SpotlightNew Hues For The Longines Flagship Heritage 2024 Models
The new Flagship Heritage models are a glorious tribute to one of Longines’ oldest and timeless collections, with alluring dial colours of Havana beige, anthracite, and green
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First launched in 1957, the Flagship collection is of immense significance for Longines since it is one of the brand’s very first collections that has stood the test of time. And this year, the Saint-Imier-based watchmaking company is extending the Flagship Heritage line with three new models in resplendent dial hues of Havana beige, anthracite, and green—all featuring a moon phase complication, and the signature 18-karat gold medallion in hand-painted enamel, featured on the caseback.
It was actually last year (2023) that Longines introduced the moon phase complication for its Flagship Heritage timepieces and the new models carry forward this function, in exciting new dial options that look extremely refined and timeless—a given for Longines’ watches.
Crafted from stainless steel, the watches come in a round, 38.5mm case with a screw-down caseback, water-resistant to 30m. It has a satin-brushed finish, with shortened and chamfered lugs that are suited to everyone and allow for more inclusivity. On turning the watch over one can see the 18-karat gold medallion, which has been a part of the Flagship watches since 1957, embossed right at the centre of the solid caseback, showcasing a caravel in full sail on a deep blue sea—hand-painted in enamel.
The watches also feature domed dials inspired by the original model and along with a sunray finish. As mentioned earlier the dials hues are a major highlight and these are further enhanced by 11 applied hour markers, plated in rhodium or rose gold and elongated at three, nine, and 12 o’clock—coated with Super-LumiNova. The hour and minute hands are also plated in rhodium or rose gold and their shade complements the moon and stars on the moon phase indicator, positioned at six o’clock.
The new Flagship Heritage models are driven by the exclusive Longines L899.5 calibre, equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, providing a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. This self-winding mechanical movement is combined with a moon phase complication and supplies a power- reserve of at least 72 hours. They are presented on brown, anthracite or black leather straps, fitted with a ‘Heritage’ tongue buckle in stainless steel.
History Of The Longines Flagship Medallion And Its Creation
According to the brand literature, since the launch of the Flagship collection in 1957, each model has sported an 18-karat gold medallion on its caseback depicting a caravel—the line’s emblem—heading full sail across a vivid blue enamel sea.
The meticulous and painstaking process of creating this medallion is a testament to ancestral artisanal know-how. It all begins with preparation of the enamel, pre-coloured blocks of which are reduced to powder using an agate pestle. The enamel is then mixed with water and, using a very fine paintbrush, delicately applied by hand to the previously struck gold base. This step is followed by several kiln firings at 800°C, enabling the enamel to vitrify and ensuring its perfect adherence to the precious metal. Once cooled, the piece undergoes a precise stoning process using a diamond file. The medallion is then polished to obtain a gleaming finish, and set securely into the caseback. All these steps give the medallion depth of colour, brilliance and exceptional durability, making each Flagship Heritage watch a unique and precious piece.
