LONGINES – RECORD

Longines has now been in business for 185 years: 185 years since the birth of the brand from Saint Imier – a town famous for its pool of replica watchmaking talents – and 185 years of mastery in technique, timekeeping and aesthetic appeal. If we had to sum up Longines in a few words, we would mention timeless elegance, efficient mechanisms and attractive prices. The replica watchmaker’s two main strengths are the wide range of its replica watches and accessibility. This 185th anniversary is the occasion for a new collection of replica watches named Record and equipped not only with an automatic mechanism, but also a chronometer certified by the COSC.

longines record collection

This line of Record replica watches includes a large variety of steel models available in several different diameters (26, 30, 38.5 or 40mm) and adorned with a wide range of dials. Some of these models, mainly those designed for women, include a bezel decorated with diamonds.

The various colours on offer on the dials are quite traditional: opaline mother-of-pearl, lacquered black and studded with a diamond index, matt white featuring Roman numerals, silvered with a sunburst finish and decorated with triangular hour markers, or black, blue or silver featuring an hour rim made up of Arabic numerals and index, to mention just some of the designs. At the centre of each dial is a couple of metallic or blued steel dauphine-style hands displaying the hours and the minutes, along with a second hand. To round things off, the date appears in a window at 3 o’clock.

The hour and calendar functions are driven by the calibre L592.5, based on an ETA design, an automatic mechanical movement that has been officially certified by the COSC and provides a power reserve of over 60 hours.

Priced from 1 850 CHF (steel, 26mm) to 4 260 CHF (steel set with diamonds, 30mm)

By Sharmila Bertin

INSIGHT: Two sleeper hits from the replica Phillips Start-Stop-Reset auction

Editor’s Note: Time+Tide seems to have a thing for Canadian contributors, perhaps because we’re both Commonwealth countries. Whatever the reason, we’ve found another one. In his first post on Time+Tide, Chris Greenberg, who also writes for Christies and International Replica Watch Magazine, casts his eye over the upcoming Phillips auction.

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Aurel Bacs and Phillips – two names that have had a huge impact on the vintage replica watch market in the past 18 months, with a series of outstanding auctions that reached even more outstanding prices. Mr Bacs has been a market-maker for vintage timepieces for more than 20 years, earning his stripes at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and now Phillips, where his sixth and latest auction “Start-Stop-Reset: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs”, taking place on May 14 in Geneva, has once again whipped up a frenzy of anticipation.

To be clear, while I love a minty-fresh vintage timepiece as much as the next replica watch-lover, I’m not what you would call a ‘vintage guy.’ That said, I fully acknowledge that personality goes a long way, and that the right smaller steel piece, with an interesting case and lugs combo has personality in spades. With that in mind, the catalogue for Start-Stop-Reset is a horological feast. To use the expression “they don’t make ’em like this anymore,” isn’t hyperbole – they really don’t. And the timing for this auction is perfect, as the once-humble vintage steel chrono is having its day like never before.

Condition, provenance, originality and who’s in the room at the time all come into play while navigating anything vintage but in this case the ‘Phillips factor’ is worth mentioning as well – Bacs and company have already made a name for themselves by sourcing the finest quality pieces with the most interesting stories, so you can almost guarantee prices will reach dizzying heights.

While much of the focus has, rightly, been on the heavy-hitting Patek and Rolex lots, I was taken by the Longines. Of the nine on offer, here are two that are particularly special.

LOT 55: Longines Tre Tachhe, 1943

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I’m dismayed that I picked the most expensive piece, but this stepped-case number is just tops for me. The collector nickname, Tre Tacche, means ‘three notches’ in Italian, referring to the three little cutout sections of the caseback. Collectors should have come up with a nickname for the stepped case as well – they give the replica watch a great architectural feel. The gilt, black-lacquer dial is the other standout here; in sunlight it must be stunning. What will push this piece over the top, however, will likely be the Calibre 13ZN movement, which has earned quite a following and is well regarded as the industry’s first serially produced flyback chronograph movement. Flyback chronographs are able to return to zero and resume timing instantaneously by pressing the pusher – an ideal complication for aeronautical navigation in the 1940s.

LOT 43: Longines Chronostop, 1953

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Another flyback also caught my eye, but it’s of a decidedly different stripe. This single-button number with its two-tone silver dial uses the Calibre 12.68Z movement and the appeal lies in the quirkiness of its chronograph feature. The central red hand counts minutes, while the centre ‘seconds’ hand measures elapsed seconds, while continuous seconds can be seen at six. This piece is unique, even for vintage. What’s more, at 37mm, it’s a wearable contemporary size.

Now of all the replica watches of the auction, the easy predictions for the big numbers are the million-dollar Patek 530 and the Rolex Antimagnetique, but I think the Longines Tre Tacche could be something of a sleeper hit. If the right people are in the room, then this replica watch – which is a perfect balance of both town and country, present and past – could do very well indeed. I know I would wear it. A lot.

