The Best Longines Chronograph Watches from the Brand’s Canadian E-boutique
SHARP & Longines
Over its long history as a watchmaker (189 years and counting) Longines has focused its energies on a wide range of advancements, from the development of the GMT function in the 1930s to the creation of VHP (Very High Precision) quartz movements in modern times. Among all of these creations, however, Longines has built an especially strong reputation for its chronographs. It began in 1878 with the creation of a simple (by modern standards) chronograph movement for a pocket watch that became standard-issue for trainers and bettors at horse racetracks across the United States. This was followed in 1939 by a stopwatch with a flyback function that was accurate to 1/100th of a second, and, a decade later, a hand-wound mechanical chronograph that’s considered among the very best of its era. In 2021, reliable and highly accurate chronograph movements are more commonplace, but Longines hasn’t stopped refining its technology while paying tribute to its rich heritage as the maker of some of the best mechanical chronographs in the world. Here are the Longines chronograph watches we’re eyeing right now.
Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph
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This eye-catching wristwatch is based on a Longines creation from 1943, and it expertly combines a unique mid-century design with modern touches like a 40mm case size and a modified ETA movement with a silicon balance spring. Closer inspection reveals luxurious details like a dial finished in contrasting matte elements, heat-blued hands, and rhodium-plated applied numerals. ($3,950)
Longines Avigation BigEye
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In the 1930s Longines was counted among the world’s foremost makers of aviation watches (which were essential for navigation) outfitting Howard Hughes, Amelia Earhart and many others for their pioneering flights. This modern chronograph is a tribute to that era of exploration, with oversized pushers, a large, legible 30-minute counter, and a handsome petrol blue gradient dial. ($4,300)
Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935
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This tribute to early aviation watches will capture the imagination of anyone who dreams of taking to the skies in a Douglas DC-3 or Sikorsky S-39. Its unique off-centre dial configuration – envisioned to make the watch easily readable by pilots without taking their hands off the controls – also features sleek Art Deco-style numerals and (in a concession to modernity) a date window at six. With its polished steel case handsome alligator leather strap, this is an office watch with high-flying appeal. ($4,500)
Longines Spirit
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Among the latest additions to Longines’ aviation watch lineup is the Spirit collection, which combines design codes from the 1930s with modern elements like silvered sandblasted hands and Swiss Super-LumiNova. Designed for everyday wear, the Spirit chronograph has a 42mm case, and comes in 8 variations, with three choices of dial (silver, black, or sunray blue) and an option of steel bracelet or brown leather strap. With its L688.4 automatic movement and an ample 66 hours of power reserve, you’d have a hard time finding a better all-around Swiss chronograph for the price. ($3,900)
Longines HydroConquest
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Combining the rugged looks and build of a dive watch with the finesse of a mechanical chronograph, this hybrid model has a best-of-both-worlds appeal. Available on a textured blue rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet, with a choice of black or blue dial and matching bezel, this HydroConquest is designed to easily integrate with your wardrobe on weekdays or weekends. And should you opt to put it through its paces on a dive, 300m of water resistance and a screw-down crown will ensure optimum performance on land or sea. ($3,150)
