It’s not that long since Longines launched their retro-styled Longines Heritage 1968 watch, they are now following it up with a new model also recalling the brands past. Longines are no strangers to retro styled watches in particular pilot ones for which they are well known for. Charles Lindbergh was a friend of a company director and after his transatlantic flight Lindbergh helped design a pilot watch to help with air navigation. The model called the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch was built to his specifications and is still produced today and is also part of the Heritage collection.
Longines Heritage 1973
Longines has now introduced into its Heritage collection which also includes other vintage inspired pieces, the Longines Heritage 1973 which as you can imagine is based on an earlier model from that year. The attractive bi-compax dial being available in black or silvered versions has a cushion-shaped stainless steel case of 40 mm.
Longines Heritage 1973 – Movement
The Caliber 30CH, mechanical chronograph movement, was fitted to the original Longines Heritage 1973. This new creation features a chronograph movement with column wheel exclusively developed by ETA for Longines, also an automatic the Longines L688 caliber features a date function and a power reserve of 54 hours.
Longines Heritage 1973 – Dial
The dial aesthetic of this timepiece is true to the original model. Black or silver, the dial offers a nice interplay of contrasts: at 3 and 9 o’clock, there are two chronograph counters in black on silver or silver on black. Applique indexes are decorated with a slight black line and topped with a Superluminova dot. Between each is composed a minute circle of fine black lines to add balance overall. On the outside of the dial, a tachymeter scale in blue adds a hint of color while reinforcing the vintage look of this piece.
Longines Heritage 1973 – Dial
Longines Heritage 1973 – Case
With a diameter of 40 mm, neither too big nor too small, the steel case keeps the lines and textures of the original model. The shape of its case neither round or square combined with the play of contrasts on the dial gives it a distinctive and refined look.
However, unlike the original, the back is fitted with a sapphire crystal through which the wearer can admire the exclusive L688 chronograph movement with its blue column-wheel. The rounded push-pieces complete the look of this model and both the silvered dial and black dial models come mounted on a black alligator strap. It is water resistant to 30 meters.
Longines Heritage 1973 – Case
Longines Heritage 1973 – Conclusion and Pricing
Many brands have been inspired by the 50s and 60s but are now turning to the 70s also, a decade full of pieces of iconic design and an era full of great charm with a strong emotional and nostalgic resonance. In this spirit, the Longines Heritage 1973 based on a model produced by the brand in 1973 displays a vintage look that is true to the original model and is its worthy successor. It retails for $3,250.
Longines Heritage 1973
More resources about the Longines Heritage 1973 available on MonoChrome.
