Jewellery & Watch News
There are few luxury watch brands with a history as extensive as Longines and as 2022 marks the Swiss watch manufacturer’s 190th anniversary, they celebrate their strong tradition and rich history with the launch of three special timepieces. The Longines Master 190th Anniversary watch collection includes a permanent stainless steel model and two solid gold limited editions, one in yellow gold and another in rose gold.
A Brief History of Longines
Born in Saint-Imier, Switzerland in 1832 and driven by founder Auguste Agassiz, Longines began its history on a mission to create pocket watches and wrist watches that were just as beautiful as they were accurate. A few decades in and Agassiz’s nephew Ernest Francillon joined the business who wanted to unite all watch production processes under one roof, rather than sourcing from other external business. Before long, Longines launched its first in-house watch movement which would later open up opportunity for the brand in sports timing. Over years, Longines have gained generations of experience as the official timekeeper of world championships and as partners of international sports federations, whether it be equestrian sports, alpine skiing, cycling, Formula 1 or the Common Wealth Games.
Longines have also had extensive experience in the world of aviation. This began in 1913 when they launched a wristwatch chronograph with a one-fifth of a second accuracy. Following its success, the International Aeronautical Federation requested that Longines supply navigation instruments to their aviators. Eventually, Longines watches were worn by world famous pilots like Charles A. Lindbergh who wore his own Longines timepiece as he became the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Longines remains a member of the Swatch Group Ltd and their unbreakable reputation for precision, power and beauty is personified by the famous winged hour glass logo found on every Longines watch dial. Now the brand mark their 190th birthday with the launch of a special Longines Master 190th Anniversary watch collection, which like so many of the brand’s designs, is destined to be a collector’s favourite.
The Longines Master 190th Anniversary Watches
There are three Longines Master 190th Anniversary watches to choose from, all embodying the classical stylings of the brand’s Master collection. Sitting on the wrist at 40mm in diameter and 9.35mm in height, the case comes in 18 carat rose gold, 18 carat yellow gold or classic stainless steel. The round, unadorned bezels are polished, as are much of the surfaces, which contrasts uniquely to the textured pattern found on the dials. There’s a simple knurled crown at 3 o’clock, non-screw locked for a 30 metre water resistant rating, an exhibition case back adorned with a commemorative engraving and sapphire crystal glass on the front treated to anti-reflective coating.
While the cases of the Longines Master 190th Anniversary watches are undeniably traditional, the dials opt for some modernism with their textured backdrops. The permanent stainless steel model elects a sandblasted silver-coloured dial while the 190-piece yellow gold limited edition nominates a brushed grey display. Lastly, the rose gold Longines Master 190th Anniversary watch, also limited to 190 pieces, greets us to a granular anthracite dial. All three are dressed in Breguet numerals, leaf-shaped hands for the hours and minutes, a straight seconds hand and a dotted minutes track on the flange. In keeping with its vintage aesthetic, the dial also presents the Longines logo and the ‘Automatic’ lettering in an antique typeface.
Powering the Longines Master 190th Anniversary watches is the Longines calibre L888.5 based on an ETA A31.L11. It is automatic winding and delivers 21 jewels, a frequency of 25,200vph and a power reserve of 72 hours. As mentioned, the movement can be viewed through an exhibition case back where you’ll be able to see some of the Côtes de Genève stripes and perlage on the mainplate and the striped oscillating rotor which features a unique cut out in the shape of the winged hourglass logo. All three Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watches are completed by an anthracite alligator leather strap and a triple-folding clasp with a push-piece opening mechanism.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Longines Master 190th Anniversary watch collection and shop the Longines Master 190th Anniversary Steel watch, Longines Master 190th Anniversary Yellow Gold Limited Edition and Longines Master 190th Anniversary Rose Gold Limited Edition for yourself, head over to the C W Sellors website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at sales@cwsellors.com.
