Longines Legend Diver Review

Subexplorer · 2012-05-04T17:42:29Z

Subexplorer reviews the Longines Legend Diver, sharing a unique 'seal' experience and community insights on its vintage design, case back, and value.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

29 replies4212 views3 photos

Subexplorer shares a unique experience with his new Longines Legend Diver, discovering a 'seal' imprinted on his wrist from the watch's highly detailed case back. This personal anecdote sparks a community discussion about the watch's design, its faithfulness to vintage models, and the broader appeal of the Legend Diver among collectors.

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Hello friends!

I took my watch off this morning.

I have been wearing it through the last 8 days, day and night, since I bought it last week.

Though I don´t wear my watches very tight (I prefer to leave an space allowing for a flat finger between the back of the watch and my wrist), I was

greatly surprised to find this "seal" stamped on the surface of my skin.

I guess my hand rested under my body while sleeping, and the pressure of my own weight, forced the back of the watch against my wrist.

It looked funny to be "branded" by my own timepiece!

And I felt It was curious enough to make me run for my camera and make a quick shot.

I imagine that many Purists friends have already discovered the origin of this seal on my wrist...

I had this nice watch in my wish list for some time now, so last week, when I crossed my path with a brand new copy in a watch shop,

I quickly decided to take it home. As a matter of fact, I was looking after a non date example, to keep the more traditional look of this so

nice dive watch, but I was told (and shown the 2012 catalog) by the seller, that Longines is offering the date model only at present.

So I quickly straped it on my wrist with delight, and have been wearing it till this morning, when I discovered the mark it had lefted on my skin.

I find it a very delightful rendering of the original watch. May be the best rendition of a vintage model made by any brand today, so

faithful to the original (except for its movement, of course). I love the feeling of it on the wrist, and its confortable carry, though

I will take care in wearing it a bit looser in the future. Best of all, is its accuracy. It only deviated a few seconds in the 8 days trial.

I love this watch, and I think it is a lot of a timepice for its price.

Now.... If I only could find an original vintage example, so this one doesn´t feel so lonely in my watch case!!

I know there are many LLD fans here. May be will be glad to show their own watches (new or vintage) in this thread!

Have a nice week end my friends!
Very cordially, Abel.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Longines Legend Diver (LLD) is highly praised for being one of the best renditions of a vintage model by any brand, staying faithful to the original design, except for its movement.
The 'seal' or imprint left on the wrist by the LLD's case back is a common experience among owners, attributed to the bombée shape and high-relief engraving of the diver emblem.
While many LLD fans prefer the no-date version for its closer resemblance to the original, the date window in the modern version is generally considered not to detract significantly from the watch's overall aesthetic.
The modern LLD's dial features a yellowish tint on the indexes, designed to mimic a patinated vintage look, although the Luminova markings retain a greenish glow.
The LLD is noted for offering significant value for its price, providing immense pleasure without the financial strain often associated with luxury watches.
The discussion extends to case back preferences, with some collectors favoring transparent case backs to view movements, while others appreciate detailed engravings, even suggesting aftermarket options for iconic movements like the Omega Speedmaster's Caliber 321.

The Discussion

TdotBean

May 4, 2012

Congratulation on the LLD.

It's always a pleasure to read your post. The LLD is truly a hidden gems among the current massive Longines collection. Regards Tyler

Subexplorer

May 4, 2012

Thank you Tyler! I deeply appreciate your kind comment! Yes, I agree...

...that the lld is a hidden jewell! Cordial regards, Abel.

foowy

May 4, 2012

you have just taken body art to new depths

sort of a 3D body tattoo with depth......be careful there, you might just start a revolution

foowy

May 4, 2012

giving further thought....you might also have started a love for solid casebacks

instead of display backs.......immediately to mind are the solid casebacks of JLCs.

Subexplorer

May 5, 2012

Thank you Foowy! I´m afraid I´ve started a new trend!...

... though I must say that with much relief I found that my branding faded very quickly. Regarding case backs, it has always been an interesting point for me. I love to be able to see the movements so transparent case backs are always welcomed. In the case of the plain Rolex backs, so dull and uninteresting, I´d rather prefer if my favorite brand would offer a crystal type option. Now, in classics like the Legend Diver or the Omega Speedmaster, it is so nice the engraving on the case back, that

G99

May 5, 2012

you can get an aftermarket display back for the 321

firstly i think the wrist mark is great. i love the LLD, but i'm selling all my new pieces so wont be adding it to my collection and the original wasnt made until 65. secondly, if you find a 321 calibre speedy i'll give you details of a guy who sells aftermarket caseback for them. he's actually a forum member, but a lurker on CM more than a poster. i have one on one of mine and its worth the effort as the 321 deserves to be seen. best G