Should You Buy a Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Gone are the days when engagement rings were a one-size-fits-all affair! Today's couples are increas...
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Longines' story began in 1832 in the heart of Switzerland's watchmaking region. Founded by Auguste Agassiz, the brand quickly established itself for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative spirit.
The company was initially called Raiguel Jeune & Cie, and while the name itself might not be familiar today, it marked the humble beginnings of Longines. Led by Auguste Agassiz alongside lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel, the company took a unique approach. Instead of a centralised workshop, they utilised a network of skilled artisans working from their homes, a system known as "comptoir d'établissage." Agassiz assembled the individual parts into complete timepieces, ensuring quality control and laying the foundation for the brand's reputation.
By the early 20th century, Longines had become a pioneer in wristwatch technology, crafting the world's first wrist chronograph in 1913. This pioneering spirit continued with the development of the first wristwatch with a rotating bezel in 1931 and the ground-breaking flyback chronograph in 1936.
These achievements not only cemented Longines' position at the forefront of watchmaking but also significantly influenced the entire industry.
Source: statistica.com
In the decades since its creation, Longines has captivated collectors with a distinctive and sought-after collection of luxury watches for both men and women. Whether you dream of adventure, seek timeless elegance, or desire a touch of everyday luxury, there's a Longines watch waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore some of their most popular collections and timepieces.
Longines' men's watches embody a spirit of adventure and heritage, offering a range of timepieces from robust sports watches to classic dress pieces, all crafted with exceptional quality and a nod to the brand's rich history.
Embodying a sense of Longines heritage, the Spirit Zulu Time 42mm captures the essence of adventure with a striking black dial housed in a robust 42mm stainless steel case. The gunmetal strap adds a touch of modern sophistication, while the 100m water resistance ensures it can handle everyday adventures.
For travellers and ocean voyagers, the HydroConquest GMT 41mm is a perfect companion. This diver's watch boasts a 300m water resistance rating, allowing you to explore the world with confidence. The automatic movement provides reliable performance, while the stainless steel case construction ensures durability.
Drawing inspiration from the world of sporting events and equestrianism, the Conquest Classic collection offers timeless sophistication for men. Choose from a round case paired with either a sophisticated stainless steel bracelet or a classic leather strap. The automatic movement ensures smooth operation, while the design details subtly evoke the world of horse racing.
Longines' women's watches exude elegance and sophistication, with a variety of styles from the iconic rectangular DolceVita to the classically feminine PrimaLuna. Each piece offers a touch of luxury, allowing for the expression of unique personalities and styles.
Epitomising sophistication and elegance, the Longines DolceVita Collection is instantly recognisable for its signature rectangular or tonneau-shaped cases. These timepieces often feature diamond adornments and a range of dial options, including mother-of-pearl, silver, and sunray finishes. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of a stainless steel bracelet or the luxurious comfort of a leather or satin strap, a DolceVita watch allows you to express your unique style.
Exuding a classic charm, the Longines Prima Luna Collection showcases elegant round cases and dials. Timeless touches like Roman numerals and diamond hour markers add an element of luxury. Similar to the DolceVita collection, PrimaLuna offers the choice of quartz or automatic movements, along with a stainless steel bracelet or a classic leather strap.
For those who appreciate a discreet profile and classic styling, the Longines Mini DolceVita collection offers a perfect choice. Exuding a timeless and timely aesthetic, these watches represent quiet luxury and contemporary elegance at an accessible price point.
The Longines collection extends beyond its elegant designs. The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of watchmaking technology, introducing groundbreaking movements and complications that have left a lasting impact on the industry. Here are some of Longines' most notable achievements
In 1959, Longines unveiled the Caliber 360, a revolutionary high-frequency mechanical movement beating at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour. This innovation provides exceptional accuracy and smooth movements. Housed in the first Longines Ultra-Chron watch, it predated the famous El Primero high-frequency chronograph movement from Zenith by two years. This achievement cemented Longines' position at the forefront of mechanical watchmaking advancements.
Longines recognised the potential of quartz technology early on. In 1969, they introduced the game-changing Ultra Quartz, which dethroned all competitors to become the most accurate production wristwatch in existence at the time. Longines continued to innovate in this space, launching an LCD digital version in 1972 and the ultra-thin analog "Golden Leaf" in 1979. These advancements showcased Longines' adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies.
In 1984, the Conquest VHP, standing for "Very High Precision," marked another milestone. The current iteration, launched in 2017 with the ETA-produced Caliber L288.2, boasts a remarkable precision of +/- 5 seconds per year. This feat is complemented by a GPD (gear position detection) system and a remarkable battery life that stretches nearly five years. The VHP collection embodies Longines' dedication to achieving unparalleled precision in quartz timekeeping.
