Since its inception in 1832,
Longines has captivated watch enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to crafting timepieces that embody both technical prowess and enduring aesthetic appeal. This year, Longines adds a new chapter to its illustrious story with the introduction of the Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches, a trio of timepieces that pay homage to the brand's rich heritage while embracing contemporary sensibilities.
The Flagship Heritage collection, a cornerstone of Longines' legacy, draws inspiration from the brand's iconic Flagship model launched in the 1950s. Just as a flagship leads a fleet of ships, the Flagship Heritage collection stands as a testament to Longines' leadership in the world of horology. These new Moonphase models, with their captivating dials and intricate complications, further solidify the collection's status as a symbol of Longines' unwavering pursuit of watchmaking perfection.
Courtesy of Longines
The new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches are available in three distinct variations, each exuding its own unique charm. The Sunray Beige model (L4.815.4.62.2) features a warm, inviting dial that evokes a sense of classic sophistication. The Sunray Green model (L4.815.4.02.2) offers a refreshing, contemporary twist with its vibrant green dial. Lastly, the Sunray Anthracite model (L4.815.4.52.2) presents a sleek, understated aesthetic with its deep anthracite dial.
One of the most striking features of these watches is their domed dials, a design element inspired by the original 1957 Flagship model. The subtle curvature of the dial adds a touch of vintage allure, while the sunray finish creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. The dials are adorned with eleven applied hour markers, plated in rhodium or rose gold, depending on the model. The elongated markers at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock add a touch of visual interest and enhance legibility.
The moonphase complication, a hallmark of sophisticated watchmaking, takes center stage at 6 o'clock. The moonphase disc, with its meticulously detailed depiction of the moon and stars, adds a touch of celestial wonder to the dial. The color of the moon and stars is harmonized with the hour and minute hands, which are also plated in rhodium or rose gold.
Courtesy of Longines
The Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches are powered by the exclusive Longines L899.5 calibre, a self-winding mechanical movement that exemplifies the brand's commitment to technical excellence. This movement is equipped with a silicon balance-spring, a cutting-edge component that offers exceptional resistance to magnetism and temperature variations. The L899.5 calibre also boasts a power reserve of up to 72 hours, ensuring that the watch can keep accurate time even after being left unworn for an extended period.
The stainless-steel case of the Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches measures 38.5 mm in diameter, a size that strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and contemporary wearability. The case features a satin-brushed finish, which lends a subtle sheen to the watch's exterior. The shortened and chamfered lugs ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, while the screw-down case back provides added water resistance.
A true testament to Longines' dedication to preserving its heritage, each Flagship Heritage Moonphase watch features an 18-carat gold medallion embossed on the case back. This medallion depicts a caravel in full sail on a vivid blue sea, hand-painted in enamel. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the medallion make it a miniature work of art, a symbol of Longines' enduring legacy.
Courtesy of Longines
The Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches are complemented by straps in brown, anthracite, or black leather, each fitted with a Heritage tongue buckle in stainless steel. The straps are crafted from high-quality alligator leather, ensuring both durability and comfort. The color of each strap is carefully chosen to harmonize with the dial of the corresponding watch model.
At the heart of each Flagship Heritage Moonphase watch beats the exclusive Longines L899.5 calibre, a self-winding mechanical movement that represents the pinnacle of horological engineering. This movement, with its 21 jewels and 25,200 vibrations per hour, ensures precise and reliable timekeeping. The incorporation of a silicon balance-spring further enhances the watch's performance, providing exceptional resistance to magnetism and temperature fluctuations. This technological advancement not only improves the watch's accuracy but also extends its longevity.
Courtesy of Longines
The L899.5 calibre also boasts an impressive power reserve of up to 72 hours, allowing the watch to maintain its accuracy even after being left unworn for an extended period. This extended power reserve is a testament to the movement's efficiency and underscores Longines' commitment to providing its customers with timepieces that are both reliable and convenient.
The moonphase complication, a hallmark of sophisticated watchmaking, is prominently displayed at 6 o'clock on the dial. The moonphase disc, with its meticulously detailed depiction of the moon and stars, adds a touch of celestial wonder to the watch. The color of the moon and stars is harmonized with the hour and minute hands, creating a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing display.
The domed dials of the Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches are a nod to the original 1957 Flagship model, evoking a sense of vintage charm while maintaining a contemporary appeal. The sunray finish on the dials creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, adding depth and dimension to the watch's face. The applied hour markers, plated in rhodium or rose gold, provide excellent legibility and enhance the watch's overall aesthetic.
The stainless-steel case of the Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches measures 38.5 mm in diameter, a size that strikes a perfect balance between classic proportions and modern wearability. The case features a satin-brushed finish, which lends a subtle sheen to the watch's exterior. The shortened and chamfered lugs ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, while the screw-down case back provides added water resistance up to 3 bar (30 meters).
Courtesy of Longines
On the case back, you'll find an 18-carat gold medallion embossed with a caravel in full sail on a vivid blue sea, hand-painted in enamel. This medallion is a signature of the Flagship Heritage collection and serves as a reminder of Longines' rich maritime history. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the medallion make it a miniature work of art, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
The Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase watches are offered at a retail price of $3,050, making them an accessible entry point into the world of luxury watchmaking. This price point, combined with the watches' exceptional quality and craftsmanship, makes them an attractive option for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of horology.