3 Longines for under $5K on their online store that represent value propositions

James Robinson

One of the greatest things about Longines is their history — the Swiss marque was established almost two centuries ago, way back in 1832. This heritage gives the brand an advantage, and it gives the Longines wearer an edge, too. The depth and versatility of Longines timepieces is utterly expansive – and the back catalogue is a constant source of rich pickings, at prices available to the not-just-rich.

This history, which has been focused on large-scale production of superior timepieces, hints at why Longines watches are lauded for always representing a value proposition — 187 years at the pointy end of the horological spear means that their R&D, innovation, manufacturing practices and techniques are so efficient and, more importantly, effective, that the savings are passed on to the wearer.

$5000 Aussie dollars, for example, unlocks a veritable cornucopia of different timepieces from Longines’ vast catalogue, and chances are, no matter what sort of timekeeping you’re into, for a cool $5K, there’s going to be a wristwatch that ticks the boxes. With that goal in mind, finding the best of the brand at that budget, we present three markedly different timepieces that can be had for less than five big ones and can be purchased immediately from Longines’ online store.

The Longines Master Moonphase L2.919.4.92.0

The Longines Master collection has long been a staple of the watchmaker’s dress watch line-up, and for good reason. The classic case design, pared-back aesthetics and expert finishing mark the collection out as a clear winner if you’re looking for an elegant, refined timepiece to accompany your Super 200 threads and double monk straps. This iteration, the Master Moonphase, is especially pleasing, thanks to its gorgeous radially brushed sunburst navy blue dial, which gleams and grains in practically all lights. The moonphase complication is also a welcome addition to the charming dial, further adding to the overall sophistication of the watch and giving it some horological nouse. When combined with its navy blue alligator leather band, the overarching harmony of this timepiece is hard to ignore, especially when you factor in the cost, which is $3325 AUD. Click here to purchase the Longines Master Moonphase L2.919.4.92.0.

The Longines Record L2.821.5.11.7

This iteration of the Longines Record, resplendent with its blend of stainless steel and 18k pink gold, is a hot wristwatch, no doubt about it. Its svelte 40mm case ensures that the watch will feel as comfortable with a T-shirt and jeans as it will with chinos and sports jacket. The crisp white dial, adorned with classic Roman numerals, blued steel handset and small date aperture, adds to this versatility. The other big talking point of this watch is its Calibre L.8884 self-winding movement, which benefits from chronometer certification, monocrystalline silicon balance-spring, 64 hours of power reserve and an operating frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. And, boy oh boy, is this watch aggressively priced — just $4950. Click here to purchase the the Longines Record L2.821.5.11.7.

The Longines HydroConquest L3.781.4.96.6

We’re a pretty big fan of the Longines HydroConquest here at Time+Tide, not least for the fact that, above all else, it’s a fit-for-purpose dive watch that doesn’t let you down. This handsome navy blue iteration has 300 metres of water resistance, thanks to the 41mm stainless steel case utilising a screw-down crown and case-back. The unidirectional rotating bezel, which sits atop the case, is ceramic, ensures that it’s supremely resistant to both scratching and fading. Furthermore, the radial sunburst blue dial is not only reminiscent of the arena in which this watch performs so adeptly in, it’s also highly legible, and the bold numerals, located at 6, 9 and 12 and filled with Super-LumiNova, aid greatly in this timekeeping ability. Powered by the Longines Calibre L888, this watch also packs a feature-full punch that includes 64 hours of power reserve, superior robustness and an operating frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. Factor in the price, $2175, and you’ve got a timepiece that is, sans a few competitors, almost peerless in its class. Click here to purchase the Longines HydroConquest L3.781.4.96.6.