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Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon | Image: Longines

The Wind Up – Watch News #266


Welcome to the next edition of our regular series, the Wind Up. In this week’s loaded instalment, we’ll be highlighting some new and exciting watches, including pieces from the likes of OMEGA, Longines and Breguet. Happy reading fellas.

Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon | Image: Longines
Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon | Image: Longines

Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon

  • Brand: Longines 
  • Model: Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon
  • Reference Number: L4.815.4.09.2
  • Diameter: 38.5mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m
  • Calibre: L899.5
  • Power Reserve: 72 hours
  • Price: €3,250

The Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon is a timepiece that seamlessly combines Swiss watchmaking precision with a touch of cultural symbolism. Released as part of Longines’ Flagship Heritage collection, this limited edition watch pays tribute to the Chinese Year of the Dragon with meticulous attention to detail. The watch features a 38.5mm stainless steel case, elegantly polished to achieve a timeless and sophisticated appearance.

The dial is adorned with a stunning dragon motif, intricately engraved and highlighted in gold, providing a captivating visual focal point. The dragon, a symbol of strength and good fortune in Chinese culture, is surrounded by classic hour markers and elegant Dauphine hands, ensuring readability while maintaining a sense of refinement. The watch is powered by the automatic L615.3 movement, offering reliable timekeeping and a power reserve of 42 hours.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon boasts technical excellence. The sapphire crystal case back allows enthusiasts to admire the intricate movement and the custom rotor adorned with the same dragon motif found on the dial. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, providing practicality for everyday wear.

With a limited production of 888 pieces, each watch is individually numbered, adding an exclusive touch to this exceptional timepiece. The Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon serves as a remarkable blend of Swiss craftsmanship and Chinese symbolism, making it a sought-after collector’s item for those who appreciate both horological precision and cultural significance.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 Ref.310.92.44.50.01.001 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 Ref.310.92.44.50.01.001 | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Apollo 8 Edition”

  • Brand: OMEGA 
  • Model:  Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Apollo 8 Edition”
  • Reference Number: 310.92.44.50.01.001
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Water Resistance: 50m
  • Calibre: 3869
  • Power Reserve: 50 hours
  • Price: USD14,300

The OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Apollo 8 Edition” reference 310.92.44.50.01.001 is a remarkable timepiece that pays homage to the historic Apollo 8 mission, the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon.

Encased in a 44.25mm black zirconium oxide ceramic case, the watch exudes a sleek and stealthy aesthetic. The dark theme extends to the dial, which features a skeletonized design, revealing the intricate details of the OMEGA Caliber 3869 manual-winding movement. The movement is a tribute to the legendary Moonwatch calibre, and it boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.

One of the standout features of this Speedmaster is the laser-ablated lunar surface on the dial. The surface captures the texture of the moon and creates a visually striking backdrop for the sub-dials and hour markers. The sub-dials are inspired by the lunar command module’s instrument panel, further emphasizing the connection to the Apollo 8 mission. The watch is equipped with a black leather strap with a yellow rubber inner layer, enhancing both comfort and durability.

With its combination of innovative design elements, exceptional craftsmanship, and historical significance, the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Apollo 8 Edition” stands as a fitting tribute to the pioneering spirit of space exploration and remains a coveted collector’s item for watch enthusiasts and space aficionados alike.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve | Image: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve | Image: Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve

  • Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre 
  • Model: Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve
  • Reference Number: Q137258J
  • Diameter: 39mm
  • Water Resistance: 50m
  • Calibre: Calibre 938
  • Power Reserve: 70 hours
  • Price: USD21,200

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve is a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision and elegance in watchmaking. Encased in a slim 39mm pink gold case, the timepiece boasts a minimalist design that reflects timeless sophistication. The dial features a sunray-brushed finish, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a subtle play of light.

The Dauphine hands and applied hour markers contribute to the overall sense of refinement, ensuring optimal readability. Positioned at 10 o’clock, the power reserve indicator is a distinctive element of the watch, displaying the remaining energy in the movement. The simplicity of the layout allows for a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, underscoring the Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve’s classic and versatile design.

Powering this elegant timepiece is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 938, an automatic movement that not only ensures precise timekeeping but also provides a noteworthy power reserve of approximately 43 hours. The movement is finely finished with meticulous attention to detail, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.

The case, measuring just 9.85mm in thickness, exemplifies the watch’s slim profile, making it comfortable for everyday wear. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Power Reserve combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, offering a tasteful blend of form and function for those who appreciate understated luxury in a wristwatch.

Breguet Classique Dragon - 7145 | Image: Breguet
Breguet Classique Dragon – 7145 | Image: Breguet

Breguet Classique Dragon

  • Brand: Breguet
  • Model: Classique Dragon 7145
  • Reference Number: 7145BR/25/9WU 05
  • Diameter: 40mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m
  • Calibre: Calibre 502.3
  • Power Reserve: 45 hours
  • Price: Price on request

Breguet unveiled the Classique Dragon to commemorate the Lunar New Year. Vividly expressive and unlike anything we’ve come to expect from Breguet, the Classique Dragon is a wonderfully executed timepiece that marries the worlds of true high-end watchmaking with beautiful expert craftsmanship through the entire piece. 

The main feature of the Breguet Classique Dragon is the solid gold hand-engraved dragon that adorns the red grand feu enamel dial. What we have is a two-tone enamel, with a dark burgundy base with a brighter red scale for the chapter ring. The dial markings are all in gold powder print, with the gold dragon depicted chasing a white mother of pearl near the centre of the dial.