Longines HydroConquest Blue Dial Stainless Steel Mens Replica Watch L3.640.4.96.6 Review

Product Features:

  • Display: The HydroConquest L3.640.4.96.6 has a hip mingling between an eye-catching sunray blue dial, and silver-white markers, as well as Arabic numerals located at the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock points. A date window replaces the 3 o’clock numeral. Its luminescent “i”-shaped indices, numbers, and polished silver hands are all coated with Super-Luminova pigment.
  • Dial Display Window: The inside portion of the L3.640.4.96.6’s sapphire crystal dial display window has an anti-reflective coating.
  • Case and Bezel: This cheap replica watch in Longines’s Hydroconquest collection has a round stainless steel case measuring 39 mm in diameter, and 10.2 mm in thickness. It has a screw-in crown, as well as a uni-directional bezel.
  • Movement: This timepiece employs Swiss quartz movement with a base calibre manufactured by ETA (955.412).
  • Watch Strap: A silver stainless steel link bracelet graces the wrist of this replica watch’s owner. It is 18 mm in width, and follows men’s replica watch standard lengths. It is worn through a folding clasp with double security or push buttons.
  • Water Resistance: The HydroConquest L3.640.4.96.6 is water-resistant even in depths of up to 1000 feet or 300 meters.

Advantages:

  • Striking Surface: The HydroConquest L3.640.4.96.6 is indeed, a handsome and durable timepiece. Its attractive sunray blue dial is a fashion-forward man’s bonbon, while the silver tones bring in a mild “bling” factor.
  • Super Luminosity: When your replica watch has Super-Luminova coating on its hands and time indicators, you will never have to worry about the time, even while you are enjoying a leisurely dive, or, while you are out having fun in a dimly-lit club or on the beach at night.
  • The Conquest of Depths: You don’t even have to ask why this replica watch is a Hydroconquest timepiece if you know its diver replica watch features: water resistance of 1000 feet, rotating bezel, luminous pieces, and a tough dial window. These elements make this replica watch a modern-day Marco Polo.
  • The Longines Quality Guarantee: You can give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Purchasing a replica watch made by Longines is indeed, a good investment. As a company that has been around for over 180 years, and a member of the Swatch Group, every owner of a Longines replica watch is guaranteed a high-quality product.

Disadvantages:

This replica watch really doesn’t have any drawbacks. However, some buyers may want a replica watch with mechanical movement, since these are crafted to become heirlooms. Battery-operated replica watches do not have the longevity of mechanical replica watches, especially if the inner pieces can be ruined because of corrosion from the battery.

Longines Master Collection Mens Replica Watch L2.673.4.78.3 Review

Product Features:

  • Watch Face: The Longines Master L2.673.4.78.3 has a distinct silver barleycorn guillochè dial. Its face is set with blue-tint steel hands, and black Arabic numerals. Aside from usual timekeeping, this replica watch also has three sub-dials for its chronograph functions.
  • Display Window: Its dial window and case back is made of sapphire crystal, allowing people to appreciate the beauty of its face and parts of its internal mechanics without worrying about getting scratches or ugly marks on the swiss replica watch.
  • Case: This piece in the Master Collection has a 40-millimeter wide, stainless steel case that is 11 millimeters thick. It does have a transparent case back.
  • Movement: The L2.673.4.78.3 uses Longines’s L678 caliber, a type of automatic or self-winding mechanical movement often used for replica watches with moon phase functions. Its base calibre is a reliable, Swiss-made Valjoux 7751, or ETA 7751. It can go on working for up to 48 hours without any wrist movement.
  • Functions: The inner edges of its fixed bezel count down time in seconds (60) with each of the three sub-dials having their own function. The small dial at 12 o’clock houses a day and month window, as well as a 30-second timer. The 9 o’clock sub-dial converts time to its 24-hour format, as well as serves as a smaller 60-second stopwatch. The third sub-dial located at 6 o’clock is a 12-hour counter with a moon phase function. Lastly, the date is indicated by the numeral where the hand on the third sub-dial points to.
  • Watch Strap: Its band is an alligator-pattern, brown leather type that uses a triple safety folding clasp or deployment buckle with push-buttons. Its 21-millimeter width is a match to its 20-millimeter lug.
  • Water Resistance: This replica watch is water-resistant in depths of up to 30 meters.

Advantages:

  • All-In Functions: With a few, slight misses in the checklist, this replica watch has everything that you will ever need in a replica watch. The way the replica watch’s dial was designed to house its chronograph, calendar, and other analog timekeeping functions is a replica watch-lover’s eye candy.
  • Exhibition Case Back: The true beauty of a mechanical replica watch has to be witnessed and appreciated through its clockwork in action. With its glass, transparent case back, the L2.673.4.78.3’s artistry and the expertise put into its mechanics can be partially observed even without opening it up.
  • Sapphire Crystal:  Both the dial window and the case back are made of sapphire crystal. This renders them durable, and virtually free from scratches.
  • Exquisite Aesthetics: The Master L2.673.4.78.3 is indeed, as sight to see. Its lavishly textured dial, and luxurious alligator brown leather are perfect matches to the replica watch face element layout.

