Baselworld 2014 drew to a triumphant close some days ago, but the plethora of superlative releases that it heralded is still providing plenty to discuss. In this blog, we’ll be looking at some of the latest releases from Longines, one of the brand names that we have yet to take a more in depth look at. This analysis is long overdue, as some of Longines unveiled projects were genuinely eye-catching. Here are a few of our favourite timepieces from this Saint-Imier based manufacturer:
Conquest Heritage 1954-2014
Longines Conquest watches have been a proudly registered brand name for six decades, and a selection of Conquest watches – dubbed the 1954-2014 collection – have been divulged by Longines to celebrate this longevity. This range draws direct inspiration from the pioneering Conquest watches, and consequently these timepieces are only going to be circulated in strictly limited numbers. Bearing the unique dials that have become synonymous with the Conquest name, and also retaining an engraved gold and enamel medallion on the caseback – just like the Conquest forefathers – these mechanical watches are breathtakingly refined, and are undeniably destined to become collector’s pieces in the near future.
Heritage 1935
At Banks Lyon, we have a wide range of Longines Heritage watches in our stock, and so we were delighted to see a stylish newcomer being introduced for this established range. The Heritage 1935 is the timepiece in question, and this distinctive watch boasts a ‘cushion’ shaped case and a fluted crown to great effect. What Longines have actually done is to take a classic aviator inspired watch from yesteryear, and then retain certain beloved characteristics to form an entirely new innovation. From the pear-shaped skeletal hands – complete with tapering points – to the black alligator strap, this timepiece is a sleek and sophisticated creation that fully deserves to be including under the ‘Heritage’ brand name.
Novelties
The Longines ‘winged hourglass’ logo is the oldest registered trademark of any watchmaker, and so their expertise in this field is clearly unquestioned. Keen to uphold this vintage legacy, Longines also revealed a few superbly ‘traditional’ timepieces at Baselworld 2014. The Longines Equestrian Lépine is one of these so-called novelties, and this gloriously timeless pocket watch displays a horse mustering itself to clear a jump. Designed to commemorate the year of the horse, this rose gold spectacle conforms to time honoured aesthetics, and would look outstanding at any dress event. Similarly inspired by Longines’ rich history, a Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph model has also been introduced, and the aesthetics of these particular watches hark all the way back to Longines very first developments. These timepieces are gorgeously harmonised, and bring the past firmly up to date with the demands of the present.
The Elegant Collection
It is very evident that Longines have heavily prioritised their heritage and history in these latest watch selections, but the final inauguration from them terrifically balances this bias by way of a brand new family of timepieces. The Elegant collection embodies a value that Longines have always striven to uphold, and does so by way of numerous available options all exuding class from differing designs. Baselworld has thus proved to be a very varied event for Longines, with admirable diversity being seamlessly melded with the uniform appeal of each and every timepiece they showcased. As a registered Longines stockist, we always take a great interest in all of their latest news, and will be able to provide you with further details about a range of their timepieces, as well as offering you one of the largest collections of Longines watches that you could ever wish to see. For more information, please be sure to get in touch with us by calling 01524 38 48 58.
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