Longines Heritage Classic Sector Dial
The Longines Heritage Classic Sector Dial burst onto the watch scene back in 2019. Encompassing silver tones, it was inspired by a former model made by the Maison back in 1934. Now the brand has released two new variants of the watch, one presented on a cognac-coloured strap and the other with a ‘grain of rice’ steel bracelet. Both options come with a sublime two-tone dial combining shades of black and charcoal.
Avid followers of horological matters can’t fail to have noticed Longines’ predilection for Heritage models. Founded in 1832, Longines, one of the biggest names in watchmaking, has a back catalogue that would make most rock legends envious.
While the brand from Saint-Imier continues to release contemporary models, it frequently revisits a reference from the past, refines it for a modern-day audience and unleashes it on an unsuspecting audience. By skilfully blending sublime retro styling and value for money, it is not surprising that legions of horophiles are easily seduced.
In 2019, the Swiss marque unveiled the Longines Heritage Classic Sector Dial featuring a 3 zone dial comprised of silver and grey tones. It was a stunning composition that will undoubtedly deliver lasting eye appeal.
Image – L2.828.4.73.2
Now, the historic watch firm has released a new Longines Heritage Classic Sector Dial. On this occasion, the dial combines black and charcoal hues. It is available on a Cognac leather strap or a ‘grain of rice’ steel bracelet suffused with alternating brushed and polished links.
The ‘sector dial’ features two concentric circlets near its edge. This forms a dual-purpose track, combining both hour markers and a minuterie. The hours at the cardinal points are denoted with Arabic numerals, while the other hours and represented with lines that span the gap between said circlets. The aforementioned dual-purpose track is presented in charcoal and embellished with circular satin-brush. The central area of the dial is black and marked with crosshairs. Beyond the charcoal-toned track is a small ring hugging the inner wall of the case, again presented in back.
The silver-toned pencil-like hour and minute hands may be super-fine but they express meaning efficiently and with notable style. A small seconds display is positioned above 6 o’clock and is enlivened with snailed detail. The dial sits below a period-style box glass sapphire crystal.
The calibre L893 (ETA A31.501), a self-winding movement, is housed within the 38.5mm stainless steel case. While the habillage respectfully doffs its hat to a former Longines model of 1934, the movement is cutting-edge, courtesy of its silicon hairspring. The benefit of using this glass-like material is that it is not liable to corrosion, is unaffected by changes in temperature and, most pertinently of all, is not influenced by magnetic fields.
A consequence of living in the modern world is that we are constantly exposed to magnetic fields. Indeed, mobile phones and many electronic devices emit strong magnetic fields that can adversely affect a conventional hairspring. Many timepieces end up on a watchmaker’s bench, requiring regulation purely because they have been exposed to a high dose of magnetism. The benefit of using silicon is clear.
Typically silicon hairsprings appear on much costlier watches than this Heritage Classic Sector Dial model, however, Longines is part of the vast Swatch Group, a company that enjoys significant economies of scale. Indeed, with prices starting at just £1650 (RRP as at 14.6.2021), the Swiss brand repeatedly delivers incredible value that probably keeps many rival brands awake at night.
While some watch buyers crave modernity, there are vast numbers of horophiles who appreciate styles of the past. Longines has recognised this, reviving beautiful designs of the past and creating something relevant to the present and beyond.
The brand’s press release (June 2021)
Following the success of the silver version in 2019, Longines is now offering a new interpretation of The Longines Heritage Classic with a black sector dial. With its sleek, graphical design, this 38.50mm diameter piece plays with lines and circles to create a relief effect.
Typical of the 1930s, The Longines Heritage Classic sector dial is composed of different zones, each with a different finish. The matt centre circle allows the slim silver hands to stand out in contrast. It is inlaid with an anthracite hour circle with a circular brush finish. The finishing touch is the ridged small second hand.
While the aesthetics of The Longines Heritage Classic are faithful to the watches of the 1930s, of which it is a worthy heir, its technical features are absolutely modern.
Indeed, this piece houses a latest-generation movement, L893, a calibre developed exclusively for Longines heritage watches. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring that makes it resistant to the usual magnetic fields. It offers a 5-year guarantee. Another distinguishing feature is the position of its small seconds, shifted downwards in relation to the central axis, in order to come even closer to the design of the historical piece. Or when watchmaking expertise contributes to aesthetics.
The Longines Heritage Classic is presented on two different straps: cognac-coloured leather strap with a “pull-up effect” that varies its colour with use, making each piece unique, and a “grain of rice” steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links.
“So far – with a few exceptions – we have always fitted our heritage pieces with leather straps”, explains Matthias Breschan, CEO of the brand. “We have chosen a ‘grain of rice’ pattern. It is a high-end mesh that dates back to the 1940s and blends perfectly with the design of the dial. It is very soft and comfortable to wear.”
The Longines story started in 1832 and has continued across the many creations and innovations that it offers. This preciously guarded heritage is an infinite source of inspiration, and with The Longines Heritage Classic – black sector dial, it is once again possible to offer a piece that will appeal to vintage watch aficionados.
