INTRODUCING: The new Longines Master Collection in 34mm
Fergus NashI recently wrote an article about the best 34mm watches that anyone can wear, and although the marketing is mostly feminine-orientated, I believe that the new additions to the Longines Master Collection could well be another option. The new 34mm size presents a great option for those who love classic proportions, and perhaps want something small and elegant without the risk of buying something too vintage. The familiar Longines Master Collection looks are all there, with several options for styles and complications, however the spotlight is really on the new champagne dial option.
Straddling the line between a sandy taupe and the palest of golds, the new entrant into the Longines Master Collection is unable to be simply summarised by the term “champagne”. It has a hauntingly beautiful quality — one that’s enhanced by the gentle silver hands and petite diamonds as hour markers. The date display is framed at 3 o’clock and doesn’t feel intrusive, and a sloped rehaut chapter ring displays the minute track with some Arabic numerals as guides. Although the steel bracelet gives it a lovely air of elegant luxury, the colour-matched leather strap brings out a gorgeous autumnal warmth from the dial.
The case is smooth, with the bezel gently sloping down into the lugs thanks to a thorough polish over the whole case. The magic of a 34mm diameter is that it’s perfectly suited to almost any wrist, as long as you’re fine with the old-school look. The lug-to-lug distance is 40.5mm, and despite an automatic movement the case stays nice and slim at just 9.2mm. The water resistance leaves a little to be desired at 30m, however the 18mm lug width does make it a great candidate for strap experimentation.
The Longines Master Collection has proudly featured a lot of dial diversity, and the 34mm versions are no different. There are options in deep blue sunburst or mother of pearl, as well as the classic hobnail guilloché pattern, with either diamond indices or Arabic numerals. Some models also branch out into deeper complication with a pointer date and moon phase display, which also have the effect of making them look far more expensive.
Coming in with a healthy power reserve of 72 hours, the Longines Master Collection in 34mm is powered by a Longines L888 calibre. It beats at the unusual 25,200 vibrations per hour, and features everything you’d expect of a modern automatic movement such as bi-directional winding, hacking seconds, and a quick-set date position.
The new Longines Master Collection in 34mm pricing and availability:
The new Longines Master Collection in 34mm will be available from the Longines website, boutiques, and authorised dealers. Price: 2,500 USD (Champagne on leather)
| Brand | Longines |
| Model | Master Collection |
| Case Dimensions | 34mm x 9.8mm x 40.5mm (Diameter x Thickness x L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Champagne |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Strap | Leather |
| Movement | L888 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | Price: 2,500 USD (Champagne on leather) |