When I saw the newly release Longines Heritage Classic, it made me realize that I have found myself liking Longines more and more over the years. I think it started with my vintage Grand Prize model that I have. I love how elegant the watch wears on the wrist, and despite the smaller size (33mm), the presence it has on wrist and the feeling it gives me when I wear it is something I have yet to find in other watches. Part of that comes down to the design of the watch. I love the (relatively) longer lugs that extend from the case, increasing the watches presence. The clean simple dial and sub seconds seems effortlessly elegant. I always find myself thinking, if this watch said Patek on the dial, it would be worth thousands.
When Longines released the new Longines Heritage Classic, I probably had a similar response as most people: does the watch space need another vintage inspired watch. Honestly, the answer to that is no. That being said, I think Longines always does them right.
Referencing a model from the 1930’s, the watch is almost a one to one replica, resized to 38.5mm to fit “modern tastes.” I would have preferred a 36mm case, or I think it would have been even bolder for them to release it in the original size (if someone knows exactly what that is, please let me know!), but I do applaud them for keeping the size conservative, along with keeping the dimensions more or less proportionate to the original! I think these proportions have a lot to do with the charm of a watch. The dial keeps everything else from the original, the two-tone sector silver dial, and blued hands.
The watches utilizes an automatic (once again, modern) Calibre 893 (ETA A31.501) which is a modified ETA base calibre for Longines. The primary benefit of this movement over a standard ETA is that of a longer power reserve (64 hours) over a typical ~42-48 hours. The movement has 27 jewels, and beats at 25,200 VPH. Another modern touch is a sapphire crystal. Kudos to Longines, they also include an extra leather “denim-effect” NATO style strap with the watch. If you purchase the watch on a black leather, you receive a blue NATO strap, and the reverse if you choose Blue leather (you receive an anthracite nato strap).
Overall, I think this a very cool watch. I wish Longines would also release one in the original size. It also looks as if the original has some polished elements, which I think are attractive, and are non-existent or not noticeable on the new model. I’m sure it wouldn’t be a big seller overall, but I think it would be a bold move, and I think the vintage collector community would greatly enjoy it. I would also appreciate being able to pick your NATO strap (I would personally get both in black).
-Cheers
Don
For more information, visit longines.com