Vintage Longines Watches

Hobbes: I was thinking to gift some vintage Longines watches to my brother on his 23rd birthday. You know he loves old school.

Peter: Ohh that’s nice, you can gift a Longines watch to him. Why are you asking for my permission? 

Hobbes: Thank you for your permission ma’am. But I didn’t ask for it. I want some suggestions on which Vintage Longines watch to buy. As you are the watch expert.

Peter: Oh my God Hobbes thank you.

Hobbes: Don’t tell me you found the topic for your next article.

Peter: how do you know this? 

Hobbes: First, you are my best friend. Second, whenever I ask you something about watches, you make it the topic of your next article.

In Today’s generation, where we love everything from our clothes to watches- MODERN. I still believe that there are some vintage souls still alive. 

Their love for vintage watches is infinite. So, if you are a modern watch lover or an old school looking for a watch to match with their old school vibes. Longines has it all for you. 

In case you are wondering which watch you should buy then don’t trouble yourself so much. 

We are here to help you out. Without any further delay, let’s find some amazing vintage Longines watches for your collection.

History and mystery of Longines 

There appears to be a trend toward reviving vintage models. Including Japanese bestsellers and iconic Swiss collections. 

But, the Longines Heritage collection is the lineup that most piques our interest.

In simple words, Longines wants to use advanced technology to make long-lost watches. Making watches out of archives.

Not all, of these new models. Some of these watches copy the exact design of their vintage copy. 

As a tribute to the watches that made Longines the company, it is today. They changed them differently. This helps them to make watches better fit the needs of today.

Let’s take a look at some of Longines vintage watches. These are the most popular with collectors of vintage watches.

Vintage Longines Watches Collection

Longines Heritage Legend Diver L3.774.4.50.6

Longines was one of the brands that entered the market in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time demand for dive watches was at its highest point. 

With the Rolex Submariner and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Longines had to compete with other major brands. They also needed to develop a different style to set them apart from the competition.

 That eliminated the usual chunky bezels and round hour markers. The Longines Diver Reference 7042 is the elegant dive watch that was produced as a result.

Longines decided to redesign their beloved dive watch to relive the good old days. Except for the later added date window. 

The old and new versions appear very similar when compared side by side. The Longines Heritage Legend Diver L3.774.4.50.6 is shown in the picture. 

Here this watch has the same handset and hour markers. Except for the older model’s patina. Additionally, like the previous generation, it features two hatched crowns on either side.

The picture of a diver that appears at the back is also on the original. The self-winding L888 caliber can be accessed by interfering with it open. 

When wound, this more advanced movement can keep your watch running for up to 64 hours. This amount of power reserve is enough for the majority of users.

Last but not least, the Milanese mesh strap. The strap comes with the Longines Heritage Legend Diver L3.774.4.50.6 is a good mix of sporty and dressy. 

It has various applications. Apart from that, it also lends the watch a vintage feel. This helps to draw the attention of a wide range of vintage enthusiasts.

The Longines Heritage Military watch

The Longines Heritage Military watch is another classic vintage Longines watch. A watch that has been successfully remade. 

This watch looks like the watches used by pilots in the British Royal Air Force. It lacked the characteristics of a normal aviator watch. Even though pilots used it.

First, it is small the size is 32 millimeters. Whereas vintage pilot watches normal measure is more than 40 millimeters. Another reason is that it lacked luminescence. 

You can say that the new Longines Heritage Military watch is a true replica of the older model. Despite all these differences. 

This watch was successful and even redesigned by Longines decades after its release. The two versions are so alike to one another that it would be difficult to tell the difference. 

The cream dial, font, crown, and even the hands are all the same! The 32mm size was the only difference Longines had trouble keeping. 

Because a case that is too small today might look odd, According to me that the new 38.5mm size was the right choice.

A fresh movement entered the Longines Heritage Military. It now has a self-winding caliber rather than a hand-wound caliber.

In particular, it makes use of the same L888 caliber as the Legend Diver. 

On top of that, It also has a power reserve of up to 64 hours.

A strap made of mellow green leather completes the package. It not only makes the watch feel good, but it also adds to its vintage look. 

You should add the Longines Heritage Military watch to your collection of vintage military watches.

