Now we lead on to pricing. This is where the big boys can really crumble. If you read my last article (which you can check out here) then you’ll remember how the Rolex Daytona was making a good name for itself against the Breguet Type XXI, right up until the point where I revealed that an all steel XXI is about £500 cheaper. This toppled the Daytona, leaving the Breguet the victor. So what about the Longines and the TAG Heuer?

The TAG Heuer Carrera comes in at a respectable £3,450 and is only available in steel with a black dial. The Longines on a leather strap is around £2,100, so with a bracelet I’d say maybe £2,500 all in. Remember what Is said about the lesser approach of the TAG Heuer? Yeah, it’s not working so well. It is possible to argue that the TAG Heuer is of a higher standard, and I’d agree with you, but still. There’s a lot more of the Longines for less. I also prefer the black ‘barleycorn’ dial decoration too.

Let’s remind ourselves of the features these watches both have, first up, the Longines.

The Longines Master Chronograph Calendar-pretty-much-everything watch has a chronograph, moonphase, rotary date with easy push-pin adjustment, day and month indicators as well as a 24 hour sub dial. It’s also an impressive watch to behold both on the dial and with the automatic rotor on the back. Then there’s the solid, reliable ETA movement in it which, due to it’s wide popularity and usage, can be looked at at a basic level in store if there’s ever a problem. However, the fact that the movement is based on a stock ETA movement and modified by Longines also plays agains it. Also, this watch is large at 42mm and even though I can’t give an exact figure, this watch is thick. Finally, the large and bling approach will offset some, as well as the Longines logo on it. It really is down to personal tastes and whether you’re willing to try something new.

The TAG Heuer Carrera 16 Heritage Automatic Chronograph goes for the quieter more minimalistic approach with a simple chronograph date layout, this allows the workmanship on the dial to shine through. Also, the TAG Heuer has some clever detailing on the case, such as the double sided antireflective sapphire crystal. It’s also water resistant to 100 metres (as I’ve stated before, unless it’s a diving chronograph, don’t operate the chronograph under water), which is a step up over the 30 metres of the Longines. However, the simplicity can play against it and unfortunately the brand logo on the dial won’t always be enough to offset the price difference. Also, the TAG Heuer branded movement isn’t too special either, the movement in an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is  a much stronger movement and is likely to get the anti-magnetic treatment soon too. Finally, I dislike the bracelet on the watch. It’s good that it’s brushed, but it’s just a 3 link design that we’ve seen many times before. It’s not much, but TAG Heuer still could be a bit more creative here.

The final verdict? It’s extremely close. But the winner is the Longines, simply put, because there’s a lot lot more watch for £1000 less. Why would’t someone want that? The likelihood is that an Omega or a Breitling may not be a financially viable option for some currently. If I were to meet you at a high street jeweller and show you these pieces, the Longines is the one I’d tell you to get. Saving money and getting more for it, nothing wrong with that! For more info, please visit tagheuer.com & longines.com

Stay tuned as there’s a load more watches still floating around out there just waiting to compete.

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Harlan Chapman-Green – Contributing Editor

First introduced to horology with the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 by his father two years ago, Harlan enjoys his passion for fine horology. He prefers to spend his time in the boutiques of upmarket brands, trying out new pieces constantly. His preferred 3 brands are A. Lange & Söhne, Breguet and Vacheron Constantin. Although not much for the smaller brands, he still finds the complications intriguing and wishes to own one watch from each of his three favourites. Read his articles here.