Understanding the specific needs of aviators, Longines collaborated with Captain Philip Van Horn Weems of the U.S. Navy in 1929 to create the Weems Second-Setting Watch. This innovative timepiece featured an adjustable seconds hand and a rotatable inner disc, allowing pilots to synchronise their watches with radio signals for enhanced navigation. Two years later, Longines built upon this success with the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch. This tool watch incorporated a complex system of rotating discs and bezels to assist pilots in determining longitude using a sextant. These timepieces cemented Longines' role in the development of specialised pilot watches.
Longines has a rich heritage of exceptional chronographs. During World War II, they produced timepieces under the "Avigation" name specifically for military pilots. This legacy continues today with the modern Avigation BigEye Chronograph, a recent addition to the Heritage collection. Longines has made significant strides in chronograph advancements throughout the 1930s and 40s. The Caliber 13ZN, introduced in 1936, featured a patented flyback mechanism, considered one of the most sophisticated of its era. These advancements solidified Longines' reputation for producing reliable and technically complex chronograph movements.
For discerning watch collectors seeking a perfect blend of heritage, precision, and innovation, Longines offers a treasure trove of timepieces to discover. Here are some key considerations to guide you in finding your ideal Longines watch in Australia.
Budget: Longines cater to a range of budgets, from attainable luxury pieces to more exclusive collector's items. Determine your comfort level before browsing collections.
Style: Consider your personal style and intended use for the watch. A dress watch from the Elegant collection might be ideal for formal occasions, while a sports watch from the HydroConquest collection caters to active lifestyles.
Movement: Longines offers both automatic and quartz movements. Automatic movements are self-winding, powered by the wearer's motion, while quartz movements are battery-powered and known for exceptional accuracy. Choose the movement that best suits your requirements.
Authorised Retailers: Whether you’re seeking Vintage Longines watches or a coveted Longines gold watch, we recommend purchasing from an authorised dealer to ensure authenticity and benefit from the manufacturer's warranty.
Gentle Clean: Microfiber cloth is your friend. Avoid harsh chemicals and consult a professional for stubborn dirt.
Expert Service (4-5 years): Longines-certified watchmakers ensure optimal performance through proper care and lubrication.
Water Resistance: Avoid hot water, sudden temperature changes, and saltwater exposure without rinsing and drying. Maintain seals during servicing.
Magnetic Fields: To prevent accuracy disruption, keep your watch away from speakers, TVs, and airport security scanners.
From its rich history of groundbreaking achievements to its diverse collections and enduring style, Longines offers timepieces that go beyond trends and become treasured possessions.
Owning a Longines watch is more than just wearing a timepiece; it's an investment in a legacy of excellence. At Q Report, we understand the value of your Longines watch. That’s why we specialise in luxury watch insurance in Australia, covering against loss, theft and damage.
To ensure your Logines watch is covered and becomes an enduring part of your collection, get a free watch insurance quote online now.
Yes, Longines sits proudly among the world's top luxury watch brands. Their Swiss heritage, prestigious reputation, and exquisite craftsmanship position them as a premium choice. Often described as "affordable luxury," Longines offers a sophisticated entry point into the world of high-end timekeeping.
Longines bridges the gap between luxury and accessibility. Their range typically falls between $1,000 for a basic quartz model to upwards of $5,000 for complex automatic chronographs or luxurious gold watches. While vintage Longines watches and Longines gold watches can fetch high resale prices among collectors, the brand offers a desirable entry point for those seeking quality Swiss heritage at a reasonable price.
Seeking the perfect Longines in Australia? We recommend considering Longines Boutiques for the complete brand experience. There are also plenty of authorised retailers like Wallace Bishop, Salera’s and Hardy Brothers that provide a wider selection across the country. Check their websites or visit Sydney stores like Watches of Switzerland or Melbourne stores like Swiss Emporium for a closer look.
Longines is part of the Swatch Group, a world-leading watchmaking giant. This powerhouse group owns and operates numerous esteemed Swiss watch brands, solidifying their position at the forefront of the industry. The Swatch Group provides Longines with resources and expertise, ensuring their continued innovation and commitment to excellence.
Collectors are often on the lookout for vintage Longines chronographs from the 1930s-60s, especially those with the 13ZN movement. The Longines Diver Chronograph 7981-1, a standout from the 60s with chronograph functionality for diving, is another gem. Early Longines pocket watches, like the 1930 Chronograph, hold historical significance and value. The Heritage Military and Avigation BigEye Chronograph draw inspiration from Longines' rich military and aviation heritage.
The Longines Elegant Rose Gold is a strong contender for their most iconic gold watch. This 18-karat rose gold timepiece, with its classic design and reliable automatic movement, is a popular choice for those seeking a timeless Longines gold watch.
This article is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advice. It is an overview only and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance advisor or other professional advice.
This has not taken cut, colour, clarity or carat, your financial situation or your partners taste into account. There are many factors that can reduce or increase the value of an engagement ring.
Speak with one of our Q Certified Jewellers to find out what you can afford, what your partner is looking for and what will financially work best for you.
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