We’re big fans of watchmaking innovation and normally can’t get enough of cutting-edge horology. Recently, we’ve highlighted some beauties, like Seiko’s Speedtimer chronograph powered by the most up-to-date Solar-powered movement. And what about Hublot’s latest Big Bang Unico release? It’s forged from the brand’s own Magic Gold, a metal that combines 24k liquid gold with high-tech ceramic powder to create a case twice as hard as steel. But often we get just as excited when a brand sticks to what it knows best. That’s definitely the case with the Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase. It’s a classically styled watch that showcases the brand’s mastery of simplicity and elegance.
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If this timepiece reminds you of the past, that’s because it’s a tribute to Longines’ historic Flagship models, specifically the watches Longines designed in the late 50s. It has the understated dress watch aesthetic of the era, but with a case that also gives a nod to the current trend for smaller watches. This Flagship Heritage model comes in at a modest 38.5mm and has three dial variations.
The case has a straightforward round construction and is built from ever-dependable stainless steel – there’s no carbon or titanium here. Along with the reduced diameter, Longines has also shortened the lug-to-lug length making the watch versatile and very wearable. The 19mm alligator leather strap, with its newly designed Heritage pin-buckle, rounds out the smaller dimensions.
The real extravagance is saved for the dial of the three watches. There’s a silver opaline variant with slim gilt hands and indices, and sunray blue or sunray silver options with silver-polished hands and markers. The dials all have a subtle domed shape inspired by 1957s version of the watch. The dial text is kept to a minimum and the logo is unobtrusive.
The complication that sets this release apart is the memorable and distinctive moon phase sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The colours of this intricate feature match the colouring of the dial and hands of the individual models. There’s also the quirky addition of a date indicator hand and numerals.
This uncommon functionality is made possible by the L899.5 self-winding moon phase movement. Built from a Swiss-made ETA base, and boasting a power reserve of 72 hours, it’s responsible for the watch’s 12.4mm height.
The latest addition to the Flagship Heritage line is simple, clean and resized to appeal to the modern buyer. The design, however, is classic Longines and the case back, with its ship motif medallion, reinforces this impression. This pleasing blend of tried and tested styling and modern watchmaking know-how is what Longines does best.
Longines Flagship Heritage
Reference: L4.815.4.78.2, L4.815.4.72.2, L4.815.4.92.2
Diameter: 38.5mm
Height: 12.4mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Calibre L899.5
Strap: Alligator Leather
Water Resistance: 30M
