The winged hourglass’ most elegant timepiece is taking a trip back in time. Iconic Swiss watchmaker Longines has unveiled three new iterations of its classic Flagship Heritage model, including a stunning new edition with a striking Havana beige dial. A refined take on the the original 1950s design, the new Flagship heritage pieces are equipped with a moonphase complication and an 18-carat gold medallion decorated in hand-painted enamel on the case back.
Historically speaking, the Flagship Heritage collection may well be one of Longines’ most important. While other models, such as the Conquest and Zulu Time, have rightly earned their loyal followings over the past few years, the Flagship collection remains a timeliness nod to the brand’s illustrious but often overlooked history. If ever there was a watch that embodied the Mad Men aesthetic, it would be the Longines Flagship Heritage, and the latest models do nothing to refute that reputation.
Emblematic to the core, the collection harks back to the original 1957 Flagship model, right down to the caravel medallion on the caseback. This addition may appear simple at face value, but if you take a deeper look, you’ll see just how intricate the enamelling really is. According to Longines, the process of crafting the medallion is painstakingly manual, involving fine painting directly onto the gold base, several kiln firings and a precise stoning process using a diamond file.
“The medallion is then polished to obtain a gleaming finish, and set securely into the case back,” Longines wrote in a press release. “All these steps give the medallion depth of colour, brilliance and exceptional durability, making each Flagship Heritage watch a unique and precious piece.”
On the dial, Longines has opted to adorn the new timepieces with a trio of sunray hues in Havana beige, anthracite and green to add a touch of modernity, and it couldn’t be better executed. The former is undoubtedly the standout, with the subtle brown hues contrasting spectacularly against the stainless-steel case, and the peek of blue out from behind the moonphase makes for a delightful colour combination.
In keeping with the Flagship collection’s famously Mad Men-esque aesthetic, all three timepieces feature a screw-down case back and are sized right in the traditional 38.5mm diameter sweet spot. Even the shape of the watch is a subtle nod to the past, with the distinctive domed dials giving an undeniably vintage appeal. Also worth noting is the satin-brushed finish of the stainless steel and the shortened and chamfered lugs; again a reference to the lineup’s ’50s heyday.
The Longines Flagship Heritage watches are powered by the exclusive Longines L899.5 calibre, equipped with a silicon balance spring and innovative components. This self-winding mechanical movement is combined with a moonphase complication and a power reserve of up to 72 hours.
The latest Longines Flagship Heritage timepieces are available at Longines boutiques and online from September 2024. No official pricing has been revealed, however, you can expect to see prices drop in the coming days. The watches come with straps in brown, anthracite or black leather, fitted with a Heritage tongue buckle in stainless steel.
Longines Flagship Heritage
- Brand: Longines
- Model: Flagship Heritage
- Reference: Ref. L4.815.4.62.2 / Ref. L4.815.4.52.2 / Ref. L4.815.4.02.2
- Diameter: 38.5mm
- Thickness: 12.40mm
- Movement: Calibre L899.5
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
