Longines’ founder was Swiss watchmaker Auguste Agassiz. Longines is a very old watch brand with a very rich history. And as noted, there’s a column wheel to boot, all visible through a sapphire display back.Īt $3,500, the Avigation Oversize Crown chronograph is the most expensive piece we’ve selected, but it nonetheless represents outstanding value.Longines, or Compagnie des Montres Longines, Francillon S.A as it’s officially known, is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer with its headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. In this case, the oversize crown doubles as the chronograph push piece, controlling the start, stop, and rest functions, which is why the crown is set away from the case. Indeed, some people may experience a moment of confusion upon noticing chronograph subdials but no pushers. These are quite rare, and typically found in watches with five-figure prices. The main attraction lies behind the dial – a monopusher, column-wheel chronograph movement. We like the bi-compax chronograph layout, and together with the large date display at 6 o’clock, the dial is very well balanced. The size and texture allow the bezel and crown to be easily manipulated, even when wearing thick leather gloves. The fluted finish on the bezel and crown carry over from the early days of aviation, when cockpits were not heated. The bezel is marked with a single white, triangular index that can be rotated in either direction, allowing pilots to set chronographic reference points. Its black dial, white numerals and gold-plated, luminous, pear-shaped hands are extremely easy to read. Pilots’ watches are all about legibility, and this piece offers it in abundance. The bold design makes a strong statement on the wrist. Unlike many modern pilots’ watches that are too large to wear comfortably, this model measures 41 mm in diameter, meaning you can wear it anywhere. The Avigation Oversize Crown chronograph design is based on a watch Longines produced during the 1920s. Longine’s history is rich with aviation achievements, the aforementioned Lindberg Hour Angle being but one example. The Heritage 1973 embodies individualistic, modern styling. The Longines Heritage 1973 is priced at $3,275. The dial is very well balanced with a clarity that gives it a purposeful look. The blue tachymeter scale that circles the outer edge of the dial adds just a hint of color. At first glance, the twin black registers give the watch a bi-compax look, but then you notice the white 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. A clear sapphire caseback lets you view the chronograph mechanism, with its blued column wheel, in action. This movement is manufactured by ETA exclusively for Longines. The column wheel controls the start, stop and reset actions, and it is an expensive construction found in the finest chronographs. The 40-mm cushion case secures a movement to be proud of – an L688 Longines column-wheel chronograph. This is not a cookie-cutter watch, but one with flair and individuality. The look is based on a watch Longines produced during the 1970s, and to our eye, the design has aged very well. Some might call the look retro, but we prefer modern and timeless. The Heritage 1973 is one our favorite models from Longines. The Master Automatic Chronograph exemplifies the classic Longines look. The Longines Conquest 24 Hours is priced at $1,600.* The bright red 24-hour hand lets the owner track a second time zone. The screw-in crown contributes to the 50-meter water resistance rating. The crystal is sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. The dial displays are crystal clear, and the 41-mm case strikes an excellent balance between oversize sports models and undersize dress watches, making it a versatile companion. The Conquest 24 Hour combines the purposeful look of an explorer’s tool watch with an air of elegance that makes it appropriate for all occasions. The Longines Conquest line exemplifies the brand’s spirit for adventure. Here are five we can recommend for new collectors. Today, Longines offers a broad range of great-looking watches at attractive prices. During the brand’s 182-year history, it has served as an official Olympic timer, supplied timepieces to multiple expeditions and to the International Aviation Federation, won numerous Grand Prix competitions, and of course created the famous Lindberg Hour Angle pilots’ watch. Longines represents an excellent entry point into the world of fine Swiss-made watches.