Longines and Dylan Alcott have a great deal in common; both have completely transformed their respective fields, both have made a habit of setting new standards for performance and dedication, and both absolutely refuse to rest on their laurels.
While Alcott prefers to keep it simple, explaining, “It’s all about how a watch feels on my wrist and in turn, makes me feel,” the ongoing partnership between the Swiss watchmaking powerhouse and the Australian sporting icon – not to mention current Australian of the Year – seems like a match made in heaven. It’s fitting, then, that Longines’ latest timepiece, the Record Heritage, continues their shared spirit.
With Longines Marks 190 Masterful Years with Stunning New Master Collection Models, we’ve been lucky enough to see a wealth of exciting new releases from the iconic watchmaker throughout the year. From the instant classic that was the new Hands on With the Longines Spirit Zulu Time: A History of Pioneering the Future and theThe High-Precision Longines Ultra-Chron Will Outlast Us All; to The Master Collection’s 190th Anniversary editions, which served up dress watches with a strong classical aesthetic; and now the arguable highlight in the form of the stunning Record Heritage chronograph with its irresistible vintage charm, Longines is firing on all cylinders.
Alcott agrees, insisting the invitation to strap on a number of these watches and help mark Longines’ milestone was one he couldn’t turn down: “When the Longines team approached me to help celebrate their 190th anniversary this year, it was a simple yes. I really admire their ability to reinvent themselves again and again, continuing to challenge themselves and set new standards, which is something I strive for in my own career. Longines is a brand that’s really stood the test of time and done so through quality and craftsmanship, which is evident every time I put my watch on.”
Vintage Style, Modern Design
The Record Heritage is the latest timepiece to adorn Alcott’s wrist, as well as the newest addition – and first chronograph – to join the Record Collection. It closes out Longines’ 190th year with a bang by doing precisely what every good heritage model should: offer up the best of a previous era’s styling while utilising contemporary dimensions and watchmaking expertise to ensure the very best timepiece possible. The result is an irresistibly handsome mid-sized watch that recreates the popular styling of the ’40s and ’50s by using a strikingly simple colour palette and symmetrical dial.
“It’s hard not to notice the distinctive vintage aesthetic of the Record Heritage,” explains Alcott. “It’s unlike any other Longines timepiece that I’ve been lucky enough to own. My favourite detail is that the tachometer scale is positioned on the outside of the dial for better visibility.”
Comfortably sized thanks to the case occupying that 40mm sweet spot, the Record Heritage is perfectly scaled to appeal to contemporary buyers. With a streamlined design brought to life using stainless steel, it includes slim rectangular pushers and an unobtrusive crown, while the absence of a date window means the seconds subdial – placed at 3 o’clock – and the 30-minute counter – placed at 9 o’clock – enjoy the uncrowded real estate they deserve.
For us, it’s the matte black dial with elegant golden Arabic numerals marking the even hours that steals the show. It resists the impulse for overcomplication, instead enabling the two sub-dials to catch the eye while ensuring they don’t cut through the dial’s numerals.
Further, the watch’s silicon balance spring drives an exclusive anti-magnetic Longines movement that’s chronometer-certified by the COSC, guaranteeing its precision and reliability. Visible through the transparent case back, it drives the watch’s leaf-shaped hands, which provide Alcott’s wrist with a refined elegance from the courtside to the classroom.
A Determined Passion
Much like the drive that enables Longines to craft such immaculate timepieces, Alcott is someone who lives with unbridled passion, whether he’s pursuing his goals in the worlds of basketball, tennis, or through his endeavours to help young Australians with disabilities: “Opportunities like this partnership are both a privilege for me but also are aligned with my underlying goal both personally and at the Dylan Alcott Foundation to help young Australians living with disability gain confidence, fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams.”
Alcott has certainly done more than any other Australian to champion those with disability. His example has demonstrated to anyone who’d dare doubt the disabled community that they’re just as capable as anyone else. It’s this commitment to a cause that makes Alcott and Longines so perfectly aligned.
As one of Australia’s most inspiring public figures and speakers, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Alcott sums it up best, saying, “For me, it’s all about my passion and my purpose. Partnering with a team like Longines is important because they’ve been trusted by so many and their history is so rich, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to their purpose and cause.”
The Longines Record Heritage is now available for AUD$4,650. Discover more via the link below.
