Hands-on with the Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary Stainless Steel Watch

Following the success of the Ultra-Chron Diver watch released earlier this year, Longines now releases a stainless steel 190th-anniversary model that joins the manufacturer's current catalogue within the Master Collection. The watch is released alongside two other limited edition timepieces in gold and features a beautifully slim bezel, as well as a wearable diameter of 40mm, making it a stunning dress watch option for 2022.

If you’re looking for an elegant dress watch, Longines’ new 40mm model shares a case depth of 9.35mm, enabling it to fit effortlessly under the cuff of an office suit. The timepiece forgoes a date complication – a feature that many collectors feel can often spoil a dress watch. In addition to this, its design is a significantly poignant one, since it marks 190 years since the famous Swiss watch manufacturer began inventing refined timekeeping instruments in Saint Imier, where the brand still resides to this very day. Meet the new Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary stainless steel watch, complete with a sandblasted silver dial and a traditional black alligator leather strap.

A bit about what makes a Longines watch so special

Celebrating 190 years in watchmaking is something quite special. The Swiss brand has been developing luxury wristwatches a lot longer than many other companies in the industry and has prided itself on some of the world’s most elegant dress watches, pilot’s timepieces and diving instruments. What’s more, Longines has been co-developing movements with ETA for some time. Although not exclusively in-house, the brand is contending with many other rivals on the market doing the same thing, like Oris and Tudor. These quality movements are some of the most steadfast and reliable you can own. Longines ceased the manufacture of its own in-house developed movements back in 1984 but before then had produced the Calibre 20H in 1878– its first chronograph movement and the Calibre 20A just eleven years earlier. The brand’s first chronometer-certified movement was manufactured in 1888. But one of the most widely known Longines movements is the chronograph Calibre 13ZN, released back in 1936.

Aside from Longines’ successful heritage in manufacturing powerful movements, the brand also enjoys a storied history of creating elegant wristwatches that can be enjoyed on every kind of occasion. The new Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watch is yet another example of a timeless model, which follows on from the brand’s impressive Ultra-Chron Diver watch released earlier this year. The new anniversary model is accompanied by two limited edition versions, which deserve their own introduction. You can read up on more details of these two timepieces here. The accompanying limited edition models are crafted from 18ct rose gold and 18ct yellow gold. Both models are each exclusive to just 190 pieces worldwide.

The new Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary stainless steel watch

The new stainless steel version of the Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watch measures a 40mm diameter and is executed in a polished effect to communicate an opulent and luxurious dress watch style. Constituting a timepiece that can be worn day or night, the model has a versatile style that can pair easily with office, formal, smart and casual attire. Features that make it possible to enjoy on a daily timepiece include its perfectly round case shape, its universally appealing silver dial executed in a sandblasted effect, and a very classic-looking black alligator leather strap that secures around the wrist with a Longines-engraved stainless steel buckle. All-in-all, the watch is incredibly timeless, signifying in a very fitting way how Longines, as a luxury watch innovator, has stood the test of time.

The new model features 12 beautifully proportioned Arabic numeral hour markers and a set of blued hands that contrast tastefully with the lustrous sheen across the display. Additionally, the watch is a straightforward three-handed model and is relatively thin, making it an ideal option for slender wrists. The minute track is really discreet around the dial flange, leaving just the Longines lettering at 12 o’clock and the “Automatic” lettering at 6 o’clock to speak for themselves. Usually, Longines watches from the Master Collection have some form of complication, whether that be a calendar, a chronograph or a moon phase feature. This iteration stands out from the collection with its reserved dial, stripped back to basics and forgoing any additional complications. To summarise, this is a simple timekeeping concept for Longines purists. Its novelty feel is sure to prove collectable for fans of the brand, as well as general luxury watch enthusiasts.

The beating heart

The new Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watch in steel is powered by the Calibre L888.5, which has enjoyed a successful run throughout the brand’s catalogue. With an impressive power reserve of 72 hours, you can rest assured that if you take this timepiece off on a Friday evening and alternate it with another favourite, you can return to this anniversary model after the weekend to find it will have kept perfect time without the need to wind it up. It also features a silicone balance spring and beats at a rhythm of 25,200 vibrations per hour. Its mainplate and rotor are embellished with the Cotes de Geneve decoration, whilst other perlage finishes complete its composition. These elements are sure to be appreciated by loyal Longines watch fans since a view of the movement is attainable from the back of the watch’s case via a sapphire crystal glass exhibition feature.

The lasting impression of the new steel Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watch is, without a doubt, its beautiful sandblasted silver dial, which serves as a plain canvas for the hands and Arabic numeral hour marker. The simplicity of its layout signifies the brand’s simple and unwavering dedication to unique watch manufacture and conveys the effortless approach to timekeeping that Longines embarks upon with each new creation.

If you would like to purchase one of the steel versions of the new Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary watch, you can call and speak to a member of our sales team today by calling us at 01335 453453 or order online here.