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HANDS-ON: The Longines Symphonette HANDS-ON: The Longines Symphonette

HANDS-ON: The Longines Symphonette

Nola Martin

The story in a second:

The brand new Longines Symphonette ladies watch collection offers a case shape that is as bold as it is sleek.

Longines-Symphonette

The first thing that strikes you about the Symphonette collection is the design of the sleek oval case shape. Its fluid lines should appeal to both trendsetters and traditionalists. The pronounced curvature of the case is not only visually appealing, it’s also extremely comfortable to wear. To further ensure a flattering fit, the steel collection is offered in four sizes from x-small to large making it suitable for every wrist and personal style. The case, whether in steel or rose gold, is finished with smooth lines and ideal proportions which balances perfectly with the dial and strap options.

The crème de la crème of the Symphonette collection is the steel version glistening with diamonds encrusted along the bends of the case – I love the way it pulls together the liveliness of white mother-of-pearl and the oomph of diamonds with style and grace. For this watch and all diamond-set watches in the Symphonette collection, Longines selects only Top Wesselton diamonds to embellish the case and dial ranging from 0.162 to 0.537 carats of diamond depending on the model.

Longines-Symphonette-on-the-Wrist

Now you are probably asking, ‘What is a Top Wesselton diamond?’ Well, it is a term used to describe the color and clarity of diamonds. As a reference point, Top Wesselton diamonds typically qualify on the GIA color grading scale to be F-G in color with VVS clarity. It is almost a guarantee that these carbon wonders are sure to shimmer and sparkle in the light. When Rihanna sings “Shine bright like a diamond”, she’s referring to Top Wesselton diamonds.

This handcrafted dial design is resplendent with mother-of-pearl details that give the wearer lustrous and opalescent glimpses with every turn of the wrist. The dial features an outer ring inlaid with twelve mother-of-pearl pieces, which vary in size and feature an Arabic numeral from one through twelve. The challenge thrown down to the Longines craftspeople by this design is that each of the twelve pieces of mother-of-pearl must align perfectly next to one another and this can only be accomplished by hand. The center of the dial is an oval inset of mother-of-pearl baring the famed Longines winged hourglass emblem.

There are plenty of other dial options, aside from this version. From black polished lacquer dials with diamond indexes and silver-colored flinqué dials featuring Roman numerals to more refined dials of mother-of-pearl, there are many faces you can choose for this elongated beauty. While all dials are gorgeous, the ensemble changes by simply switching from a strap to a bracelet. The bracelet has a distinct style to the eye and a smooth feel on the wrist thanks to the polished finishing of the five-row mesh assembly. It is completed with a butterfly clasp providing maximum comfort. Choose the sophisticated, steel mesh bracelet for a fabulous daytime look or a black alligator strap to compliment more formal attire.

Longines-Symphonette-Fashion

If you find yourself frequently in evening gowns, perhaps the rose gold version is the best fix for your wrist to ensure you arrive in style. This exclusive rose gold version is only available in the small case measuring 18.90 mm x 29.40 mm and is presented with or without diamonds. Both versions are accented with rose-colored hour and minute hands to complement the case while having either a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indexes or inlaid Roman numerals.

Each watch in the collection houses an ETA quartz movement, a consistent and solid performer that has been proven over time. Another positive is the low maintenance. Though the Symphonette collection exemplifies modern elegance, there is a great deal of appreciation for timepieces designed to use a mechanical movement with finishes for a woman’s wrist. With this in mind, it would have been brilliant to see a mechanical option within the Symphonette range.

Longines-Symphonette-Watch

While this collection is stunning, a design element that may have been overlooked was the crown. One suggestion is to have it hidden or dynamically worked into the case to maintain the chic arc of the case shape. Alternatively, the crown could have been finished with a cabochon or faceted gem adding a feminine touch. Including one of these subtle design aesthetics would be the icing on the cake.

Given that Longines has a large stable of ambassadors from the worlds of celebrity and sports, from Kate Winslet to Steffi Graf – we do wonder who do Longines think best embodies the Symphonette? Who will be the Longines Ambassador of Elegance? Will it be a familiar face from the current cast of stars or perhaps a new celebrity will join the ranks? Only time will tell.

Overall, the Symphonette collection beautifully rounds out the Longines ladies range and will be a welcome addition to the stylish woman’s watch collection.

Longines Symphonette Australian pricing

Depending on the model the Symphonette will retail from $1600 to $5525. This model, the L2.306.0.83.0 has a retail of $5275.

Specifications

Brand

Longines

Model

Symphonette

Reference No

L2.306.0.83.0

Case Size

21.90 X 34.00

Case Material

Steel (diamond set)

Dial

White mother-of-pearl, 12 inlaid Arabic numerals

Strap

Black alligator with buckle

Movement

Quartz