watches of the time could have looked like if watchmakers of that time have had technologies of the XXI century.
Longines Avigation Oversize Crown GMT L2.778.4.53
I don’t know whether it is the postmodern lack of new ideas or an attempt to return to the brand’s roots, but, during the recent years, Longines shows a great interest in its past. There were dozens of vintage-styled models paying homage to the period starting in the 1910s and going all the way to the 1970s. This new Longines Avigation Oversize Crown GMT (Ref. L2.778.4.53) takes the “homage” idea a step or two further offering a well-balanced compilation of its 1920s trench watches.
Longines Conquest Classic Chronograph
Presented at the Baselworld 2013 trade show together with the refreshed Conquest Classic three-hander, the new Longines Conquest Classic Chronograph sports the same styling, but somehow manages to look even more elegant than its dressy sibling.
Longines Conquest Classic Self-Winding
Longines has first presented the Conquest Classic collection at the Baselworld 2013 exhibition. Soon to arrive at a watch shop near you, the new watch will be available in a choice of three versions including a two-tone with gold-steel bracelet variety (ref. L2.785.5.56.7) reviewed here. I must admit that the new member of the Conquest family looks a lot more elegant than its previous incarnations.
Longines Tachymeter Automatic Chronograph (Ref. L2.781.4.13)
The self-winding Longines Tachymeter chronograph (Ref. L2.781.4.13) is essentially a redecorated version of the elegant 2012 Telemeter chronograph (Ref. L2.780.4.18). Boasting the same movement sitting inside the same medium-sized case, this one differs from its sibling only with a pair of tachymeter scales printed on its snow-white dial.
Longines Telemeter Automatic Chronograph L2.780.4.18
Playing in many different segments and delivering all kinds of styles, starting with the elegant and dressy La Grande Classique, sporty Conquest and finishing the picture with nicely executed (and also quite affordable) HydroConquest divers, the Swatch Group’s brand darling does an especially good job when it comes to vintage-styled timekeepers. Their recent run of 1940’s-inspired limited edition models is already in short supply, so, if you crave for a similarly styled model, the new Longines Telemeter Automatic Chronograph (Ref. L2.780.4.18) may be just what the doctor ordered.
Longines Heritage 1942 180th Anniversary Chronograph (Ref. L2.768.4.13/53)
Longines keep churning out new members of their recent 180th Anniversary collection. Sporting the same basic design, which is inspired by classic pre-WWII watches, the new Longines Heritage 1942 180th Anniversary Chronograph (Ref. L2.768.4.13/53) doesn’t kick bottom parts either in terms of exterior design nor technical features. Yet, it may still be a nice choice for a man looking for a moderately classy, yet relatively affordable self-winding chronograph from a reputable Swiss-based watchmaking brand.
Longines Heritage 1940 Small Seconds (Ref. L2.767.4.13/53.2)
This new Longines Heritage 1940 (Ref. L2.767.4.13/53.2) is powered by a mass-produced job that is normally reserved for (a lot) less expensive timepieces although even brands of higher pedigree sometimes are not shy of using one.
Longines Saint-Imier Automatic Chronograph (Ref. L2.753.5.52/72.7)
The Swiss watchmaking company Longines has recently revealed some info regarding their new Saint-Imier collection of automatic timekeepers that will be revealed next month during the Baselworld 2012 event. Although there will be around a dozen different pieces in the new line, only a single photo accompanied their press release depicting the sporty Longines Saint-Imier Automatic Chronograph (Ref. L2.753.5.52/72.7) in a two-tone mix of 18-karat rose gold and stainless steel.