The Longines Legend Diver’s name says it all, really. This line of fabled dive watches has existed for 65 of Longines’ 192 years, representing the height of innovation and refinement from the masters of aquatic timekeeping. Throughout that period, the brand has not only pushed the envelope for water resistance—even designing a special dive watch with a super-compressor case for Royal Australian Navy divers back in 1974—it has done so while ensuring these advancements are contained within ever more elegant and stylish pieces of wristwear.
As such, the line has gone from strength to strength, reaching a sophisticated new pinnacle last year with the introduction of references featuring an elegant 39 mm casing. Now, Longines is building on that release’s success with an exciting trio of timepieces boasting dials in green, terracotta, and anthracite grey, and we’re placing them at the top of our summer wish list as they’re guaranteed to be equally eye-catching whether they’re in or out of the water.
A Certified Legend
As soon as you clap your eyes on them, you’ll recognise these new releases as members of Longines’ world-famous dive watch family, thanks in large part to those iconic dual crowns and the snazzy internal rotating bezel for measuring dive time. Continuing with last year’s perfect (for our money) 39 mm sizing and stainless steel construction, these watches offer water resistance up to 30 bar (300 m) and are certified both as divers’ watches in accordance with the ISO 6425 standard and as chronometers by the independent testing body COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).
The qualification process administered by the COSC is nothing if not thorough, subjecting the movement running in the case to a trial period of 15 consecutive days. During that time, watches are subjected to a number of operating tests while being placed in different positions and exposed to three temperature levels in order to confirm their accuracy. As such, you can rest assured that these Legend Divers are watches you can rely upon.
Assured Movement, Immaculate Style
This reliability is powered by Longines’ exclusive calibre L888.6, which is equipped with a silicon balance-spring and a range of other innovative components, ultimately providing a magnetic resistance that’s 10 times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. Offering up a power reserve of up to 72 hours, this self-winding mechanical movement ensures the new Legend Diver is ready when you are.
While the new green, terracotta, and anthracite grey finishes put a new spin on the classic Legend Diver look, that superb dial remains instantly identifiable. With hours marked by elongated indexes and raised Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova, as well as polished rhodium-plated arrow hands (also treated with Super‑LumiNova), visibility is assured. Plus, in a reassuring move, Longines has included an additional safety measure in the form of a luminescent tip on the seconds hand to help the wearer confirm the watch is running, even in dark conditions.
Finishing Touches
All of the above is topped by a domed sapphire crystal with black metallic treatment and multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, while on the back of the case is the welcome presence of Longines’ diver figure, stamped on the perfectly angled screw-down case back. The result is a timepiece that offers a perfect blend of form and function, style and substance.
None of this does you much good if your Legend Diver isn’t firmly attached to your wrist — the last thing you want is to watch your new Longines timepiece sink into the depths. Fortunately, these new models arrive on a stainless steel bracelet with “grains-of-rice” links placed at the centre to ensure maximum comfort, while a double-safety folding clasp with micro-adjustment will ensure your watch remains entirely secure.
Whether you’re drawn to the green, intrigued by the terracotta, or enthralled by the anthracite grey finish, Longines’ latest Legend Divers put a fresh spin on an absolute classic. We can’t think of a watch we’d rather wear as the Australian summer approaches and the glistening water starts to beckon.
