BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Longines has a long history in watchmaking dating back to 1832 when Auguste Agassiz and his fellow watchmakers founded the brand in Saint-Imier. The brand has only built a stronger heritage since then. Over time, they created a variety of high-beat stopwatches, chronographs, chronometers, and timekeeping instruments. Longines can be proud of the technology and collections of timepieces that it has introduced to the world throughout the years, including the Longines Master Collection, which debuted in 2005. Longines Master Collection watches have seen many distinctive features and designs since then. Self-winding mechanisms, column-wheel chronographs, retrograde functions and bracelet materials which are among the distinguishing features. Longines is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year, with three new Master Collection models available in stainless steel, 18k rose gold, and 18k yellow gold.
In regards to style, the latest Longines Master 190th Anniversary models lean towards the conventional or classical end of the lineup. The case with polished surfaces in all of the three materials is created in a 40 mm x 9.35 mm size profile in the conventional round case shape for the Master Collection.
Sapphire crystals are present on both the front and back of the watch; they have an anti-reflective coating and serve to protect the watch. The water resistance is rated at 30 meters / 100 feet.
The dial exhibits a true blend of classic and modern. The three versions feature three different textures: sandblasted silver, grained anthracite, and brushed grey dials for stainless steel, rose gold, and yellow gold, respectively. Engraved classic Breguet numerals lend a vintage touch to the dial. These Arabic numerals are complemented by attractive leaf-shaped hands, which are blued steel in the steel edition.
Longines Calibre L888.2 (ETA A31.L01), an automatic movement with 21 jewels which operates at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and boasts a power reserve of 72 hours, powers the Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watches. The presence of a silicon balance-spring improves precision and magnetic field resistance. These timepieces incorporate alligator leather straps with triple safety folding clasps and a push-piece opening mechanism. Only the precious metal editions have a run of 190 pieces. The steel model costs CHF 2,150, while the rose and yellow gold models cost CHF 10,800.
Visit Longines here.
