Comments:
Call me naive if you want, but the Longines Legend Diver is a great re redition, and a very appealing watch!
Thanks to a Purist Friend who found for me this rare bird ( very difficult to get in France ), I'm now the happy owner of this great watch.
I spent quite a lot of time checking if this watch would have a nice place in my Collection of Diver Watches, but I was a bit afraid to be deceived, once in my hands.
The work made by Longines on this watch is really amazing, in terms of quality and finish.
The level of expectation was high, as I also own and love! ) the original model, with its very nice proportions, and a stunningly patined dial.
Compressor case ( shared with the JLC Polaris, the IWC Ref 812, the UG Polerouter Sub, and the Vulcain Nautical ), 200 meters Water Resistant, 2 crowns, one for winding the automatic movement, the other for setting the internal bezel, a huge, sexy and warm plexy, and a reliable movement, the Cal 290
.
All the ingredients are here to make a great watch.
Here mine, with another Vintage one, but in a stunning condition, anc coming with an original black dial...
Let's see some more pics of the Black Vintage Longines Diver, as the Re Edition comes with the black dial, too:
And here with the original bracelet:
45 years after the birth of this watch, Longines decided to re release this watch.
The Re edition is stricter than an Hommage, as you can't play with the conception of the watch while you want to make a Re Edition.
You have to strictly respect all the characteristics of the watch, as the dimensions, the dial, even if you can enhance some details, like the movement, for example.
And I have to say that Longines DID IT...PERFECTLY!
Let's begin by the Re Edition in itself:
The Compressor Case Style is totally respected, with these elegant lugs:
So are the crowns, with their special gridwork motif:
Maybe we can notice that the crowns on the Re Edition are a bit bigger, and less round than on the original, although.
On these profile pics, you will also notice that the plexy has been changed for a domed sapphire, what I regret a bit, as the plexy is more spectacular and warm, IMO.
But at least, the sapphire is domed.
The case has the same thickness and the same size ( 42 mm ), the only difference being that the plexy on the original Diver is much thicker and domed, as you can see on these 2 following pics.
The New Longines Legend Diver is a very faithful Re Edition.
The dial is strictly the same, with these Vintage Luminova indexes and numbers which clearly refer to the Vintage model, the same shape of the hands, the same bezel.
The only things that change may be considered as improvements :
The sapphire glass instead of the plexy ( once again, I regret it ).
The crowns which are now screwed on the re edition, which allow a water resistant to 300 meters, instead of 200 meters for the original model.
The movement, which is not anymore the Longines Cal 290, but a 2824 - 2 from ETA , still automatic, reliable, and really accurate..
A Faithful re edition is nothing if you don't feel the quality of a watch ,and here, Longines made an awesome work.
The dial, the case, the hands, the case back, the crowns, all is really remarkable.
When you put it on your wrist, you immediately understand that it is a great watch.
The dial has an incredible depth, and the contrast with the Vintage colored indexes is very appealing.
You will notice that the hands are non matching, but, at least for me, this is not a problem at all.
If you want to get the real interest of this Legend Diver, it has to be compared to the original, side by side.
The major problem, when releasing a Re Edirtion, is that the original is such a Cult Watch that this kind of exercise is a bit dangerous.
Everybody will have in mind the original, and will judge the re edition in depth.
And when compared to the original, you immediately get that Longines made an awesome work.
Here are the evidences, in pics:
2 the Black Together:
Isn 't it difficult to make the difference between the Vintage and the Modern???
One very small regret, when viewing this following pic, is that Longines did not release it with a brown dial...
It would have been awesome!
Here the 2 Vintage and the Re Edition side by side, for your greatest pleasure and greediness:
Even the details on the case back are fully respected, with a nice Diver engraving.
As to give a conclusion to this topic, I'd say that the Longines Legend Diver is an amazing watch, even more amazing if you consider its price.
When I compare it to 3 times more expensive watches, I'm totally amazed, yes.
The pleasure is really great to put it on your wrist, and this is an experience to live in the flesh, not only in pics.
One of these very good surprises of this year, indeed.
Best to all of you.
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-14 13:30:39 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-04-16 06:16:56
... i have some extreme ones for the friday WS .... Nicolas will be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous .... LOLOLOL ...
