Is Longines great past causing it’s current watches to be under appreciated?

KJL · Oct 16, 2021

Hard to dispute Longines great history. Once upon a time they were among the most highly regarded watch makers.
Truth is, they are still great. Their new automatic movements may no longer be “in house”. However, they are using a very heavily modified ETA 2892 with a silicon balance spring, vastly improved shock system and a 72 hour power reserve. The L888.4 is the chronometer version in some of their watches. The L888.5 is the top grade. Basically the exact same as the L888.4 without the certification. The L888.5 is apparently finding its way into more of their watches. Below are pictures of my 43mm conquest. Their lowest price automatic. While some may find the design uninspiring, I actually think it looks amazing. Especially with those large crown guards. With brushed and polished surfaces, adding dimension. I was prepared to spend more money and look at their other models. Im not into chronographs because I find elegance in simplicity. The 300 meter water resistance is what caught my attention along with the L888.5 movement. Honestly, I couldn’t justify the price difference with their higher priced designs.
I did add a Staib high polish mesh bracelet to it. I’m a huge fan of Milanese mesh. I suspect that’s a love hate for many people. The original steel bracelet is adequate. Just too much like so many other bracelets on the market. I think this upped the game for me. Before I purchased the bracelet, I searched the net for pictures with this watch on mesh. Not a lot out there for the conquest. So, below are some pictures of my 43mm automatic Longines Conquest on a 22mm Staib mesh bracelet.

pdxleaf · Oct 16, 2021

I was wondering the same. There is a lot to live up to with the name. But they seem to also be a good value at their current slot.

I was able to try on the legend diver on the mesh. It was surprisingly comfortable and heavy. It feels substantial. Because I didn't have it on long I don't know how it will wear but my impression after a brief wear was that it wouldn't pinch or grab hairs like many mesh watches.

The heritage classic is also appealing to me.

As long as Longines doesn't get too far ahead of itself (in trying to establish itself as a higher end brand), it should continue to find fans and success. It's got to be tough to renew a brand. It feels like they are pretty solid between just being a logo and producing a decent watch.

Archer · Oct 16, 2021

They have come back from what they were, but are still a shadow of what they once were.

If they had more support for vintage and neo-vintage watches, it would help...but ask Swatch about parts for watches even from the 1990's and they consider these "ancient"...and just tell you to send it in for service. Not something most vintage collectors are likely to agree to...

jjen · Oct 17, 2021

If they bring back the 30CH then I’m all in

vibe · Oct 18, 2021

They are really just a brand in a conglomerate now. It is like the difference between a Chevy and a GMC. techincally the movement is in-house because it is made by the parent company. Longines has been using eta movements for 40+ years and even the L888 is the name they used back when. The 2824 they used in the 70’s is very similar to the Tudor version with kif and triovis regulator. hard to get excited about a brand that is not independent.

ghce · Oct 18, 2021

Vintage was nice but these days I pretty much class them the same as Tissot ( mechanical) and looking at that example confirms it for me.
To be honest I would rather buy something that has an inhouse movement such as the Titoni Seascoper were I to choose between new watches.
Vintage is a different matter.

pdxleaf · Oct 18, 2021

vibe
They are really just a brand in a conglomerate now. It is like the difference between a Chevy and a GMC. techincally the movement is in-house because it is made by the parent company. Longines has been using eta movements for 40+ years and even the L888 is the name they used back when. The 2824 they used in the 70’s is very similar to the Tudor version with kif and triovis regulator. hard to get excited about a brand that is not independent.

Independence is one of the charms about Oris.

But it seems this would apply to other members of Swatch too, such as Omega. Doesn't entirely fair to single out Longines from the other brands of Swatch.

Larry S · Oct 18, 2021

Their heritage line is interesting. They are gracious with archive extracts. I do believe some of our members have been happy with their restoration shop.. As said, technically ETA is in house for them. They appear to have found strength in their roots as a brand.

Archer · Oct 18, 2021

pdxleaf
But it seems this would apply to other members of Swatch too, such as Omega. Doesn't entirely fair to single out Longines from the other brands of Swatch.

Yes, strange comment to be honest. Then nothing from Swatch would be "exciting" from Breguet, Glashütte Original, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Omega, and all the others. From Richemont, nothing exciting about JLC, Panerai, Lange, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, etc. From LVMH, nothing exciting from Zenith, TAG, Bulgari, Hublot, etc.

To each his own, and not all these brands are to my tastes, but being from a conglomerate doesn't make a watch unexciting in my books!

jjen · Oct 18, 2021

It's just kind of sad that they used to make these amazing flyback chronographs and now they don't. I think their vintage time only watches were nice but not very very special, like a step or two below Omega. Now they are very clearly slotted into a certain price point that they have to work within, which is further emphasized when the vintage inspired designs come out which just makes you think of what might have been

KJL · Oct 18, 2021

pdxleaf
Independence is one of the charms about Oris.

But it seems this would apply to other members of Swatch too, such as Omega. Doesn't entirely fair to single out Longines from the other brands of Swatch.[/

Archer
Yes, strange comment to be honest. Then nothing from Swatch would be "exciting" from Breguet, Glashütte Original, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Omega, and all the others. From Richemont, nothing exciting about JLC, Panerai, Lange, IWC, Piaget, Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, etc. From LVMH, nothing exciting from Zenith, TAG, Bulgari, Hublot, etc.

