Longines  Flagship  Watches

Longines Flagship Watches: Classic and Timeless

The Longines Flagship is among the 7 lines under the Longines Elegance Collection. Since 1957, the Flagship has been offering classic and timeless watches that have been redesigned to fit the taste of the modern market. However, there are also more retro-looking watches in the collection, such as the Flagship Heritage, which is still reminiscent of the older models of Longines. For a vintage timepiece, the Longines Flagship chronograph watches that were released between the 1990s to early 2000 are worth checking out as well. If you are more into embellished wristwatches, the collection also offers pieces decorated with diamonds. The timepieces will complement any wrist with its wide range of sizes, measuring 26mm to 39mm. Add to that the variety of materials used, including gold, pink gold, stainless steel. 

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Longines Flagship Watches

How much does a Longines Flagship watch cost? 

Prices for the Longines Flagship Three-Hand Automatic Watches

The three-hand automatic timepieces in the Longines Flagship collection are its classic models. Each watch has a date display window located at 3 o’clock, but there are also a few that include a day display feature. They have a water resistance of 3 bars or 30 meters but vary in power reserve, ranging from 38 hours to 72 hours. 

The Longines Flagship Ref. L4.984.4.52.2 is a beautiful stainless steel watch that has a black dial that matches with its black alligator leather strap. The wheel of its date display has a contrasting color of white while the hands and indexes are silver polished. The 40mm watch has a power reserve of 72 hours and is priced at approximately $1,695 USD. For another stainless steel watch but with a sunray blue dial and a stainless steel strap, you can check out the 38.5mm Longines Flagship Ref. L4.974.4.92.6 watch, which costs around $1,580 USD.

As for the ladies who love diamonds, you will adore the Longines Flagship Ref. L4.374.3.99.7. It boasts 13 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamonds on its dial, totaling 0.034 carats, featuring two diamonds for the 12 o’clock mark. Not only that, it also has pink hands that look delicate against the white matte dial enclosed in a stainless steel case with red PVD coating. On the other hand, the strap has a gorgeous two-tone color, which is made with the same materials as the case. Priced at $1,960 USD, this one comes in a dainty 30mm case and has a 45 hour power reserve. For a more lavish design, check out the Longines Flagship Ref. L4.274.0.87.6. This Longines ladies’ watch has 34 Top Wesselton IF-VVS diamonds (0.286 carats) and a dial with 12 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamonds (0.034 carats). Just be sure to prepare at least $3,465 USD for this watch. 

Prices for the Longines Flagship Heritage Models

The Longines Flagship Heritage truly embodies a classic dress watch — timeless, elegant, and simple. In fact, this line pays tribute to the earliest models of Longines. The Longines Flagship Heritage Ref. L4.795.4.78.2, with a case size of 38.5mm and a thickness of around 10mm, makes for a perfect dress watch due to its sleek silhouette. It has a muted silver to almost cream colored dial that leans towards the warm side, which gracefully complements with the brown alligator strap. On the dial, there is a date display window located at 6 o’clock and above it the small seconds subdial. In addition, the gilt hands, with a Swiss Super-LumiNova®, match with gilt indexes. It has 50 hours of power reserve and has the famous blue and gold enamel medallion at the back showing a caravel ship and a cursive “Flagship” writing. This stainless steel Longines watch is priced at $1,680 USD. 

Prices for the Longines Flagship Moonphase Series

Although not as reserved as the rest of the Flagship timepieces, the Longines Flagship Heritage Ref. L4.792.8.77.2 still falls under the Elegance Collection. It has a lovely 18K pink gold case that matches with its hands and indices. The white dial features a moonphase and chronograph elements in equally shaped subdials. Going through these subdials we have a moonphase display at 6 o’clock, a 24 hour and seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, and a day, date, and month subdial at 12 o’clock. To avoid looking cluttered, only the Longines logo and Flagship writing are at 3 o’clock on the dial. To top it off is a simple black leather strap to tame down the look of the timepiece. It has a 46 hour power reserve and can be bought second hand at around $6,995 USD.