Longines Heritage Avigation BigEye Chronograph

The Longines Heritage Avigation BigEye Chronograph has a complicated past. Some watchmakers at Longines were unaware of the model’s existence.

Until a fan showed them an Avigation BigEye model from his collection. It turned out that Longines’ designers liked the watch’s design. They liked it so much that they decided to make a newer version.

The brand introduced a new version of the Avigation Big Eye in 2017. It was a bulky chronograph watch with some design elements. Still reminds me of old military uniforms. 

The 41mm case of the watch looks even more magical every time you look at it. It has parts with a nice brushed finish. 

This makes the Avigation BigEye look interesting in different lighting situations. The BigEye even won the “Revival” Prize at the 2017 GPHG Awards for its appealing design.

This watch uses the L688.2 Column-Wheel Chronograph movement. In a comparison of the two previous models. It can power the watch for up to 54 hours at a frequency of 28,800 mph.

This vintage watch has a much shorter power reserve than the other watches. Most people will be able to use it. 

Also, it is a dependable movement that will maintain the correct time for many years.

The Longines Avigation Big Eye is, in conclusion, yet another successful vintage model. If you’re looking for a chronograph-equipped daily driver, this watch is for you.

Longines Conquest Heritage

Longines released a new version of their 1954 dress watch. They launched this vintage watch to celebrate their 60th anniversary. 

But, This watch is the opposite of its name. Their sporty models have been referred to as Conquest. 

Yet the name comes from an earlier elegant model. It is identical to the most recent version. 

Some features make the original Longines Conquest unique. And some are still present in this Heritage model. It has the same dauphine hands and thick hour markers. 

The gold accents’ ability to stand out against the black background is another thing to note. 

Besides, the minute track below the markers has a gilt tone if you look closer. Additionally, the unusual yet striking position of the date window at 12 o’clock.

Longines gave the watch a black leather strap to complement its formal appearance. Furthermore, its black color perfectly complements the dial. 

If you’re looking for a dress watch with a vintage feel. Don’t pass up this opportunity because it will no doubt will add a lot of styles.

Longines Heritage Aviation watch Type A-7 1935 

No, this Longines Heritage Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 is not defective in any way.

The dial of the Longines Heritage Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 ought to be off-center. This watch is a reissue of one of their older pilot watches, to clarify. 

They on purpose changed the layout. So that it becomes easier for pilots to read and use the chronograph. They didn’t have to take their hands off the plane’s control wheel with this kind of dial.

The crown of the watch is above the 12 o’clock position. According to Longines, It helps the wearer in determining the dial’s proper alignment. Based on a chronograph this watch is sold to the US Army Air Corps. 

So it must be more fitting. From an aesthetic standpoint, there is so much to love about this watch. 

Although I am not an expert in design, there is so much to love about it. It has a versatile dial with a classic black-and-white design. 

The Arabic hour markers have a slight patina that improves the vintage look. Cathedral hands, which are normal in military watches, were also used. It resembles a watch worn by the military in the past.

The Longines Heritage Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 might take some time for people to get used to. This watch, otherwise, will prove to be an excellent and dependable daily driver. But once you finally get over its odd layout.

The Longines Heritage Twenty-Four Hours Single Push-Piece Chronograph 

The Single push-piece chronograph comes in last on the Vintage Longines watches list. It is a push-piece chronograph. Another 1950s pilot watch is brought back to life in this watch. 

The Longines museum in St. Imier even has a display of the older model of the watch. Even though the new model does not completely copies the features of the original. It still has the same appearance.

This watch has a 24-hour display, as its name suggests, and the scale is on the inside. In the meantime, the minute scale can be found on the dial’s outer surface.

Additionally, there is a date window at 6 o’clock and a small subdial at 9 o’clock. All this may at first appear confusing, but for some reason, the dial’s ample space makes it possible to read.

It is the same size as the vintage model, 47.5mm, to maintain the 1950s aesthetic. Additionally, it comes with a large onion-shaped crown typical of vintage pilot watches. 

This watch is worth taking into consideration if you’re in the mood for a vintage tool watch.

Final Thoughts

The Longines Heritage collection lets people enjoy classic timepieces without sacrificing functionality. 

Even though the watches in this lineup look a lot like their older counterparts.

The technology inside is up to date. These watches combine form and function together with perfection. I hope you’ve got some idea to vintage Longines watches.