Again in black: Palms-on with the Longines Heritage Traditional Black “Sector Dial” | WatchTime

At the moment we revisit the WatchTime archives to get our fingers on the Longines Heritage Traditional Black “Sector Dial.” This text was initially printed in 2021.

Few manufacturers have had such lasting success with their vintage-inspired designs because the model Longines. With a collection of latest additions to the retro-chic Heritage assortment – together with the Heritage Traditional Chronograph 1946, the Heritage Army 1938 and the Heritage Traditional Tuxedo – the Saint-Imier-based model has constructed on its lengthy historical past to reinforce its trendy attraction enhance.

Over the previous 12 months, whether or not on account of altering client preferences or a lowered collection of historic designs, Longines has considerably shifted its focus from faithfully replicating classic designs to introducing new fashions to reinterpreting beforehand launched fashions with new supplies and colorways. We first noticed this with the launch of the Heritage Legend Diver in Bronze in fall 2020, adopted by the Aviation BigEye in Titanium a couple of months later. Firstly of this summer season, the model launched its newest mannequin on this spirit, the New Heritage Traditional Black “Sector Dial” a Thirties-inspired timepiece that follows on from the profitable silver dial model launched in 2019. We not too long ago had the chance to take the watch into our personal fingers.

At first look, the brand new black dial version has the identical allures as its silver dial predecessor: its easy brushed metal case serves as a easy canvas for the charming dial that offers the watch its identify and serves because the undisputed principal draw. The general look is formal and stylish, however eclectic. The sectoral association of the brushed exterior contrasts splendidly with the matt inside and the engine-turned, notched small seconds scale. Classic-style printed silver markers are used successfully for every hour and minute place, elegantly paralleling the small seconds counter which shares an analogous aesthetic. A pair of elongated baton fingers are used to depend the elapsed hours and minutes and sweep evenly over a classic Longines brand.

On the wrist, the 38.5mm x 11mm metal case feels snug and balanced, with slim, barely curved lugs attribute of classic fashion; a sturdy, deeply serrated crown; and a flat bezel as a substitute of the rounded designs extra widespread on comparable fashions. The watch we had for overview got here with a “cognac” leather-based strap connected to the wrist with a easy pin buckle, which was by far the least spectacular a part of the watch. Longines additionally presents the choice of a rice pearl-style metal bracelet for the watch, which is waterproof as much as 30 meters, which might in all probability complement the predominantly formal look somewhat higher.

Reverse the sector dial, beneath its sapphire crystal is a stable, laser-engraved caseback that protects the motion with what seems to be a snap lock. Behind it’s the Longines caliber L893, whose automated motion relies on the A31.501. The 26-jewel motion beats at an uncommon frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and incorporates a silicon hairspring and an influence reserve of 72 hours.

Like many earlier fashions within the Longines Heritage assortment, the Traditional Black “Sector Dial” is paying homage to basic items from the previous, on this case the so-called Sector Dial watches from the Thirties, named for his or her two-part design. When Longines launched the unique mannequin in 2019, it positioned its Thirties historic inspiration entrance and heart subsequent to it (under, 2019 model on the precise, classic version on the left) and has not but finished so for this model direct comparability offered. Whereas black sector dial watches have been additionally produced throughout this era, it’s doable that Longines doesn’t have one in its archives that would function historic supply materials for the newer mannequin.

Longines’ growth of the sector dial fashion appears to level to a broader technique for the Heritage assortment – one that’s always shifting, from discovering new classic designs to breed to recontextualizing present designs with new colour mixtures and supplies. The model has seemingly perfected the artwork of crafting this fashion of look ahead to an and rising demographic of consumers, having been one of many first watchmakers to discover it, and does not look like slowing down its deal with the class any time quickly.

The Longines Heritage Traditional Black “Sector Dial” is obtainable now at licensed boutiques and immediately by Longines, priced at $2,350 on a metal bracelet and $2,150 on a leather-based strap.

To search out out extra, go to Longines, Here.