Longines is an innovative and historic watch brand that has been crafting watches for almost two centuries. The brand was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Switzerland. Longines is committed to revolutionising the watch industry and stands as one of the long standing innovators of Swiss horological tradition. This luxury watch brand not only crafts timepieces for design but also showcases elite technological advancements that are in an affordable market. For those considering their next luxury timepiece, here are 5 reasons to buy a Longines Watch.
1. Innovation and History
The demands of the watch market are frequently changing and throughout the years, Longines has ensured that their watches are up to date with the latest designs and technology. With advancements and success at the centre of the brands core values, Longines have celebrated several accomplishments since they were founded. In 1878, Longines pioneered their first chronograph movement which was highly praised for its accuracy. As a result of this achievement, the brand were launched into into the world of equestrian sports, popularising them even further.
To ensure that Longines could propel their achievements into the future, the brand was registered as a trademark. The Longines name and brand logo are currently one of the oldest trademarks in use, unchanged since 1889. It was not long after this, in 1927, Longines was in the midst of new developments. In collaboration with Philip Van Horn Weems, Longines crafted a series of navigation devices fitted with a moving disk allowing the wearer to synchronize the second hand with a GMT signal. This new device evolved into the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch in 1931 and helped calculate a pilot’s exact geographical location. This timepiece changed aviation, resulting in a more accessible watch that could be offered to the public.
This long-standing Swiss luxury brand has a history that matches its reputation. With 189 years of watchmaking, Longines have ensured that each timepiece has been designed and researched to the finest detail. Longines have provided a number of resources for their customer and fans from the ‘History of My Watch‘ search function as well as the iconic Longines museum which documents the brands journey into the 21st century.
2. Elite Technology
The history of the brand denotes many of its technological achievements over the last two centuries. One of Longines well known achievements is the Feuille d’Or or Gold Leaf watch which was crafted in 1979 and was the first timepiece to break the 2mm barrier. The slender calibre a result of developing specific and tailored technology.
To pay tribute to the brands long-standing history and success, Longines unveiled the Master Collection in 2005, showcasing the brands watchmaking tradition. This collection is composed of entirely mechanical movements which are mostly self winding, not only showcasing the craftmanship of watchmaking but in response to the global trend of mechanical watches at the time.
In keeping with the brands eye for the evolving market, Longines has also contributed to the success of the watch industry with new and elite technology such as their V.H.P. system, a signature feature from their Conquest Sport collection. V.H.P. technology enables elite precision, ± 5 seconds per year. This technology is equipped with a Gear Position Detection system or GDP which allows the watch to re-align its hands after shock or coming into contact with a strong magnetic field. Regardless if the watch has been in contact with a strong magnetic field or shock, the GPD system performs a check every 3 days to ensure elite precision.
3. Quality Materials and Durability
Longines watches can be considered an investment, depending on the model. With the luxury name comes years of research and the use of high quality and long lasting materials. These are three of the determining values when it comes to watchmaking. Each models materials, movement and heritage is carefully researched over a number of years before it is sold so that both the brand and customers can take pride in the end result.
Longines doesn’t take short cuts when it comes to design. Each watch is crafted with ensured precision and with the intention of high performance. To ensure that each watch performs, Longines technicians use quality materials from 18k gold cases which are featured within the Longines Grande Classique Collection to sapphire glass, genuine leather and carbon fibre. Many Longines watches are made from stainless steel which is useful for preventing corrosion over a number of years. The stainless steel used is high quality and original in keeping with the brands luxury reputation.
Depending on the model, Longines watches also feature water resistance which can be determined by looking at the back on the case. If the watch is water resistant (more than 5 bar) and also comes with a screw down crown it also ensures that the watch is dust resistant, suited for those looking for a durable and long lasting accessory.
4. COSC Certification
COSC is an abbreviation for Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometers which translates to Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Today, COSC certification is proof of a highly accurate movement that undergone and passed a number of stringent tests that the institute performs. The institute is neutral and non-profit, therefore, a number of large manufacturers send watches to be certified. Only Swiss made watches can be submitted for testing. There are strict rules to be able to call a watch ”Swiss Made”, for example, the movement has been cased in Switzerland to qualify.
Longines have submitted and passed two movements to the institute, L888.4 and L592.4 which have been passed as chronometers. This achievement results in the brand being able to stamp their dials with ‘CHRONOMETER’, a clear indication of achievement. COSC certification has a prestigious reputation within the watch industry and for this reason, brands such as Longines choose to include certification in the design of their watches.
5. Variety and Affordability
With such a vast history, Longines have several collections, each with unique features and models. With such a wide choice of design and technological preferences, Longines have catered for a wider luxury market. Longines have 5 main collections which include Elegance, Classic, Sport, Heritage and Watchmaking Tradition. Within these 5 collections there are sub- collections which include watches for both men and women. Watches are varied and adaptable accessories and Longines showcases this with their vast range of watches from Pilot and Aviation timepieces to Diving and Dress watches. For those in search of a luxury timepiece, Longines offers variety, enabling consumers to choose a watch that suits their personal style as well as their lifestyle.
As touched on previously, Longines have spent many years developing their technological advancements. As a result of this, the brand provide both self-winding and quartz movements. The collections that feature automatic mechanical movements represent the brands heritage and the history of Swiss watchmaking. Their selection of quartz timepieces demonstrates the brands will to adapt to the market. Throughout the 1970s the ‘Quartz Revolution‘ impacted many Swiss made watch brands. Longines not only adapted to the changing industry but propelled their legacy into the future as one of the prestigious brands to introduce ‘super quartz’ timepieces into their fleet with V.H.P. technology.
Longines price ranges are affordable within the luxury watch market which is one of the many reasons to buy a Longines watch. Longines is suited to those looking for a timepiece that shares the same research and innovation as more prestigious brands but with a more affordable price tag. Many prestigious watches from brands such as Rolex and Omega are considered an investment as well as a luxury accessory due to the brands price tag and reputation, however, depending on the model, Longines watches can offer the same for a lower price. For example watches within Longines Conquest collection can start from £730 and vary to £2790 within their Record collection.
Do you own a Longines watch? If not, what do you think about our 5 reasons to buy a Longines watch? Let us know in the comments below!
