Longines Legend Diver iN New Colors
Reissues of vintage inspired timepieces has been an ongoing trend and Longines was one of the first brands to embrace it. Back in 2017 they reintroduced the “Legend Diver” collection with some modern touches. Since then they followed up the 1960’s inspired model with more releases and now they’ve further expanded the collection with several new color schemes and two diameter options.The compressor case made of stainless-steel is available in either 36mm or 42mm editions with an overall polished finish, while mounted to the case is a thin narrow steel bezel. On the flip-side is a domed steel screw-down caseback with an engraving of a “diver holding a spear”, while circling around the periphery is the “LEGEND DIVER” inscription.It comes equipped with two large screw-down crowns adorned with a grid pattern on the right-side of the case. The upper crown at the 2 o’clock position serves to move the internal bidirectional rotating disc; while the lower crown is used for setting and winding the mechanical movement. These oversized crowns differ from the original vintage models circa 1960’s and 70’s that directly inspired this timepiece.As seen on previous editions of the “Legend Diver” these latest releases also feature its characteristic long lugs on both diameter options, which provide a comfortable wrist fit and a larger overall presence. All topped by an ultra-domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with several layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside. Water-resistance on both sizes of these watches can reach up to 300 meters (984 feet).Time is exhibited on either a sand beige, ash grey, royal blue, or burgundy dial with stencil style Arabic numerals for the: 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions, while also providing thick rectangular hour index markers all around. Also accompanied by smaller rectangular and dotted minute index markers and larger Arabic numerals for the: 15, 30 and 45 minute positions.For many the grand appeal of this watch resides precisely in this vintage inspired design. A true classic that seems slightly revived with these new color options, which will undoubtedly widen its appeal to more horology enthusiasts. All in all a simple dial to read, even with the inclusion of an internal bezel, thanks in part to the differentiating font style for each section of the numerals. Beside these elements we also find the brand and hourglass logo under the 12 o’clock position, while the lower-half includes the ‘Automatic’ inscription with cursive text. The arrowhead silvered polished hands, Arabic numerals, plus index markers have all undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.
Longines Legend Diver
The “Longines Legend Diver” (References in link) with a 42mm case is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber L888.5 with 21 jewels and 25,200 vph. It’s based on the original ETA A31.L11 mechanical movement and comes equipped with a silicon balance spring. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.While the “Longines Legend Diver” with a smaller 36mm case is powered by the self-winding mechanical movement, caliber L592 with 22 jewels and 28,800 vph. It’s based on the original ETA A20.L11 mechanical movement and also comes equipped with a silicon balance spring. Power reserve on this timepiece can last up to 45 hours, when fully wound.Unlike the unique stainless-steel Milanese loop bracelet seen on some of their previous editions, these 2022 models come mounted to different colored canvas-style fabric straps, secured by a steel pin buckle. Except the 42mm grey dial option that comes on a fabric NATO Strap. For more information visit the official Longines website here.