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New Release: The Longines Flagship Heritage Moon-Phase Watch

At A Glance

Featuring opaline silver, sunray silver and sunray blue dials, Longines has introduced a trilogy of new Flagship Heritage watches.
Known for their elegant dress watches, the new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase is a tad smaller with steel cases embodying the discerning gentleman's look.
Kitted out with moonphase and date complication, this new novelty draws inspiration from the Flagship collection dating back to the 1950s.
Blending old design influences harmoniously alongside a modern watchmaking flair, it is just 12.4mm thick with chamfered lugs and is the definition of subtlety.
Elegant lines, reduced lug to lug and domed dials make this timepiece fit for any enthusiast or would-be collector’s wardrobe.
Available in a 19mm wide alligator leather strap in either brown, grey or blue, it appears to take visual inspiration from many luxury watch brands such as Jaeger-Le Coultre.

Overview Of The Longines Flagship

Since 1832, Longines have combined timeless sophistication with a hint of luxury that has been a staple for many generations. Dating back to the 1950’s when Marilyn Monroe, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly was de rigueur, so was the iconic Flagship collection.

Heritage 60th Anniversary Edition, Source: Brand Page

Refinement, innovative technology and sublime luxury allure have been the barometer of this oh so fine timepiece. 1957 was not only the year of the reopening of the Suez Canal and Sputnik 1 but the first ever Flagship being sold. By the way, did we mention the trusty Omega Speedmaster was also launched in the same year?

Oozing quality and prestige, horophiles went head over heels for this sleek timepiece, cementing the brand as a real contender in the luxury watch market.

And they are still doing their thing some seventy years later.

Personality Of The Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase

So what’s cooking time peeps?

Source: Brand Page

Measuring 38.5mm the brand new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase exudes elegance as seen in the silver dial that’s as glistening as dew on a crisp winter’s day. This watch really does shine. And we have just got started.

Dauphine hands daubed with Super-Luminova? Check…how about a stainless steel case? Double check. Moonphase indicator located at 6 o’clock housed inside a sub-dial complete with minuscule pointer? Oh yes.

As classic as a pair of corduroys or tan chinos, this stylish little number could be worn for all manner of occasions. Whether looking snazzy behind the desk at your new role or rocking it with your new squeeze, time hasn’t seemed to age this suave and sophisticated timepiece.

With a super slim profile of 12.4mm, check out the polished fixed bezel with bags of satin-brushed finishing going on. Ideal for many wearers due to its svelte size, chamfered lugs are elongated making it extremely comfortable, even for the average wrist wearer. An anti-reflective coating ensures premium clarity while we are fans of the ergonomic size of the winding crown.

Source: Brand Page

As smart as Alan Sugar and just as dynamic, the case is sublime with a number of features on the dial finishes with a simple format that has stayed true to its horological roots. From the silver-grey indices and Dauphine hands that are polished to the max not to mention the timekeeping jewel in the crown…the moonphase indicator situated at 6 o’clock.

A perfect execution of the moonphase element, the moon accent compliments the indices according to which reference you opt for. Nice touch, but you may be squinting a tad to catch a glimpse of the moonphase itself.

Is this a new dawn in the world of watchmaking? Not quite timelords as the Swiss brand remains drawn on their influence from the original Heritage lineup. Nevertheless, it still has lots of wrist worthy appeal for those looking to buy a Longines.

The hour and minute hands enjoy just a hint of Super-LumiNova while there are lots to discover underneath the bonnet of the new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase. With a newly created Heritage pin buckle, this top notch timepiece is made from solid stainless steel.

In addition, the screw-down caseback displays the symbol of the Flagship lineup, an etching of a ship riding the Seven Seas against a blue backdrop. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to one of those BBC Blue Peter badges, this isn't one they made earlier!

Meanwhile, the engraved caseback captures further details about the new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase relating to the;

Reference number
Case material
Water resistance depth rating
Model name

Don’t Miss A Beat With The L899.5 Movement

So what’s the driving force behind the new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase?

Source: Business Today

Step forward the automatic L899.5 movement. This self-winding movement has the ETA A31.L91 as its base and pulsates at 25,500Vph. Boasting anti-magnetic properties alongside a silicon balance spring, this particular movement has already been seen in former watches like the Master Collection Moonphase collection from 2019.

