I have long been a fan of Longines watches. Longines are elegant and impeccably made watches. Longines watches are affordable Swiss watches for the average consumer, but being affordable doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.
Longines has been making quality watches since 1832. In 1912, Longines made history in the world of sport by introducing the concept of an electrical cable that, at the start and finish of a race, activated and stopped a timing mechanism. This innovation in Longines timekeeping has ensured that Longines has been appointed Official Timekeeper at many of the world’s major sporting events. Longines sports watches reflect this sporting history. But Longines also makes many elegant watches for men and women; I think that Longines watches for women are especially beautiful. The current collection of Longines watches reflects this.
The Longines DolceVita collection has a simple and elegant design. The face is rectangular with simple hour markers. The DolceVita dial comes in black, white, or pink mother-of-pearl. The case comes in stainless steel, although you can purchase a gold case set with 32 Top Wesselton diamonds (0.32 ct), which comes on a matching gold bracelet. Stainless steel versions can also be purchased encrusted with diamonds and come with stainless steel bracelets or black or white lacquered leather strap. Some versions of the Longines DolceVita can be worn by men, but it is as an elegant women’s watch that the Longines DolceVita really stands out.
Longines claims that Evidenza evokes the 1920s. I feel there is some justification for this, as the watch face looks old fashioned, but not out of date. The barrel shape of the case dates back to a Longines model dating from 1911; the barrel shape being an oval with flattened ends. The Longines Evidenza is suitable for both men and women. The case is made of stainless steel, although there is a gold version for women set with 44 diamonds of 0.22 carats. The Longines Evidenza comes with a quartz or automatic movement. My favorite Evidenza is the one that comes in a stainless steel case on a dark brown alligator strap, enhanced by 12 blue painted Arabic numerals. This model also features a moon phase display with a 31 day calendar at 6 o’clock, as well as day of the week and month apertures at 12 o’clock – a very nice watch.
The Longines BelleArti is a truly elegant women’s watch. I am lucky to have been able to buy my wife a Longines BelleArti watch for her birthday. The BelleArti range is simple and understated, evoking memories of the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. The dial comes in black, silver or mother-of-pearl. All dials feature 11 Arabic numerals, a second subdial at 6 o’clock, and “Cathedral” hands. Some models are available with diamond encrustations; my wife’s watch doesn’t have one. The case of the Longines BelleArti is rectangular with a curvature on the sides, which gives the whole watch a very feminine feel.
The style of the La Grande Classique de Longines draws heavily on Longines’ earlier design traditions. The case is a simple circle and comes in stainless steel or gold; some models come with encrusted diamonds. Unsurprisingly, for this classic style of watch, the dials come in black, white, or mother-of-pearl. The Logines Grande Classique is definitely for those who prefer the look of a more traditional watch.
The Longines LungoMare is for those who like a more modern looking watch. There is a women’s version of this watch. The case is round and comes only in stainless steel. The LungoMare is also waterproof to 100 meters. I really like the LungoMare. It is pure understated style. Avoid styling gimmicks, such as large crowns, oversized hands, and messy facial hair. This watch competes with brands like Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Rolex, but is priced more realistically for consumers.
Longines also makes the Lingbergh watch. Commemorates Charles Lindbergh’s first flight across the Atlantic. I personally don’t like commemorative watches and I’m not a big fan of the design of this watch either.
The Longines Master collection appeals to those looking for maximum functionality in their watch. Most of the watches in this collection come with complications, self-winding mechanical movements that beat at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a nominal power reserve of 42 hours. Many also come with a chronograph function. I feel that the Longines Master collection is for those who want the best of what Longines has to offer.
All Longines watches come with sapphire crystal and magnificent movements. And Longines offers a wide range of designs to choose from, unlike other Swiss watchmakers. I like Longines watches: Longines makes having a quality Swiss watch affordable for the average consumer.