Longines Launches 15 New References in the Master Collection With Engraved Dials

Possibly the most classic and timeless range of Longines, the Master Collection has long been slightly overlooked since its inception in 2005, maybe due to a rather shy design. Yet, in 2022 to mark the brand’s 190th anniversary, Longines gave this collection a highly appealing twist, with grained dials and engraved Breguet-like numerals, elevating this collection to a whole new level. Following the success of the 3 original limited editions, the brand released a more compact small seconds collection, this time part of the permanent range. And now, it’s time to establish this design and engraved dials as classics, with now fewer than 15 new references, in steel and gold, and in 40mm and 34mm cases. 

Since its creation in 2005, the Longines Master Collection has been one of the brand’s most important ranges. Classic, elegant and contemporary, it was also a vessel for complications, as it even included an annual calendar or refined moonphase models. Design-wise, this collection has always been about discretion and classicism, with either stick markers or printed Arabic numerals over textured dials, and a sleek round and polished case. In recent years, Longines brought new and slightly more appealing styles to this collection, by introducing gold versions with Roman numerals or, as presented here, sandblasted dials with highly appealing engraved Breguet-like numerals – a style that was first seen in limited models, but the reception was that good that Longines has decided to make its new classic.

Elegant, sleek and timeless, the Longines Master Collection has long been a safe choice for anyone wanting an everyday watch with distinction. Yet, the collection started to age a bit and became too formal for modern tastes. The new design, which mostly focuses on the dials, brings that little extra spiciness that makes these Master models desirable. The Longines Master Collection now includes no fewer than 15 new central time-only models in 34mm and 40mm diameters, featuring a wide choice of materials and colours.

What strikes most with these new watches is the dial, which relies on a silver-toned and sandblasted base, bringing a refined matte aspect with a discreet sheen – something we’ve experienced with the 190th-anniversary collection. The beauty of these dials comes from the 12 engraved Arabic numerals, adding depth and elegance to an otherwise classic watch. For the new editions, these markers can be selected in anthracite, yellow gilt, or rose gilt, with respectively blued steel, yellow gilt or rose gilt polished leaf hands. All dials are finished with the historic Longines logo in cursive font, and a beaded minute track on the brushed inner flange.

Available in 34mm or 40mm diameter, with respective thickness of 9.20mm or 9.35mm, the case is mostly made of polished steel and can be combined with yellow or rose gold – these two-tone models have been conceived with price in mind, as the case is capped with 18k yellow gold or 18k rose gold, with a matching coloured crown. The same concept is applied to the mid-links of the bracelet, when the option is chosen. Most references will also be available on alligator straps in brown, red, green, or blue.

Inside the case of both 40mm and 34mm Longines Master watches is the same Longines-exclusive movement, the calibre L888.5. An evolution of the ETA 2892, this slim automatic movement has been upgraded with a solid 72-hour power reserve, with a frequency of 3.5Hz and an antimagnetic silicon balance spring.

Soon available from the brand and its retailers, the 34mm editions will start from EUR 2,550 and the 40mm will be available from EUR 3,200 on leather and EUR 4,350 on bracelet. For more details and to discover all the new references, please visit longines.com.