Filip
just sold mine for 5000 euros ..... just kidding ... i wouldn't sell it for a million .... errr ... i think ....
As I share it!
I'm totally stunned by it.
And when I show it to some Vintage Collectors, they are all amazed by the work made on this watch, and by the great similarity with the Vintage model.
If you saw the pics I posted with a quite NOS Vintage Longines Diver, you can admire the faithful reproduction.
The only thing that changes is the use on green Luminova on some horizontal indexes, the Lumi on the hands, and the case back, which is not excactly shaped in the same way.
But if you have a quick look on both of them, you will have hard time knowing which is the new, which is the Vintage.
Best,
Nicolas
You have a point!
You can even add another re edition of a legendary Diving watch with the Omega Plo Prof, this year, even if this last one is maybe the weaker one, compared to the 3 others you mentionned.
The Cali and the Polaris are indeed in another league if you speak about Value, but not if we speak about its appeal and charm.
Even if the Polaris, with its in house movement, and the Alarm, is logically difficult to compare with the Cali and the Longines, in terms of price.
All tjose who were sceptics while thinking of the Longines changed their mind when they saw it in the flesh, when they were able to feel in real its quality.
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
Because, as with the Polaris and the Cali, the Vintage models have something more, which is called Soul .
The soul of the patina, of a real Life.
But a great, powerful and very charming watch, indeed.
I feel you regret yours, Emilio.
Am I right?
Best,
Nicolas
This Longines would deserve a good place, and what better place than being in the Company of a FF and a 5513 Maxi Dial?
Best,
Nicolas
I'm sure that he will enjoy it a lot.
This is such a lovely watch.
Best, and thanks for your nice words, Jed.
Nicolas
The Vintage one is a bit more expensive than the Re Edition, but both are so great that the temptation of getting them is very ...;Tempting!
And as you said, the chances to get one from this bloody special year of ours is not impossible at all...
Eeeh, Graham?
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
As this watch deserves a minimum of efforts, IMO.
The Longines Legend Diver has an unbelievable sum of qualities, indeed, and you described them very nicely.
Are you now on the hunt for a Vintage model, to make the pair?
The only problem with this watch is that with it, you open the Pandora's Box, and you discover that there are many Compressor cases which were made in the same ( or quite ) era...
BUT, this is one of the nicest Compressor Cases ever made, to me.
Best, Daos.
And thanks for your nice words.
Nicolas
Yep, you're right about the Minute Hands...
But this is a detail, when you pay attention to the whole watch, and when you fall under its enormous charm.
Congrats on yours, my friend!
Best,
Nicolas
Load More Comments >>
A Review on the Re Edition of the Longines Diver.
Call me naive if you want, but the Longines Legend Diver is a great re redition, and a very appealing watch!
Thanks to a Purist Friend who found for me this rare bird ( very difficult to get in France ), I'm now the happy owner of this great watch.
I spent quite a lot of time checking if this watch would have a nice place in my Collection of Diver Watches, but I was a bit afraid to be deceived, once in my hands.
The work made by Longines on this watch is really amazing, in terms of quality and finish.
The level of expectation was high, as I also own and love! ) the original model, with its very nice proportions, and a stunningly patined dial.
Compressor case ( shared with the JLC Polaris, the IWC Ref 812, the UG Polerouter Sub, and the Vulcain Nautical ), 200 meters Water Resistant, 2 crowns, one for winding the automatic movement, the other for setting the internal bezel, a huge, sexy and warm plexy, and a reliable movement, the Cal 290
.
All the ingredients are here to make a great watch.
Here mine, with another Vintage one, but in a stunning condition, anc coming with an original black dial...
Let's see some more pics of the Black Vintage Longines Diver, as the Re Edition comes with the black dial, too:
And here with the original bracelet:
45 years after the birth of this watch, Longines decided to re release this watch.
The Re edition is stricter than an Hommage, as you can't play with the conception of the watch while you want to make a Re Edition.
You have to strictly respect all the characteristics of the watch, as the dimensions, the dial, even if you can enhance some details, like the movement, for example.
And I have to say that Longines DID IT...PERFECTLY!
