Looks like Longines is coming out with a 1940s style pilot's watch! For some baffling reason, they (or anyone else for that matter) have yet to publish a single thing about it -- it's not even on their novelties page on their website -- but it might be my favorite of Basel 2018 so far. Literally the only place I've seen it is an Instagram post by Hodinkee:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgnpC_MAEv5/

No date, off-white dial with arabic numerals, possibly blued steel hands. It's an absolute home run from Longines in my opinion! Hopefully we see more of it as the show goes on; I'll make sure to keep this thread updated with any new info.

Thoughts?

 

Oh wow, I had initially thought this was an original 6b/159.

Turns out it really is a reissued piece.

 

I am really keen on knowing what the case size is without crown and of course.. the MSRP.

 

@Xeer Thanks for embedding it. I missed that bit about the dial, very cool!

I would guess 38mm or maybe 40. That looks like a fairly small wrist.

 

That spotting on the dial to mimic a vintage patina.

That is .. unheard of on re-issues so far. If it is intentional, I think this is ground-breaking territory.

 

How has this received zero attention?

From the single photo we have, it looks like one of the most interesting watches at Basel, and likely at a very wallet friendly price point given Longines’ recent history.

 

I'm just as puzzled as you are. Longines themselves haven't said a word about it. Maybe they'll do an offical reveal later in the week?

 

To be totally honest, I'm guessing most people (like myself) let it slide; assuming it was a vintage 6b/159 on display from the Longines archives.

 

I similarly saw a 36mm version of the legend diver on a Hodinkee instagram post. That's what I am excited for!

 

Yes! The 36mm supercompressor looked great. I also saw a snap of the skin diver "Nautilus" non-supercompressor, I'm interested to learn more about. Longines is putting out the best vintage/re-issue/vintage inspired watches right now, IMO.

 

Old is old, new is new...fake patina is just daft imho. Created "Shabby chic" furniture springs to mind.

 

Do you have a link for that? The Nautilus is another super cool watch.

To each his own I suppose. I think of it less like "fake patina" and more of a chance to own a piece of watch design that was previously not easily attainable.

 

I too am conflicted about a lot of the re-issues and fauxtina, but just like with the 60th speedy, a lot of times this makes these great watches attainable, or practical for wear, so I'm growing more sympathetic to them.

I'm searching for the Nautilus right now, but struggling to find it. I think I saw it in an instagram story at 2am while trying to get my 4mo old back to sleep, so now I'm questioning if it was a re-issue or the actual vintage nautilus.

 

found it! It's in Jason Heaton's Instagram story: https://www.instagram.com/jasonheaton/

 

A better picture from Hodinkee's insta stories.

 

Wow! I want to dislike the faux patina, but the outcome just looks too good to really criticize much.

 

Sort of branching off the original topic, but since it was mentioned... the Nautilus, in all its glory. WOW.

 

As much as I like that (and am shocked how well Longines is apparently capable of making their watches look like they're 50 years old) I think it maybe goes a bit too far - let the vintage watches sing, and make the new ones look obviously new. I'm pro-faux patina, but don't want to buy a new watch that looks exactly like a vintage one.

That all said, I'm dying to learn more about that!

 

^ I go back and forth on this. I'm pretty vintage loyal, but some of these are either really expensive, tough to find, or both. And I think for the majority of buyers (i.e. not OF types), the vintage world and how to find, authenticate, and complete the transaction is daunting. All for a watch that they may not be confident in wearing everyday or would sleep better at night knowing had a warranty since they don't have a trusted watchmaker, or really even understand or want to understand all that (should) go with vintage ownership.

And from that standpoint, Longines is executing these very well and delivering to that segment perfectly.

 

Intentional spotting on the dial... on a new watch... I've loved Longines' reissues so far but is this the beginning of the end (of the vintage/heritage/reissue bubble)?