INTRODUCING: The Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946
James Robinson2020 has barely begun and Longines has already come out swinging with this — the Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946.
Representing the latest addition to the Swiss watchmaker’s ever-popular Heritage Collection, the Classic Chronograph 1946 is a faithful re-creation of a timepiece Longines produced back in the ’40s.
The pared-back aesthetic of this homage piece is refreshing to say the least, with the simple opaline silver dial providing an arresting blank canvas, which Longines has adorned with two no-nonsense sub-dials, located at three and nine o’clock and displaying running seconds and a 30-minute counter, respectively.
As is the way with so many other models in the Heritage Collection (think the Heritage Classic “sector dial”), Longines has seen fit to bestow the new 1946 with a charmingly antiquated blued steel handset, which is complemented with raised Breguet-style Arabic numerals and a diminutive chapter ring – further adding to the handsomely sparse look.
Another boon of the new 1946 is its stainless steel case – it measures in at a popular 40mm across, ensuring optimum levels of bandwidth and accessibility.
Capping the case is a domed sapphire crystal that has been treated with several layers of an anti-reflective coating, which should make legibility a doddle.
Powering the 1946 is Longines’ Caliber L895, which is based on ETA’s tried and true A31.L21. The self-winding movement offers 54 hours of power reserve, chronograph complication and an operating frequency of 28,800 (4Hz) vibrations per hour.
The Classic Chronograph 1946 is fitted with an understated black calf leather band that employs a stainless steel pin buckle.
This watch represents another welcome addition to Longines’ Heritage Collection, which, in the eyes of many, is the Swiss firm’s most nuanced and exciting range of timepieces.
The Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946 has a recommended retail price in Australia of $4150, and anyone interested should make haste for the nearest Longines boutique or authorised dealer, as this timepiece is sure to be in high demand.