Let's begin by the Re Edition in itself:
The Compressor Case Style is totally respected, with these elegant lugs:
So are the crowns, with their special gridwork motif:
Maybe we can notice that the crowns on the Re Edition are a bit bigger, and less round than on the original, although.
On these profile pics, you will also notice that the plexy has been changed for a domed sapphire, what I regret a bit, as the plexy is more spectacular and warm, IMO.
But at least, the sapphire is domed.
The case has the same thickness and the same size ( 42 mm ), the only difference being that the plexy on the original Diver is much thicker and domed, as you can see on these 2 following pics.
The New Longines Legend Diver is a very faithful Re Edition.
The dial is strictly the same, with these Vintage Luminova indexes and numbers which clearly refer to the Vintage model, the same shape of the hands, the same bezel.
The only things that change may be considered as improvements :
The sapphire glass instead of the plexy ( once again, I regret it ).
The crowns which are now screwed on the re edition, which allow a water resistant to 300 meters, instead of 200 meters for the original model.
The movement, which is not anymore the Longines Cal 290, but a 2824 - 2 from ETA , still automatic, reliable, and really accurate..
A Faithful re edition is nothing if you don't feel the quality of a watch ,and here, Longines made an awesome work.
The dial, the case, the hands, the case back, the crowns, all is really remarkable.
When you put it on your wrist, you immediately understand that it is a great watch.
The dial has an incredible depth, and the contrast with the Vintage colored indexes is very appealing.
You will notice that the hands are non matching, but, at least for me, this is not a problem at all.
If you want to get the real interest of this Legend Diver, it has to be compared to the original, side by side.
The major problem, when releasing a Re Edirtion, is that the original is such a Cult Watch that this kind of exercise is a bit dangerous.
Everybody will have in mind the original, and will judge the re edition in depth.
And when compared to the original, you immediately get that Longines made an awesome work.
Here are the evidences, in pics:
2 the Black Together:
Isn 't it difficult to make the difference between the Vintage and the Modern???
One very small regret, when viewing this following pic, is that Longines did not release it with a brown dial...
It would have been awesome!
Here the 2 Vintage and the Re Edition side by side, for your greatest pleasure and greediness:
Even the details on the case back are fully respected, with a nice Diver engraving.
As to give a conclusion to this topic, I'd say that the Longines Legend Diver is an amazing watch, even more amazing if you consider its price.
When I compare it to 3 times more expensive watches, I'm totally amazed, yes.
The pleasure is really great to put it on your wrist, and this is an experience to live in the flesh, not only in pics.
One of these very good surprises of this year, indeed.
Best to all of you.
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-14 13:30:39 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2009-04-16 06:16:56
Tears in my eyes ...
what a nice tribute to this (already) legendary watch, i will add some pics i took on my holidays.
It is such a nice looking dial and though they made a different crystal (no plexi), the sapphire is beautifully shaped to give the watch a special look.
I call it the poor men's divers watch that makes me feel rich !!!
Thanks for this surprising review Nicolas !! El Bimbe This message has been edited by bimbaeno on 2009-04-14 14:03:17
Thanks for this surprising review Nicolas !! El Bimbe This message has been edited by bimbaeno on 2009-04-14 14:03:17
Yeah ... and ...
... i have some extreme ones for the friday WS .... Nicolas will be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous .... LOLOLOL ...
Filip
Oh so true ..
just sold mine for 5000 euros ..... just kidding ... i wouldn't sell it for a million .... errr ... i think ....
Can understand your love for this Longines, Filip.
As I share it!
I'm totally stunned by it.
And when I show it to some Vintage Collectors, they are all amazed by the work made on this watch, and by the great similarity with the Vintage model.
If you saw the pics I posted with a quite NOS Vintage Longines Diver, you can admire the faithful reproduction.
The only thing that changes is the use on green Luminova on some horizontal indexes, the Lumi on the hands, and the case back, which is not excactly shaped in the same way.
But if you have a quick look on both of them, you will have hard time knowing which is the new, which is the Vintage.
