The latest callback by Longines intended for Baselworld 2017, goes out to their 1957 milestone, which launched the refined “Flagship Collection”. And it was even chosen by one of their star ambassadors, the one and only Oscar winning Kate Winslet, while she was visiting the Longines headquarters, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland.
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These simple yet elegant timepieces can easily be seen on a male, though their smaller case size and being a Kate Winslet pick, suggest they are a lady watch, but can easily be classified as unisex. Actually a 38.5mm case size is more than adequate to fill most wrists, despite the gender. Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s these timepieces were regularly seen on men, as a glimpse at the iconic AMC TV show “Mad Men” can testify too. Overall an intelligent and well thought out sizing option by Longines.
Kate Winslet a Longines Ambassador * Image courtesy of: Lngines
The 38.5mm case is available in three distinct versions: stainless-steel, 18k rose gold and 18k yellow gold. Has a solid case back that features a flagship caravel (reminiscent of the ships used by the Portuguese and Spanish for trade and exploring the globe) stamped on it. An elegant design with a standard crown and sharp faceted long lugs for a comfortable wrist fit. All covered by a sapphire crystal with a multi-layered anti-reflective coating. Water-resistance on this timepiece can reach up to 30m (96 feet).
(Left to right) Yellow gold, stainless-steel and rose gold. * Image courtesy of: Longines
Time is exhibited on a concentric brushed off-white dial with a more silvery toned outer ring. It has gold applied hour index markers and the Arabic numerals for the: 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions. Hour and minute hands are made of 18k yellow or pink gold with a dauphine design and were coated with a luminescent substance, for an enhanced legibility. The brands logo can be seen front and center in gold, slightly under the 12 o’clock position; while under that reads the inscription “Flagship” in a cursive black font. Also features a sub-seconds dial slightly over and aligned with the 6 o’clock position.
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Longines Flagship Heritage 60th Anniversary
This “Longines Flagship Heritage 60th Anniversary” (Ref#: References below) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber L609 with 27 jewels, 11 ½ lines and 28,800 vph. This in-house movement was originally based on the ETA 2892 caliber. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 42 hours, when fully wound.
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Mounted to the watch is a brown alligator strap, secured to the wrist by a pin buckle, made matching the case material of each respective version. All three versions of this watch are limited editions: stainless-steel made 1957 numbered pieces; while the rose and yellow gold were issued in 60 numbered pieces each.
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Ref#: L4.817.4.76.2 – Stainless Steel
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Ref#: L4.817.8.76.2 – 18k Rose Gold
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Ref#: L4.817.6.76.2 – 18k Yellow Gold
Image courtesy of: Lngines
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Longines, Flagship, Heritage, Baselworld, Baselworld 2017, Luxury Watches
To suggest a 38mm watch is “small” or a woman’s watch is ridiculous.
I’m an average sized guy my 36mm and 34mm watches look entirely appropriate on me. Honestly, I don’t see the point of anything larger than 40mm for most guys.
Yes, we totally agree; that’s why I pointed out in the article that is was a “well thought out size option”. The tendency for bigger case sizes has been an arbitrary fad, which no one has to adhere too. I also have thin wrists and find a 36mm proportionate enough. So, to each his own & keep’em wound!