HANDS-ON: The Longines Record – going for gold

Last year, Longines doubled down with the release of the Record collection. Illustrating just how serious they are about creating classically handsome and highly accurate watches, with price tags that won’t break the bank. The result was their first ever COSC-certified collection that combined a variety of dial options and colours, with four different sizes of stainless-steel cases. I’ll admit that while the collection remained steady in the Longines wheelhouse, there was just that little something missing to completely draw me in. That was until this year when, at Baselworld 2018, Longines launched a decidedly luxe version with a blue dial and 18k rose gold case.

Vital statistics

The greatest thing about the Record collection is that each and every version is powered by a chronometer certified automatic movement, with this version using the Caliber L888.4 (ETA A31.L11). Exclusively manufactured for Longines by ETA, the COSC-certified movement uses a silicon balance spring and maintains a power reserve of 64 hours. The case is sized at 38.5mm and made of 18k rose gold with a transparent case back and a water resistance rating of 30 metres. While the sunray blue dial is kept clean and simple, with golden bar indexes marking the hours, and a date window at 3 o’clock. To strap the golden Longines Record to the wrist is a dial-matching blue alligator leather strap.

On the wrist

On paper, and indeed in person, the case is nicely sized and should suit a variety of wrist sizes. And having worn last year’s version of the Record, it’s easy to draw comparisons between their similar wearability and comfortability on the wrist. But when you strap on this new version, it’s immediately apparent that there’s gold in them thar hills. This is, after all, a solid piece of 18k rose gold. It’s not overly heavy though, and when combined with the grand blue of the sunray dial it wears as elegantly as it looks.

Who’s it for?

Fans of a Calatrava-style case and the classic dress watch style who want that little something extra to make their statement. It also wouldn’t hurt if – like me – you’re a sucker for accuracy.

Any surprises?

That dial: is it blue? Or maybe purple? Depending on the angle, maybe it’s both? Whatever it is, it’s damn fine.

The Longines Record Australian pricing

The Longines Record, in rose gold, $8050