There are few bolder statements in watch making than announcing a re-vamp of a much-loved model - so kudos to Longines for being brave enough to pull the wraps off not just one re-design, but a complete overhaul of its entire flagship range.
The historic maker launched its Master Collection back in 2005 with a line-up of watches that referenced some of its most glorious historic models, but with a modern twist in terms of size and style.
And it’s a blast from the past that inspired the star of the new Master Collection being unveiled today (August 24).
Closely based on the pioneering monopusher chronographs introduced by Longines as far back as 1911, this latest interpretation combines a 41mm steel case with a choice of striking dials in either silver opaline or frosted blue.
Both get a superb ‘barleycorn’ finish and are marked with the ‘pulsation’ scale often found on vintage Longines wrist and pocket watches.
But turn the new one over and a transparent case back reveals the maker’s gorgeous L799.5 calibre hand-wound, column wheel movement that’s every bit as good looking as the one inside the Caliber 13.33 inside the 1926 monopusher that Longines ambassador Henry Cavill wore at Royal Ascot back in June – which, with hindsight, was a hint at things to come.
A century of inspiration
The new line-up also includes a steel, 41mm moonphase chronograph that, again, harks back to the appearance of the astronomical complication in Longines watches of a century ago .
Driven by the L687.5 self-winding, column wheel movement it also gets a silver barleycorn dial and can be had on a stainless steel bracelet or blue leather strap, the latter complementing the display’s array of no fewer than eight blued-steel hands.
The remainder of the new Master Collection line-up comprises 30mm, 34mm, 39mm and 41mm versions of the three-hand models first seen in June, but now significantly upgraded with re-designed hands, fresh dials in finishes such as frosted blue sunray, mother-of-pearl and light blue barleycorn.
Display backs give a view onto nicely finished L592.5 or L888.5 calibres (depending on case size) and the various models can be specified with an all-new design of stainless steel or stainless steel and gold bracelet or leather straps in blue or anthracite.
A new era of elegance
And it’s not only the Master Collection watches that have been given a wholesale makeover – Longines has upgraded the way it promotes its premium models, unveiling a new ‘Home of Elegance’ brand campaign featuring its glittering cast of A-list ambassadors.
The material sees Kate Winslet, Eddie Peng, Jennifer Lawrence, Henry Cavill, Zhao Liying and Yosh Yu ‘united naturally, gathering under one roof in a space that reflects a sense of warmth, authenticity and effortless style’, says the brand.
And each, of course, is elegantly and naturally sporting a new Master Collection watch….
FAQ
What is the new Longines Master Collection?
Longines Master Collection is the brand's flagship watch line, first launched in 2005 and reworked for 2026 with a full range redesign. The new lineup includes monopusher and moonphase chronographs plus upgraded three-hand models in 30mm to 41mm cases.
What is the Longines Master Collection monopusher chronograph?
The Longines Master Collection monopusher chronograph is a 41mm steel model inspired by Longines' 1911 monopusher design, with a silver opaline or frosted blue barleycorn dial, a pulsation scale, and the hand-wound L799.5 column-wheel movement visible through the case back.
What is a chronograph watch?
A chronograph watch is a timepiece with a built-in stopwatch function, operated by pushers on the case. Longines' new Master Collection monopusher chronograph revives this with a single button controlling start, stop and reset, as on its 1911 pocket watches.
What is the Longines Master Collection moonphase chronograph?
The Longines Master Collection moonphase chronograph is a 41mm steel watch with a self-winding L687.5 column-wheel movement, a silver barleycorn dial, eight blued-steel hands, and a moonphase display. It comes on a steel bracelet or blue leather strap.
