For more than a century, legendary Swiss watchmakers Longines have been renowned for combining innovative technology with timeless designs to create some of the world’s most iconic timepieces.
Founded in the mid-1800s, the brand has constantly evolved and now boasts a number of collections.
Many of the watchmaker’s pieces hark back to its past and we’ve put together an overview of 11 vintage Longines watches that you should have in your collection.
Longines Heritage Flagship Automatic Watch
Oozing class and sophistication, the Longines Heritage range of watches takes inspiration from the brand’s most iconic models giving it a vintage feel while still incorporating a variety of contemporary features.
The original Heritage was released in the 60s and was so well-loved that Longines decided to bring it back and the Heritage Flagship incorporates a number of features from its predecessor.
The sophisticated design is the epitome of elegance and is cooly tied together with the alligator leather strap and dark black dial. The piece continues to use the latest in watchmaking technology with automatic calibre 615 movement and 42-hour power reserve.
Longines Heritage Military Marine Nationale Watch
Sticking with the Heritage collection and this stunning piece remembers the time when Longines manufactured timepieces for the French navy. This watch became a favourite of France’s military personnel, particularly in the mid-20th century with its simplistic design and water-resistance making it ideal for diving into shallow waters during missions.
The camel brown strap and numeral indexes give it a real vintage feel while the deep blue hands add a dash of boldness to the design.
Furthermore, the steel bezel encapsulates the robustness required for a military watch..
Longines Flagship Automatic
Part of Longines’ Classic collection, the Flagship is all about luxury. Originally created in 1957, this piece was put together with the sophisticated lady or gent in mind and is best-known for its high-end shimmering design.
The modern version of the Flagship maintains that classic 50s design while not looking out of place in 2020 reinforcing the brand’s commitment to continuously innovate. When the Flagship was first created, it was ground-breaking thanks to its revolutionary self-winding calibre which features prominently in this flawless recreation.
Longines Equestrian
Longines has long held an association with sport and adventure and the Longines Equestrian was created to provide equestrian enthusiasts with a reliable yet eye-catching piece.
In keeping with tradition, this piece combines a traditional vintage design with a level of innovation exclusive to the Longines brand. Unique to the Equestrian is its slim and diminutive frame making it lightweight and accessible when riding. The pure white mother of pearl dial also adds a level of class that you may find hard to find with other sport’s watches.
As well as a wristwatch this piece can also be found as a pocket watch.
Longines Spirit Automatic Chronometer
While this piece is new to the Longines’ family, it is certainly vintage in look and feel. From the brown leather strap to the subtle yet eye-catching design of the dial.
Whenever you look at this piece sitting proudly on your wrist you’ll be reminded of the sheer scale of human achievement.
The craftsmanship of the entire piece has used elements from Longines’ past to create a watch that is sure to leave its mark.
Longines La Grande Classique 33mm White Dial Black Leather Bracelet
Timeless beauty. That is the easiest way to describe the Longines La Grande Classique collection. The pieces are epitomised by their luxurious and beautiful designs and that is certainly the case with this piece.
Slim in profile, the black strap is wonderfully complemented by the stunning white dial and it also maintains all the reliability and functionality we’ve come to expect from a Longines piece.
Longines La Grande Classique 24mm Ladies Watch
Another La Grande Classique offering, this piece has often been described as “perfect for both casual and dress wear” demonstrating the effortless versatility the piece offers to every woman who wears it.
Whether you want a bold black dial, or prefer the subtlety of the white, the watch is customisable to meet your specific taste. The stainless steel linked strap adds to the effortlessly elegant look making the La Grande Classique one of the classiest pieces in the Longines collection.
Longines Master Automatic Moon Phase
Perhaps one of Longine’s most unique watches, the Longines Master Automatic Moon Phase is as vintage as it gets. Part of the brand’s popular Master range, it is best known for its analogue display and moon phase indicator which allows the user to consult the horological phases of the moon at will. Something that you seldom see on the modern wristwatch.
While many Longines watches call back to previous models, this piece remains out on its own. The self-winding movements, leather strap and guilloché patterned dial add an extra layer to this stunning vintage piece.
Longines Conquest Classic
Described as “beautiful yet practical” by Calibre, the Conquest Classic represents Longine’s long and fruitful relationship with sporting excellence. The brand is partnered with many high-profile sporting events around the world and this piece reflects that in all its glory.
Staying true to the brand’s philosophy that has stood it in good stead for over a century, this piece is a direct tribute to the chronographs created by Longines in the 1800s. Each Conquest Classic comes with a self-winding mechanism, a durable water-resistant case and is a more affordable range. Make sure to grab one for your sporty pursuits.
Longines Master 40mm Black Dial
A great illustration of the ethos of Longines, this piece features prominently in the Swiss brand’s Master collection. Quality, precision and luxury are brought together in one swish package with the Master 40mm Black Dial making the wearer the envy of all those around them.
Ideal for business or pleasure, the gemmed indexes adds an extra slice of sophistication.
Longines Record Two-Tone Automatic
To round off our list we have a real classic. The Longines Record Two-Tone Automatic screams vintage and you’ll feel like you’re wearing a real piece of history on your wrist.
The matte white dial is accented beautifully with the navy blue hands and the roman numeral indexes really add to the piece’s overall style. Finally, its dual coloured silver and rose gold strap, as well as the handy date display, brings together a piece that shows commitment to its functionality and design.
