Longines have one of the most diverse ranges of watches on the market ranging from popular dive watches like the HydroConquest to retro pilots in the vein of the Spirit Zulu and refined classics such as the Master Collection. In fact, Longines launched a series of Masters last year to celebrate their 190th anniversary. Now they’re expanding on the Master collection again in the form of a new Small Seconds model at 38.5mm.
In terms of style and design, the new watch clearly owes a lot to that 190th anniversary series. It has a very similar case with a sweeping, round shape and a smooth, polished bezel. The major difference is the size, with the new piece measuring just 38.5mm in diameter, making it feel much more refined and elegant.
That elegance is evident on the dial as well, which is available in two distinct colourways. The first is a vertically brushed salmon version with engraved anthracite numerals and black hands while the second is the reverse. Both look incredibly smart with the striking contrast between the grey and copper tones – particularly around the Breguet style numerals. Admittedly we have seen similar colours before but they are really nice, it’s worth getting excited about them again.
What makes the 2023 piece special is the addition of a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock with sunray brushed finishing. Small seconds functions have a lot of uses in watch displays, typically revolving around the fact that the central hand stack is being used for something else such as a chronograph. Here, the choice to include a subdial is entirely aesthetic. It simply looks more interesting and refined than a plain dial and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Between the lovely dial and classical case, you’d almost expect the Longines Master Small Seconds Salmon and Anthracite to have the price tag of a high end dress watch. But the fact that it’s steel and not white gold means it won’t break the bank at £2,250. It also has a really solid movement for the price, the L893 with 72-hour power reserve. All that remains is to pick a favourite and what can I say, I’m a sucker for salmon.
Price & Specs:
Model: Longines Master Collection Small Seconds
Ref: L2.843.4.93.2 (salmon), L2.843.4.63.2 (anthracite)
Case/dial: 38.5mm diameter x 10.20mm thickness, stainless steel case, salmon or anthracite dial
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Longines calibre L893, automatic
Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 64h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Strap: Alligator leather
Price/availability: £2,250
More details at Longines.
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