BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
Back in 2019, Longines released the Heritage Classic, a modern recreation of a 1930’s reference featuring an elegant silver/cream dial. For 2021 the Sector dial makes a comeback, this time clothed in shades of black and a new beads of rice bracelet option.
Featuring a 38.5mm stainless steel case, a lug to lug distance of 47mm, and a thickness of less than 12mm, the Heritage Classic Black maintains the wearable proportions of the 2019 release. And yes, this one also still has the annoying 19mm lug width. The case is finely brushed throughout and features a grippy push-pull crown at the 3 o’clock position that should make it a joy to wind the watch. Sadly, the case is still water-resistant to a paltry 30 meters, which is not uncommon in the realm of dress watches. But given the closed case-back and not-so-thin profile, I think Longines could have done better in this regard.
While the case hasn’t changed in dimensions or design, which is a good thing, the dial is what separates this watch from its elder sibling. Yes, it is still a sector dial, but the silver and cream combination has now been replaced with a stunning all-black colorway. And, while I was initially skeptical about the two-tone effect on an entirely black color scheme, I must admit that it looks quite good. The inner section of the dial, including the running seconds register at 6, has been presented in a deep inky black color, which is beautifully complemented by the lighter greyish black outer section. To add further contrast the numerals and the minute track are printed in white, and the baton-style hands are offered in silver color. All in all, the dial looks visually compelling and legible.
Ticking inside this watch is the Longines calibre L893. Based on the thin and refined ETA 2892, the calibre 893 is specially developed for Longines and brings forth a few important updates. Firstly, this movement operates at a slightly lower 3.5Hz to provide an improved autonomy of around 72 hours. Next, the movement gets a silicon balance spring for enhanced magnetic protection. And, even though the movement is nicely decorated, staying true to the vintage theme, it is hidden behind the closed case back.
The new Longines Heritage Classic Black is available to purchase on either a brown leather strap for USD 2150 or a retro-looking beads of rice bracelet for USD 2,350.