To each his own, and not all these brands are to my tastes, but being from a conglomerate doesn't make a watch unexciting in my books!

Agreed. We live in a world where boutique brands are becoming more rare. Conglomerates are the rule not the exception regarding all consumer goods.
In response to ghce, Tissot provides a tremendous value. But, Given the competition within the watch industry, I believe Swatch Group made sure Longines is at very least a cut above Tissot. I think
the quality of their components (case, dial, hand set) is on a higher level. Although, where many watchmakers fall a little short, including Longines, are the straps/bracelets. Not bad, just not special.
Where I think Longines isn’t marketing it’s modern strength are the current automatic movements they are using. Swatch is really making use of the Powermatic 80(next improved evolution of the 2824). Fine movement, but relegated to their lower priced tier watches.
But the L888.4 or L888.5, I believe is an incredible movement. Especially when you consider the Longines price range. Heavily modified ETA 2892.
I am not knowledgeable about how IWC modifies their version of the ETA 2892, but I would be surprised if it was much better, or even as good as the L888. It’s almost as if Swatch Group is purposely not pushing it in their marketing. Not sure why. But interesting. And for people who don’t care for Longines designs, the movement won’t matter.
However, for people who can find a design they like, the movement is a compelling reason to consider purchasing.

bigsom · Oct 18, 2021

I think they’re great. Haters gonna hate.

jmnav · Oct 18, 2021

You should remember Longines is no more a wristwatches brand but a name in a luxury bussiness portfolio.

Having said that, since the past, say, five to ten years, Longines is possibly one of the best brands -if not the best, in Swatch's portfolio from a "bang-for-the-buck" point of view.

Will it last? Only time can tell, but it seems Omega is trying to "uprise" itself towards Rolex prices and Longines is "rising" towards the empty space Omega will leave if successes (just like nowadays it can be said Longines is what Omega was 15 years ago), with brands like Hamilton becoming "the new Longines" within Swatch portfolio.

Archer · Oct 18, 2021

J jmnav
You should remember Longines is no more a wristwatches brand but a name in a luxury bussiness portfolio.

It's both. If it wasn't for Swatch, the brand wouldn't exist at this point in time. I get that everyone would love to see the old Longines still around making those truly high quality watches, but at least this way they are still alive and have a chance to be something close to what they once were.

J jmnav
Will it last? Only time can tell, but it seems Omega is trying to "uprise" itself towards Rolex prices and Longines is "rising" towards the empty space Omega will leave if successes (just like nowadays it can be said Longines is what Omega was 15 years ago), with brands like Hamilton becoming "the new Longines" within Swatch portfolio.

Yes, this exactly the strategy...

KJL · Oct 18, 2021

Archer
It's both. If it wasn't for Swatch, the brand wouldn't exist at this point in time. I get that everyone would love to see the old Longines still around making those truly high quality watches, but at least this way they are still alive and have a chance to be something close to what they once were.

Yes, this exactly the strategy...

I agree Archer. I suppose the conglomerates saved many watch brands after the “quartz crisis”. Omega also had its share of challenges.

KJL · Oct 18, 2021

J jmnav
You should remember Longines is no more a wristwatches brand but a name in a luxury bussiness portfolio.

Having said that, since the past, say, five to ten years, Longines is possibly one of the best brands -if not the best, in Swatch's portfolio from a "bang-for-the-buck" point of view.

Will it last? Only time can tell, but it seems Omega is trying to "uprise" itself towards Rolex prices and Longines is "rising" towards the empty space Omega will leave if successes (just like nowadays it can be said Longines is what Omega was 15 years ago), with brands like Hamilton becoming "the new Longines" within Swatch portfolio.

jmnav, I believe this is the direction Swatch is taking it’s portfolio. If Omega moves up to compete more with Rolex, Longines is the logical choice to fill Omega’s slot. And, per my opening on this thread, I think Longines has made significant improvements.
I know I keep pointing out their movements. There is more to a watch than just it’s movement, not much more though. But, it doesn’t seem logical to put a fantastic movement (one that can go toe to toe with higher level watches) in a low end or even mediocre watch. Swatch and Longines really stepped up their game with the L888. For that matter, the Powermatic 80 is a movement that really provides their lower end watches with a fantastic value. Personally, for some reason I am enamored with the L888. I suspect because I believe it can compete well with significantly higher priced watches with brand names associated with high end luxury.

NGO1 · Oct 18, 2021

The LLD is a lot of watch for the money. If I have to walk the streets of Paris at 2AM and I need a horological flex, I’m wearing this!!!

KJL · Oct 18, 2021

ngo516
The LLD is a lot of watch for the money. If I have to walk the streets of Paris at 2AM and I need a horological flex, I’m wearing this!!!

Nice!

Dan S · Oct 18, 2021

The brand’s great past (and my affinity to the name) is actually the only reason I give the current watches a passing glance. I like the looks of the vintage reissues. However, I’m still inclined to make the effort to hunt down the originals.

MtnMarine · Oct 19, 2021

ngo516
The LLD is a lot of watch for the money. If I have to walk the streets of Paris at 2AM and I need a horological flex, I’m wearing this!!!

Im glad this thread was brought up. I’ve really been eyeing this watch recently. Beautiful all around, plus it would be my first bronze watch. Please keep us updated on patina as you break it in! Enjoy!