The Longines Legend Diver was released late last year, and we’ve had a bit of time now to digest the release. Here’s our take on the classic piece.
Late last year, Longines released their new look Legend Diver, done as a faithful re-creation of the famous 1959 Longines Diver model. As opposed to the previous generation, they’ve taken this model back to its vintage roots, something that Longines, and many others are doing of late. 2023 was certainly the year of the vintage comeback, and we would suggest that this trend will most probably continue well into 2024.
The Longines Legend Diver has been slimmed down to 39mm. Whilst the 1959 model ref. 7042 was 42mm, the size of the last generation Legend Diver, this case size conforms to what many would deem “more wearable”. Longines says this is due to the modern-day materials and technical advancements that allow them to develop a 300m water-resistant case with an internal rotating bezel in the smaller size. Whilst I’m partial to this piece in the 42mm, the 39mm will be more attractive to others, especially those looking for a more wearable and more vintage sized watch.
Longines is possibly one of the more underrated Swiss brands on the market today, with a lot of heritage and horological firsts in their back catalogue. In this instance as early as 1937, the brand launched the very first chronograph with water-resistant push-pieces, which it patented in 1938. So it’s safe to say Longines knows what it’s doing when it comes to dive watches. Yes, the Submariner, Seamaster and others may now take centre stage in the world of dive watches, but the fact remains that Longines has a place at the table as well.
Looking back at this release, the Longines Legend Diver ticked a lot of boxes for watch enthusiasts, collectors and buyers alike. Clean case lines, balanced dial with easy-to-read numerals and indices, plenty of SuperLuminova and choices of two colours (Blue and Black), both with steel bracelets or tan leather alternative on the black and blue nato on the blue. The fact that it is a good looking tool watch means it’s versatile and will look good on the wrist in any situation.
Inside the Legend Diver is the Calibre L888.6 – resistant to magnetic fields and equipped with a silicon balance-spring. This is a similar movement to what is inside many newer Longines pieces these days, and not surprisingly as it’s been tried and tested. It’s also COSC so you’re getting a higher level of accuracy being tested fully cased over a 15-day period and at three temperature settings. It also delivers a respectable 72 hour power reserve, which in my mind should be the standard these days. In this sense, the Legend Diver punches above its weight in terms of movement certification, power reserve and anti-magnetic properties. Something that others at 3-4 times the price still don’t have.
The internal rotating dive bezel is also a nice touch and nod back to the original. It’s not all that common these days on dive watches, most probably due to the added complexity of the internal mechanisms compared to adding a rotating external bezel. It does however add an extra layer of safety for those that are taking the watch diving, preventing the bezel from being moved accidently whilst down in the depths.
Final Thoughts
The Longines Legend Diver is a piece for those that really appreciate a vintage-style dive watch, and want something a little different to the plethora of Submariner-styled pieces on the market today. For a little over A$5,000 on the leather or Nato, and A$5,425, it represents extremely good value for money at these price points. Tudor is now pushing A$6,000 for their Black Bay 58 on steel bracelet and the 41 is now over A$6,000 so the Legend Diver is priced to compete in this arena.
While the style and the internal bezel may not be for everyone, especially those who like the tactile feel of an external bezel and crown at 3 o’clock, it does stay true to its roots and the compressor case design that was released over 60 years ago. There is a lot to like about this watch, and depending on your personal taste will either love it or you won’t, however based on the community reception late last year, it seems that this was a winning release for Longines!
References: L3.764.4.50.6 (Black on steel) / L3.764.4.50.0 (Black on leather) / L3.764.4.90.6 (Blue on steel) / L3.764.4.90.2 (Blue on Nato)
Specification
- Size: 39mm, 12.7mm thick
- Case: Brushed and polished stainless steel
- Dial: Blue or black lacquered polished with painted Arabic numerals and indexes, rhodium plated polished hands filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova®
- Crystal: Domed sapphire glass with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Caseback: Screwed down steel caseback with diver relief in the center
- Movement: Automatic winding Calibre L888.6. Beating at 3.5Hz / 25,200 VpH. COSC rated and anti-magnetic balance spring
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water Resistance: 300m (30ATM)
- Strap/Bracelet: Choice of Steel bracelet with push button folding clasp (Both variants) or Tan leather (Black variant) or blue Nato (Blue variant)