Best,
Nicolas
Only regret is
that I couldn't download 2 pictures that comes with your
heartwarming post/review
Yes one of greatest re-editions around in line with Cali & FF
but for much much less dinero
.... so as you said when looking at value over coolness ratio
this is THE best buy around for a long time
Thank you for this treat
Best
Damian
heartwarming post/review
Yes one of greatest re-editions around in line with Cali & FF
but for much much less dinero
.... so as you said when looking at value over coolness ratio
this is THE best buy around for a long time
Thank you for this treat
Best
Damian
This Longines is indeed a real deal, Damian
You have a point!
You can even add another re edition of a legendary Diving watch with the Omega Plo Prof, this year, even if this last one is maybe the weaker one, compared to the 3 others you mentionned.
The Cali and the Polaris are indeed in another league if you speak about Value, but not if we speak about its appeal and charm.
Even if the Polaris, with its in house movement, and the Alarm, is logically difficult to compare with the Cali and the Longines, in terms of price.
All tjose who were sceptics while thinking of the Longines changed their mind when they saw it in the flesh, when they were able to feel in real its quality.
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
Nice!...
Long time waiting this post. Long time waiting see side by side these two marvels.
Happy reading your great job made mon ami, happy admiring the extreme soul of your vintage Longines and admiring the superb re-edition made by Longines.
You now that this watch is always in my mind... and in my hearth... one of these watches that made me feel happy and lucky when I hunted it.
In this particular case, the modern can beat with the vintage... the work made by Longines is impressive and very close to the original.
I can sure that all the owners of this watch are lucky men.
Best my Purist friend and thanks.
Emilio.
Not really sure that the Modern can beat the Vintage, even in this case, Emilio
Because, as with the Polaris and the Cali, the Vintage models have something more, which is called Soul .
The soul of the patina, of a real Life.
But a great, powerful and very charming watch, indeed.
I feel you regret yours, Emilio.
Am I right?
Best,
Nicolas
You´re in true, mon ami...
First because the new can´t beat with the vintage... vintage has live, has SOUL, indeed. But, certanly, a very closed re-edition.
And second, because it´s in my mind and in my hearth... i regret it, you can be sure.
But no problem, it´ll be again in house.... It deserves !
Best my friend.
emilio
It would make a great trio, Emilio
This Longines would deserve a good place, and what better place than being in the Company of a FF and a 5513 Maxi Dial?
Best,
Nicolas
WOW
Congratulations, great review !!!
I just bought my in Buenos Aires, Argentina last month,
Do you guys know if it is a limited edition ?, Some people say Longines made only 1000 pieces.
I just bought my in Buenos Aires, Argentina last month,
Do you guys know if it is a limited edition ?, Some people say Longines made only 1000 pieces.
Hi, Bruno.
Welcome here, firstly.
Happy to see that this watch gave you a good reason to put your first post on line!
To answer to your question, I seriously doubt that it is a limited edition.
I'd rather say that it is a Limited Production.
I heard that Longines stopped the production for some months, and that the same watch, but with a Date was on its way...
Rumours...
Best,
Nicolas
Happy to see that this watch gave you a good reason to put your first post on line!
To answer to your question, I seriously doubt that it is a limited edition.
I'd rather say that it is a Limited Production.
I heard that Longines stopped the production for some months, and that the same watch, but with a Date was on its way...
Rumours...
Best,
Nicolas
Love it!
Nicolas, wonderful review, fantastic pics of a super-cool watch. Several weeks ago I posted in the HoMe forum seeking advice for a friend's purchase of a watch as a 50th birthday present for her siginificant other. home.watchprosite.com
/
I'm happy to report that she purchased a Legend Diver for him. His birthday is at the end of this month, and i have no doubt he will love it too.
Best,
Jed
I'm happy to report that she purchased a Legend Diver for him. His birthday is at the end of this month, and i have no doubt he will love it too.
Best,
Jed
Good choice and decision, Jed
I'm sure that he will enjoy it a lot.
This is such a lovely watch.
Best, and thanks for your nice words, Jed.
Nicolas
Thanks for the review of a fantastic watch!
Nicolas, your pictures are great! As usual, you provide added context and historical perspective by comparing the vintage and re-edition side-by-side pictorially and in your review. When it comes to the Legend Diver reissue I am a believer. IMO it is one of the best watch bargains out there. I've had mine since early February and on the wrist it is solid, comfortable and quiet. While I agree that the plexi on the vintage is highly desirable I rather like the proportions of the modern Legend. The lacquered dial has a liquid sheen that catches the light "just so" and the choice of color for the indices is perfect and ties the modern Legend to its precursor nicely.