Disadvantages:

  • While the replica watch functions on its dial may be eye candy for some people, others might think that there is too much going on, and would prefer simpler layouts.
  • This replica watch may not be used at night, or in dim places, as the numerals, indices, and hands are not luminous.

Longines Men’s LNG47202112 La Grande Classique Presence White Dial Replica Watch Review

Product Features:

  • Display: The Longines LNG47202112 fuses together classic elements of more traditional replica watches such as a matte white dial, Roman numeral hour markers, and baton hands. It has a date window by the 3 o’clock mark. The dial display window uses sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.
  • Case: Its gold-tone metallic case is 34.5 mm in diameter and only 6 mm in thickness. It lug measures 18 mm.
  • Movement: The Longines Men’s LNG47202112 La Grande Classique Presence White Dial Replica Watch uses Swiss-made quartz movement.
  • Watch Band: Its black, alligator-pattern calfskin strap has a tang or buckle enclosure. It is as long as men’s standard replica watch strap lengths, and it is 18 mm wide.
  • Water Resistance: This timepiece is water-resistant up to 99 feet or 30 meters.

Advantages:

  • The Longines Heritage:  Longines has been in the business of horology since the 1800s and stands tall with a reputation for expertise, tradition, finesse, and impeccable quality. Every replica watch that wears the winged hourglass logo lives up to this heritage. The LNG47202112 La Grande Classique Presence White Dial Replica Watch is a strong testament to this.
  • Ultra-Slim and Timeless Design: Although it can definitely be paired with casual attire, this classic piece is a superb complement to a formal suit for business or, for evening wear. Its slim case, its Roman-numeral markers, and a mingling gold, white, and black tones represent a reserved yet stylish man.
  • No-Fuss Movement: Compared to mechanical replica watches, a Swiss quartz movement replica watch is almost hassle free because battery replacement is needed only once and awhile, and precision is kept pristine.
  • Scratch-Free Crystal: I appreciate the fact that this replica watch used sapphire crystal for its dial display window. Even if this can cause the price to bump up, it is well worth it because this renders your replica watch more durable and readable with its scratch-resistant and anti-reflective properties.

Disadvantages:

  • As in all leather straps worn for an extended period of time, a slightly stinky odor builds up from your wrist as your sweat and the leather mixes on to your skin.
  • Although this may be a minor drawback to some folks, you can’t really use this replica watch to teach kids how to properly read the Roman numeral number “4” off this replica watch. Strictly speaking, it should not be represented as “IIII”, but as “IV”. I noticed that a lot of replica watches nowadays use the incorrect form rather than the right one, though.

Longines Lon-9016 Hydroconquest Sport Collection Men’s Replica Watch L364245669 Review

Product Features:

  • Display: This piece from the Hydroconquest collection has a black and white display that is a perfect match to its silver strap. Applied Arabic numerals mark the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, while the rest of the hours and minutes are designated with white dots and indices, respectively. Its hands and indexes are luminous.
  • Dial Display Window: The dial window is made of sapphire crystal that is scratch-resistant and anti-reflective.
  • Case: Its round, stainless steel case measures about 41 mm wide, and about 12 mm thick. It also has a screw-in crown for manual adjustments to be made in a secure manner.
  • Movement: This utilizes a self-winding (automatic) mechanical movement. It has a power reserve of up to 40 hours, when not used.
  • Watch Strap: This Hydroconquest timepiece has a stainless steel link bracelet for its replica watch strap. Its length is the same as other men’s replica watches (7 to 8 inches), and has a width of about 21 inches. Finally, it has a double push-button folder-over clasp.
  • Water Resistance: Its name is such because this replica watch is water-resistant in up to depths of 300 meters or about 1000 feet.

Advantages:

  • Meeting Poseidon: This replica watch’s outstanding feature is its water-resistance of up to 1000 feet. Although there are more pricey divers’ replica watches out there, this is definitely one that you would wear for competitive or leisure water sports activities such as swimming, leisure diving or snorkeling.
  • Readability: I love that fact that this replica watch’s face is quite easy to read. It has sufficiently sized numbers and markers, and luminous indexes and hands. This is a great partner for men who are working at night and need to check the time or countdown the seconds. These features are a must for people who do water sports as well.
  • Secure and Sturdy: The construction and design says it all. You’ve got a replica watch that has folding clasp with security buttons so that this replica watch won’t fall off your wrist when you least expect it to. You also have a replica watch that is bump-proof and scratch-proof.
  • Longines of the Swatch Group: A great number of people around the world know the Swatch Group as an expert in the manufacturing of replica watches. Longines, by itself, has been around since the 19th century. With a reputation, or even, legacy like that, why would these two companies risk making a lemon of a replica watch?

Disadvantages:

  • The battle between quartz movement versus mechanical movement is still ongoing. Those who prefer battery –driven clockwork won’t like having to set the date and time again, after 40 hours of non-use have lapsed.