Note, the movement is not visible as it’s a screw-down caseback with the Heritage emblem front and centre. This shows a caravel showing off its timekeeping muscles on the other side adorned in yellow gold. Home to a 72 hour power reserve, this new novelty has more than enough energy to power all your weekend activities.

Other Specs

- Water Resistance: 30 metres

- Case Dimensions: 38.5mm

- Case Material: Sapphire Crystal

- Dial Colours: Opaline silver, sunray silver, or sunray blue

- Jewels: 21

- Reference Numbers: L4.815.4.72.2 - silver dial version / L4.815.4.78.2 - opaline dial version /

L4.815.4.92.2 - blue dial version

- Limited Edition: No (permanent collection)

- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date and moonphase indicator

How Much Is A Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase?

Equipped with a brown, grey or blue alligator strap, you can buy a Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase for £2,850, as of July 2023.

Do Longines Watches Hold Their Value?

For some of the best entry-level luxury watches, you cannot go wrong with Longines. Its timeless appeal has seen many enthusiasts drawn to the brand like bees to a hive.

Hydroconquest, Source: Brand Page

And there is without question lots of buzz around this brand which is down to its exquisite watchmaking and classic designs, elegantly blended with touches of modernity. The question is though…do Longines watches hold their value? Which Longines watch is the best investment?

Among the Top 10 most popular luxury brands in the world, trends may come and go like the wind. But evergreen watches like the Flagship are constant and steady in their purpose. Subject to the model, vintage watches will hold their value more due to the insatiable appetite of hungry horophiles and collectors.

Some of the most popular Longines watches that will hold value are in fact the Longines Heritage Classic Limited Edition and Hydroconquest collection, arguably one of the best dive watches around. Naturally, supply and demand come into the equation as to whether or not these watches will hold value.

Manufacturing

Another factor to consider when asking do Longines watches hold value is the number of timepieces produced annually. This brand makes around 1.5 million watches every year which is in stark contrast to other luxury brands like Patek Philippe (60,000), Vacheron Constantin (circa 20,000) and Jaeger-LeCoultre (circa 100,000 watches).

Obviously it will never be on a par with, ahem, Rolex due to the overwhelming demand, lack of supply and of course those endless waitlists. Expect to lose between 30%-50% initially if you buy a Longines at retail.

Swiss Watchmaking

Furthermore, all the parts have been made in Switzerland, boosting the value and importance of the timepiece. Anything Swiss-made in the horological world is a big tick in anyone’s timekeeping book on the luxury front. In this way, it demonstrates precision, excellent product quality and first rate mastery utilising the finest materials ranging from sapphire crystal to 18k gold.

What’s Our View?

We thought you would never ask!

For a snappy dapper dress watch, the new Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase is a strong contender. The slimmer size which is trending as much as Europe’s summer heatwaves shows no sign of cooling down.

Brimming with old school retro vibes, If you want to buy a Longines with vintage flex at a fraction of the price, this one may be a timekeeping winner. Mind you, if you had £10,000 knocking around down the back of the sofa, our money would be on a very similar piece to this…The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic.

Why enjoy premium economy when you can go all out first class.

Conclusion

Its historical lineage cannot be denied. Deriving from the 50’s when Elvis was getting everyone All Shook Up, Longines was doing the same to the watch world. A true stalwart if ever there was one, like a loyal puppy they stay extremely loyal and devoted, unwavering in their support.

Awwww. Yet, they have also satisfied the needs of today’s consumer who by the way love the old creamy dials but want a little revamping…don’t we all? Complete simplicity, elegance and a soupçon of evolution by way of the new case size are the integral aspects of this seamless timepiece with the Flagship at its heart.

This is one throwback that isn’t going to go out of fashion any time soon.

Want to buy a Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase at the best possible price? Don’t want to pound the streets endlessly going from store to store? Visit Chrono Hunter today. Contact us here to find out how we can assist with your next purchase or sale. Benefit from multiple offers at the swipe of a finger from our trusted network of luxury watch retailers. With peerless service, unparalleled brand expertise and best prices paid for Longines watches, we are your go-to source when you buy a watch or sell a watch.

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