Longines’ Saint-Imier Collection to suit every cusomer

Longines has been in the watchmaking industry since 1832. So much has changed since those times, but Longines has decided to launch a collection to celebrate its roots. Thus, we have upon us the Saint-Imier Collection, named after the birthplace and current location of Longines. The collection will be officially presented at Baselworld in March.

The Saint-Imier Collection includes several watches and the idea behind the project was to create such a collection that everyone can find something for him/herself. So, there are some quite simple models but there are also those with multiple complications. All the watches have mechanical movements, and the movement can be seen through the sapphire back of the cases. Every watch will be available in several versions regarding the materials used.

The more basic models feature the main dial and date display

So let’s start from the least complex one. These watches feature a main dial showing the hours, minutes and seconds and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The watches are highly elegant and come in 18 versions, differing in materials, case and bracelet shapes and decoration. The buyer can even chose the size of the dial that fits his/her wrist best – dials of 26 mm, 30 mm, 38.5 mm and 41 mm are available. The smaller models have 2 hours of power reserve less than the bigger ones (40 hours). The mechanism used in smaller ones is the ETA 2000/1 with 20 jewels, while the bigger ones have the ETA 2892/A2 comprising 21 jewels. Both mechanisms vibrate on 28,800 vph.

The Chronograph Watch is a blend of modern looks and traditional mechanism solutions

Longines has prepared a special treat for those who like chronographs. While having an elegant look that we are more or less used to seeing, the mechanism has a feature that watch connoisseurs will certainly appreciate. Namely, the movement needs to be protected when the chronograph function is activated, and most contemporary brands use the oscillation pinion for this. This being a collection that takes us back 180 years to the past, Longines opted to use the traditional, but more complicated solution – column wheels. This vintage touch made the price of the watch soar, but it is something very rare and therefore bound to be respected in the world of watch enthusiasts. The self-winding L688.2 movement runs at 28,800 vph, uses 27 jewels and has a power reserve of 54 hours. This model is also available in several versions.

The Moon Phase Watch has several indicators plus the moon phase and day/night indicators

And last but definitely not least, we come to the most intriguing model of this collection – the Retrograde Moon Phase watch. This is a timepiece for those who love to have several indicators and hands moving on their dials, all housed in a classy case which that’s bound look elegant on your wrist. The functions are as follows – flyback date indicator at 3 o’clock, flyback hour indicator at 9, day of the week indicator at 12 and small seconds indicator at 6 o’clock. The beautiful moon phase aperture is located under the central dial, while a day/night indicator rests above it. The caliber used for this one is L707 which ETA designed specially for Longines. This mechanical movement has 25 jewels and a power reserve of 48 hours, and is also available in different versions regarding the looks and sizes.

Mission accomplished! This is definitely a collection to suit the customer. All you need is the money and you will certainly find a perfect watch in all regards at the Longines stand at Baselworld.