IMO any collector would be hard-pressed to find a watch that gives you more bang for your buck. The Legend re-edition is an all-around good-looking, robust, yet elegant timepiece.
Thanks for the photos and the article, Nicolas! Here are photos of my Legend Diver below. The lighting is not great...sorry!
Cheers,
Daos
i think its probably the best Longines for about 20 years or more
why havent i bought one i ask myself, especially as i've seen several on other forums at greatly reduced prices even though its a very reasonably priced watch to start with.
the answer to my own question is, i dont really know, perhaps i'm holding out for an original from that special year
superb review as always Nicolas. i can envisage a chocolate dial coming out soon.
best
Graham
Why not getting both of them, Graham?
The Vintage one is a bit more expensive than the Re Edition, but both are so great that the temptation of getting them is very ...;Tempting!
And as you said, the chances to get one from this bloody special year of ours is not impossible at all...
Eeeh, Graham?
Best, my friend.
Nicolas
you are evil mon ami...
you are evil mon ami :)
i think we should swap for a month or 2. you can
wear a funky spaceship and i'll wear a vintage diver.
wear a funky spaceship and i'll wear a vintage diver.
best
Graham
you know i know your...
you know i know your right :), but i have to be
aware of my collecting themes. the re edition doesnt fit into it which is a
shame as i know where there's one going at a good price.
aware of my collecting themes. the re edition doesnt fit into it which is a
shame as i know where there's one going at a good price.
i've got 2 sides to my collection. the 64 theme
and the unusual display theme. if i divert too much i'll end up as
overloaded as i was 2 years ago.
and the unusual display theme. if i divert too much i'll end up as
overloaded as i was 2 years ago.
having said all that if funds come in anything
could happen :)
could happen :)
best
me
I try to do my best, Sister.
As this watch deserves a minimum of efforts, IMO.
The Longines Legend Diver has an unbelievable sum of qualities, indeed, and you described them very nicely.
Are you now on the hunt for a Vintage model, to make the pair?
The only problem with this watch is that with it, you open the Pandora's Box, and you discover that there are many Compressor cases which were made in the same ( or quite ) era...
BUT, this is one of the nicest Compressor Cases ever made, to me.
Best, Daos.
And thanks for your nice words.
Nicolas
There is a vintage version...
...in seemingly good condition available locally, but at the suggested price point I'd rather chase something else. If funds were unlimited though, all bets are off! ;-)
Sending you my best, Nicolas!
Cheers,
Daos
Awsome !
Bonjour cher Nicolas,
Once again an awsome review. I can't agree more with your views on this watch, I got one very recently too ;-)
One of the drawbacks you point out is the sapphire instead of the plexy. I backup that too, with a plexy it would have been even better. I have another small regret to add to you (rather small) list, the shape of the minutes hand. Too bad that they didn't reproduce the 'glaive' shape...
You are right, this is not easy to get one in europe, these are rare birds. A Longines AD told me that the date modele would replace the non date one but I read on another forum that both would co-exist... The only thing that is sure is that there will be a date version, see image below.
Again, thanks for your hard work!
Sébastien
This message has been edited by Spiff on 2009-04-15 03:35:00
Once again an awsome review. I can't agree more with your views on this watch, I got one very recently too ;-)
One of the drawbacks you point out is the sapphire instead of the plexy. I backup that too, with a plexy it would have been even better. I have another small regret to add to you (rather small) list, the shape of the minutes hand. Too bad that they didn't reproduce the 'glaive' shape...
You are right, this is not easy to get one in europe, these are rare birds. A Longines AD told me that the date modele would replace the non date one but I read on another forum that both would co-exist... The only thing that is sure is that there will be a date version, see image below.
Again, thanks for your hard work!
Sébastien
This message has been edited by Spiff on 2009-04-15 03:35:00
I see what you mean, Sebastien
Yep, you're right about the Minute Hands...
But this is a detail, when you pay attention to the whole watch, and when you fall under its enormous charm.
Congrats on yours, my friend!
Best,
Nicolas