We have been all fairly excited right here at Fratello when Longines introduced a brand new 39mm model of the Legend Diver final November. Not solely did we love the brand new dimensions, however the omittance of the date was additionally met with applause right here. With a denim-like blue and a black model on supply, one thing informed us extra colours is likely to be on the horizon. So whereas this new launch doesn’t shock us, we do respect the extra selections.
That is the 39mm Longines Legend Diver as we all know it from final 12 months, now with three extra dial choices. You might have a selection of terracotta, inexperienced, and grey. Let’s have a better look!
The historic context of the Longines Legend Diver
These three new dials aren’t simply random additions to the excellent Longines assortment. Actually, the Legend Diver’s historic counterpart celebrates its sixty fifth birthday this 12 months. So it’s only logical that Longines would do one thing to mark the event. And what higher strategy to rejoice than by a cheerfully colourful launch?
The story began in 1959 when Longines launched the reference 7042. The watch, with its distinct Tremendous Compressor case, appeared extraordinarily much like as we speak’s Legend Diver. Sadly, the fashionable mannequin is not an precise Tremendous Compressor, nevertheless it follows the aesthetic. The 2 crowns, the interior rotating bezel, and the ice-scoop-shaped minute hand all debuted within the 1959 mannequin. An up to date mannequin adopted in 1963, and a 3rd era with a date window noticed the sunshine of day in 1974. The mannequin went out of manufacturing shortly after.
In 2007, the 42mm authentic bought a 42mm successor, reference L3.674.4.56.2. This mannequin turned fairly collectible as a result of a date complication was added solely a 12 months later. Fans most popular the no-date model, making the early ones extremely fascinating. Then, final 12 months, Longines launched a no-date 39mm model, which is the one which sees the brand new dial choices added as we speak.
Longines Legend Diver specs
Naturally, the specs stay the identical as these of final 12 months’s introduction. On the off probability you haven’t memorized them, let’s do a fast recap. This can be a chrome steel dive watch with a crowd-pleasing 39mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 12.7mm thickness. Up prime, we discover a box-type sapphire crystal with a number of layers of antireflective coating on either side. A crown at 4 o’clock controls the motion, whereas a second crown at 2 o’clock controls the interior rotating dive bezel. Longines charges the water resistance at 300 meters.
Inside ticks the Longines-exclusive ETA caliber L888.6. This 21-jewel automated motion runs at 25,200 beats per hour. COSC certifies the encased caliber over a 12-day course of. This can be a extra stringent check than common as most chronometer calibers are examined earlier than casing. That’s not all, although, as these dive watches are licensed to satisfy the ISO 6425 customary, which is uncommon these days. You get a contemporary 72-hour energy reserve and a silicon stability spring for added magnetism resistance.
Whereas final 12 months’s fashions come in your selection of a bracelet or a leather-based strap (black dial) or blue NATO (blue dial), these new colours all come on the bracelet. This bracelet has a basic beads-of-rice design, emphasizing the classic inspiration. It options strong feminine finish hyperlinks and a push-button deployant clasp. There are a number of holes micro-adjustment holes, however you will want a software or correctly sized pin to make use of them.
The brand new dial colours
So, what about these new colours? Let’s begin with the grey dial. That is essentially the most conventional of the three choices. It isn’t unusual to search out classic Tremendous Compressors and pores and skin divers with related dial hues. It offers the Longines Legend Diver with a clear, barely washed-out aesthetic. I imply that in a constructive approach as it’s much less contrasting and softer than the black model. I’m glad to report that Longines steered away from faux-patina lume, leaving all three new dials trying contemporary and trendy.
Subsequent up, we’ve got terracotta. This can be a significantly attention-grabbing one as a result of it subtly references essentially the most classical of coloured dials, the salmon dial. The hue is rustier and richer in browns than a typical salmon dial, so that you gained’t confuse it with one. Nonetheless, the similarity makes it really feel considerably acquainted.
Lastly, there’s the inexperienced dial, essentially the most placing of the three. This can be a vivid mid-green that leans ever so barely towards the cool aspect. The inexperienced model makes the boldest assertion, not least of all as a result of it feels essentially the most novel. This isn’t a colour we usually affiliate with classic watches, not to mention Tremendous Compressors. It breaks with custom, nevertheless it does so with confidence.
Preliminary impressions of the brand new Longines Legend Diver colours
Once I first noticed an outline picture of those three new dial colours, I wasn’t overly impressed. I figured I’d nonetheless decide the black or blue model. Nonetheless, the mix of the three triggers some bias. Aspect by aspect, they appear a bit a lot. Nonetheless, when considered in isolation, these three colours all carry one thing neat to the desk. And I believe they work very properly.
The Longines Legend Diver is a deceptively easy watch. Its design is evident and concise. This implies it presents an awesome canvas to experiment with a little bit of colour. I like that Longines picked very explicit and largely atypical hues. One other large plus for me is that the model caught with one colour per watch. It’s so tempting so as to add a second accent colour or fake patina. Nonetheless, it may have simply turned these watches gimmicky.
The 39mm Longines Legend Diver on the bracelet prices €3,800. All three new colours can be found now from Longines. What do you consider them? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
