The Longines Legend Diver needs little introduction. Indeed, it might well be the most emblematic watch from the winged-hourglass brand’s Heritage collection. Based on a historically important “compressor” dive watch from the 1960s, the brand introduced a faithful re-edition back in 2007, and this watch, available in multiple editions, has been around since then. Following the bronze and no-date version recently presented, the brand now introduces colourful editions. Meet the Gradient Blue and Gradient Brown 2021 editions of the Longines Legend Diver (with date…)
The LLD is a faithful recreation of a very desirable dive watch created by Longines in 1959, the Ref. 7042. This watch featured an oversized compressor case – with twin crowns and an internal rotating bezel – as well as a highly recognisable, rather elegant black dial with painted, luminous Arabic numerals and elongated minute markers.
At Baselworld 2007, Longines reintroduced this design with the Legend Diver. It featured a glossy black dial, a 42mm steel case with 300m water-resistance, the same compressor architecture with internal rotating bezel and, at least for the first years, a no-date display. In 2012, the LLD was updated with a date function, which made the no-date model even more appealing. Several variations around the concept have been introduced, such as 36mm editions or a black PVD-coated model with a textured rubber strap. Also, the standard ETA movement has been upgraded with more modern mechanics, with anti-magnetic properties and extended power reserve.
colourful Longines Legend Diver models for 2021
The addition of colourful dials isn’t new to the Legend Diver. We’ve already seen a “tobacco” gradient brown dial on the 36mm edition and the recently launched bronze model features a graduated green dial. Still, for 2021, it is time for the classic 42mm and stainless steel edition to receive a colourful makeover.
Starting with the case, these new editions of the Longines Legend Diver retain the same super-compressor style, inspired by the late 1950s Ref. 7042 (and later Ref. 7494 and 7594, with movement upgrades). This means a 42mm diameter case in polished stainless steel, a thin bezel, a height of about 13.5mm and, topping the case, a highly domed sapphire crystal for vintage charm. No changes regarding overall proportions, as these new LLDs retain elongated lugs (about 52mm lug-to-lug) and a 22 lug width. The caseback is still screwed and decorated with a diver’s emblem.
On the right side of the case, the Longines Legend Diver is characterized by the presence of two screw-down crowns with a grid pattern. The one positioned at 4 o’clock is used to wind the movement and adjust the time. The other one, at 2 o’clock, is linked to the internal rotating bezel, with a 60-minute diving scale. Water-resistance is rated at 300 meters or 30 bars.
As for the dials, no major evolutions are to be noted. All the elements – fonts, tracks, logos and hands – are identical to the classic black-and-steel model. This is also true for the date window, positioned at 3 o’clock. When Longines introduced the no-date bronze Legend Diver in late 2020, we secretly hope for a return of this clean display on steel models… But it will apparently remain a dream. As such, the elegant dial retains its elongated markers and Arabic numerals, as well as rather small luminous plots to mark the hours during the night. The hands are still polished and feature Super-LumiNova.
What’s new are the two colours offered. The 42mm steel Longines Legend Diver will now be available, in addition to a black dial, with brown or blue lacquered dials, both having a gradient effect – the centre of the dial being more saturated and brighter in colour, the periphery being black. Depending on the edition, the watch is worn on a vintage brown leather strap or a blue structured leather strap.
Powering these new Longines Legend Diver models is the well-known calibre L888.5 (base ETA A31.L11) found across the entire Longines’ range. This time-and-date automatic movement is based on the architecture of the ETA 2892, however, the brand has applied multiple upgrades. While the frequency is now 3.5Hz, the power reserve has been extended to 64 hours. Also, the regulating organ is fitted with a silicon balance spring offering anti-magnetic properties and long-term accuracy. This allows the brand to offer a 5-year warranty.
Availability & Price
The new Longines Legend Diver Gradient Blue (Ref. L3.774.4.90.2 ) and Gradient Brown (Ref. L3.774.4.60.2) are both launched in the permanent collection and are now available (Feb. 2021) from the brand’s online boutique and retailers. Price is set at EUR 2,240, CHF 2,260 or GBP 1,750 (the same as the black model).
More details and orders at www.longines.com.