HANDS-ON: One simple word that makes the Longines Record a big deal

Felix Scholz

Here at Time+Tide we make no bones about being greatly enamoured of Longines’s heritage offerings, so it’s understandable that we made a beeline for the Lindbergh and 1945 models. However, our attention was rapidly drawn to the comparatively pared-back Record, which intrigued us with one simple word on its dial – ‘chronometer’.

Now, in case you’re not up with your watch jargon, a chronometer is a essentially a very precise and accurate timepiece. And while in the past the task of certifying chronometers fell to astronomical observatories, these days it’s the duty of Contrôle Officiel Suisses des Chronomètres, Switzerland’s chronometer testing institute. COSC conducts extensive testing of uncased movements over a period of 15 days, ensuring that they achieve an average daily rate of -4/+6 seconds in five positions and at three different temperatures. Some brands, notably Rolex and Breitling, submit all their watches for chronometer certification, but this is the first time Longines has released an entirely COSC-certified collection. The movements that meet this standard are produced by ETA exclusively for the brand, and incorporate a crystal-silicon balance spring. That Longines has committed to this level of accuracy at their competitive price point is impressive, to say the least.

So that’s the technical side of things, but what’s the watch actually like? Well, it’s a fully fledged collection, offered in four case sizes and numerous versions. The unifying elements are the handsome calatrava-styled case, and a distinctive handset in either blued steel or rhodium finishes. We were particularly drawn to this 40mm version on a dressy steel bracelet, with Roman numerals. Classic looks meets serious chronometry – it’s a winning combination.

Longines Record Australian pricing

Longines Records, 40mm on bracelet, $2750