Prices for the Longines Flagship Chronographs

If you want a chronograph watch sans the moonphase feature, go for the classic Longines Flagship Chronograph Ref. L4.756.8.72.2. Just like the previous watch, it also has a pink gold case, hands, and indices, a white dial, and a black leather strap. The difference is that its small seconds subdial is at 3 o’clock, the date display window is located at its 6 o’clock mark, and the 30 minute subdial is at 9 o’clock. In addition, it has a 42 hour reserve and has a size of 38 mm. A second-hand model is priced at $6,320 USD to $6,775 USD, depending on its condition.

If you want an all steel timepiece, the Longines Flagship Ref. L4.803.4.72.6 is the one to check out. It has a stainless steel case and bracelet that blend perfectly with the silver dial for a monochromatic look. The date display window is located between 4 and 5 o’clock, while the subdials for the 60 second, 30 minute, and 12 hour counters are located at 9, 3, and 6 o’clock, respectively. It has a 54-hour power reserve and measures 39mm in diameter. You can get a second-hand version of this watch for around $1,375 USD to $2,600 USD, depending on its condition.

Latest Longines Flagship Watch — Released in 2020

In 2020, Longines added a new model to its Flagship Heritage line, the Longines Flagship Heritage Ref. L4.795.4.58.0. It is inspired by the watches in the ‘50s and ‘60s that is why it has a retro feel to its design. The elegant 38.5mm watch is reminiscent of another Flagship Heritage model released in 2017, just made with a different color, design details and materials. Housed in a stainless steel case is a beautiful glossy black dial that looks chic with the pink gold hands and indices. There is a Swiss Super-LumiNova® on the hands and the indices are slim with 12, 3, 6, and 9 being longer than the rest. At its 6 o’clock mark, there is a date display window in a matching black background with cream colored numerals and right above it is a small seconds subdial. 

The back of this watch is just as beautiful as the front. It has a blue and gold enamel medallion featuring the well-known caravel ship and a cursive “Flagship” writing. This particular watch is priced at $1,675. Though it is still pricey, it is considered an entry-level price for a luxury dress watch from an established luxury brand like Longines.

History Behind the Longines Flagship Collection

Longines has been in the watchmaking industry for centuries. It was founded in 1832 by Swiss watchmaker Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Fast forward to 1957, post war, the company released a new collection called the Longines Flagship, which falls under the Elegance Collection. The watches featured an engraved caravel on their caseback and a timeless design. They were made to look reserved and sophisticated, just like the earlier models of the brand. As time went by, they incorporated modern touches to the collection. Examples of this would be blue colored dials and straps, diamond encrusted dials, and even diamond indices. Since the time the Flagship was released until today, it has remained consistent to its refined and luxurious look and feel.

Kate Winslet: Longines’ Most Famous Ambassador

Kate Winslet, known for her movies such the Titanic, The Dressmaker, and The Reader, among others, is not only an award-winning actress but she is also the Ambassador of Elegance of Longines. In 2016, she had the chance to visit the company’s factory and headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. There, she was asked to choose a watch for the Golden Hat Foundation, a non-profit organization for autsitic individuals, which the actress co-founded. Five timepieces were made with the first one to be displayed at the Longines Museum, three to be auctioned for the foundation, and the last one to be owned by Kate Winslet herself. This is to celebrate Longines Flagship’s 60th anniversary.

Kate chose a simple yet refined design. It has no date nor diamonds, just a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. The 35mm watch has an 18K gold case, silvered dial, and a cream colored strap. Add to that the engraving of a 16th century flagship at the back along with a watch number, a “1957” and “2017” marking, and a cursive “by Kate Winslet'' writing. The starting price of each watch is about $25,000 USD. 

5 Reasons to Buy a Longines Flagship Watch

Purchasing a dress watch from a prominent brand in the watchmaking industry requires a lot of thought. Here are the reasons why you should get a Longines Flagship watch:

1. Elegant and timeless dress watches

2. Vintage timepieces that still looks chic and some even has a more modern twist

3. Wide range of sizes

4. Diamond-embellished timepieces

5. Beautiful dials with equally good-looking casebacks

Less is More with the Longines Flagship

The uncomplicated yet stunning and sophisticated designs of the Longines Flagship are truly the epitome of dress watches. With its styles and functions, you can never go wrong with a timeless watch from the Flagship collection.