Longines adds a classy GMT model to their fan-favourite Master Collection
Jamie Weiss- Longines reintroduces a GMT watch to their Master Collection after a long absence from the range.
- Thinner and less aesthetically cluttered than previous Master Collection GMTs, it’s powered by a Longines-exclusive ETA calibre.
- Two variants are available: yellow gold or rose gold, both of which are paired with grey alligator straps.
Longines’ Master Collection might be one of the most enduring collections in its range, but it’s been particularly in demand with enthusiasts over the last 18 months. Last week, we shared an Instagram post about the recently-released Longines Master Collection Small Seconds and it absolutely blew up – it surprised me to see just how much love watch fans have for these classically styled modern Longines watches.
Longines are on to a good thing, and they know it. It’s not even been a week in 2024 and Longines have just announced they’re expanding the Master Collection further by adding a new GMT model, the likes of which has been absent from the Master Collection for quite a few years.
Featuring the same case design and 40mm diameter as the Master Collection 190th Anniversary, the Longines Master Collection GMT range encompasses two models: a 2N 18k yellow gold model and a 5N 18k rose gold model. While 40mm is a distinctly modern case size, its aesthetics are all retro, boasting a frosted silver dial with elegant elongated Roman numerals and a flowing 24-hour rehaut.
The movement that powers the new Longines Master Collection GMT is the Longines calibre L844.5, which was introduced in August 2023 in the Longines HydroConquest GMT and is based on the ETA A31.411. Unlike the similar calibre L844.4 found in the Spirit Zulu Time, the L844.5 is not chronometer-certified – however, unlike that watch or the HydroConquest GMT, the Master Collection GMT features a display caseback, which shows off its movement’s beautiful finishing. Aesthetics, not out-and-out precision, is the priority here.
As for that finishing, it’s pleasantly elevated, with a perlaged mainplate and a gold-plated rotor with côtes de Genève and a Longines hourglass logo-shaped aperture. A 72-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring – which helps the L844.5 offer a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 standard – are also big pros.
Something that’s also worth calling out is its anthracite-grey leather strap, which is finished using a special “soft-touch” vegetable tanning process and fitted with a tongue buckle in case-matched gold. All in all, it’s a pretty classy package that offers a dressier alternative to the sportier GMT watches in Longines’ current range.
Longines Master Collection GMT pricing & availability
The Longines Master Collection GMT in yellow gold and rose gold is now available from Longines boutiques and online. Price: A$24,625. That’s a pretty punchy price point for Longines to be playing at – a further sign of their intentions to continue moving up-market.
| Brand | Longines |
| Model | Master Collection GMT |
| Reference Number | L2.844.6.71.2 (yellow gold) L2.844.8.71.2 (rose gold) |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 10.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | 2N 18k yellow gold, 5N 18k rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Frosted silver, applied yellow/rose gold Roman numerals, railroad minute track, 24-hour scale on rehaut |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Strap | Anthracite-grey alligator leather, tongue buckle in yellow/rose gold |
| Movement | Longines calibre L844.5, ETA A31.411 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | A$24,625 |