In 2007, Longines launched a re-issue of one of their classic diver’s watch designs. The modern update was based on the ‘compressor’ dive watches of the 1960s. Longines have been designing and building diver’s watches since the late 1950s and therefore have decades of expertise on how to make the most functional, reliable, and water-resistant models. The 2007 re-issue saw the traditional design being updated with modern Longines technologies in order to enhance the performance of the watch. The 2021 launch of the new Longines Heritage Legend Diver watches brings a new range of colours and additional utilities.
Old vs New
The most noticeable additions in the new models of the Longines Heritage Diver Watches are the date window and screw down crowns. The date aperture been added as an extra utility to the watches for optimal timekeeping. The original model did not feature screw down crowns, but modern watchmakers are aware that this feature can aid in the water-resistance of a watch. The new models also feature screw-down case backs to further enhance the water-resistance. The new watches are water-resistant to 300m (30 bar) thanks to modern technologies and manufacturing methods.
The watches maintain the classic, vintage appearance of their original counterparts. The dials feature elongated indices and painted Arabic numerals, just like the original design. A highly domed anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial of each watch. The glass is made to be domed in order to replicate the design of vintage diver’s watches.
Every re-issue of the Longines Legend Diver Watches has featured an engraving of a diver on the case back. This engraving emphasises the continuity of design through each model of the watch and how core characteristics have been maintained for a sense of tradition and long-lasting design and quality. The emblem allows the wearer to feel pride in wearing their Diver Watch as it is a piece of Longines history.
The New Longines Heritage Legend Diver Watches
The two new Diver watch models for 2021 feature gradient dials in either shades of blue or brown. The blue model is finished with a blue leather strap that fastens with a buckle, whereas the brown model is finished with a brown leather strap with a buckle. Each of the watches has a 42mm stainless steel case that measures 12.7mm in thickness and 22mm in lug distance. The case of the watch features two screw-down crowns that are each decorated with a grid pattern.
To give the watches a traditional diver’s watch appearance, Longines have featured an internal turning diving flange. This utility makes the watch functional for timing dives. Both watches have a Swiss Super-LumiNova coating on the indices and silver polished hands to ensure that the dial is readable when underwater or in the dark.
The new Longines Heritage Diver Watches are powered by an automatic L888 self-winding mechanical movement. This movement beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour in order to keep the watch running. The watches each have a power reserve of up to 72 hours. This movement features a silicon balance spring to prevent the effects of magnetism having a negative impact on the watch. Longines have included this feature to ensure the watches are precise and reliable for decades to come.
If the new Longines Heritage Legend Diver Watches have caught your eye, click here to purchase the blue model on our website, or click here to purchase the brown model.
What do you think of the new Longines Heritage Legend Diver Watches? Which of the new colours do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!
