A Review on the Re Edition of the Longines Diver.

Apr 14, 2009,13:28 PM
 


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.

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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

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All the ingredients are here to make a great watch.

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Here mine, with another Vintage one, but in a stunning condition, anc coming with an original black dial...

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Let's see some more pics of the Black Vintage Longines Diver, as the Re Edition comes with the black dial, too:

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And here with the original bracelet:

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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:

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So are the crowns, with their special gridwork motif:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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Isn 't it difficult to make the difference between the Vintage and the Modern???

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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!

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Here the 2 Vintage and the Re Edition side by side, for your greatest pleasure and greediness:

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Even the details on the case back are fully respected, with a nice Diver engraving.

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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.

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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

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Tears in my eyes ...

 
 By: bimbeano : April 14th, 2009-13:59
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 c...  

Bibeano, cool pics! [nt]

 
 By: DRMW : April 14th, 2009-14:07
No message body

Yeah ... and ...

 
 By: bimbeano : April 14th, 2009-14:09
... i have some extreme ones for the friday WS .... Nicolas will be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous .... LOLOLOL ... Filip

LOL!

 
 By: DRMW : April 14th, 2009-14:28

Poor men´s watch???, NO, hermano... Lucky men´s watch!

 
 By: E.J. : April 14th, 2009-15:20
Cool pics Bimbo!. Best emilio

Oh so true ..

 
 By: bimbeano : April 14th, 2009-15:37
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.

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:20
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... 

Only regret is

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : April 14th, 2009-14:38
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 bu... 

This Longines is indeed a real deal, Damian

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:30
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 le... 

Nice!...

 
 By: E.J. : April 14th, 2009-14:49
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 w... 

Not really sure that the Modern can beat the Vintage, even in this case, Emilio

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:36
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, Nic... 

You´re in true, mon ami...

 
 By: E.J. : April 14th, 2009-22:53
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 would make a great trio, Emilio

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:56
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

 
 By: Stopseconde : April 14th, 2009-19:47
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.

Hi, Bruno.

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:43
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 st... 

Love it!

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : April 14th, 2009-20:53
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 rep... 

Good choice and decision, Jed

 
 By: amanico : April 14th, 2009-22:47
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!

 
 By: dxboon : April 14th, 2009-22:48
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 o...  

i think its probably the best Longines for about 20 years or more

 
 By: G99 : April 15th, 2009-03:24
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... 

Why not getting both of them, Graham?

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-04:54
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, Gr... 

you are evil mon ami...

 
 By: G99 : April 15th, 2009-07:50
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. best Graham

you know i know your...

 
 By: G99 : April 15th, 2009-09:07
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. i've got 2 sides to my collection. the 64 theme and the unusual display th... 

I try to do my best, Sister.

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-04:50
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 i... 

There is a vintage version...

 
 By: dxboon : April 16th, 2009-00:44
...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 !

 
 By: Spiff : April 15th, 2009-03:32
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 bee...  

I see what you mean, Sebastien

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-05:16
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

I agree with you,

 
 By: Spiff : April 15th, 2009-05:48
this is a detail. It definitely didn't stop me from buying it. But it annoyed me. Even more because the hands on the picture on the Longines catalogue, the website and the press kit where identical to the one on old watch... So I was a little disapointed ...  

very nice watch, and as usual .. a GREAT review !

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : April 15th, 2009-08:48
Thanks Was this a LE or is it still in production ?

Thanks, Bruno

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-10:51
Neither of these 2 were made in LE... A watch for you, my friend, with its 42 mm diameter case... Best, Nicolas

yep

 
 By: Bruno.M1 : April 15th, 2009-11:38
I know , great watch, great size ... and for such a piece pretty cheap But my watchbudget is completely gone even for such a 'cheaper' piece

Thanks for this great review!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : April 15th, 2009-10:01
Nicolas, Thanks for bringing this great watch back to our attention. It certainly is one to look very closely at, and seriously consider to be part of any collection. I will have to call my AD.... See you soon, Alex

Do you imagine, Alex, the Duo it would be?

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-10:56
Let me " help " you a bit... Best, Hermano. Nicolas...  

Nicolas, i've seen a few...

 
 By: G99 : April 15th, 2009-11:31
Nicolas, i've seen a few other super compressor watches from obscure brands. i've been sending them to you by pm, but i think we had a pm'ing problem for a couple of weeks. there's a Camy seven seas 300m, a Bucherer to name but 2. they all have the EPSA l... 

There are so many, Graham

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-11:49
I found at least 15 Super Compressor Cases!!! I'm preparing a topic about another Compressor Case Watch... As for our PM problems, yes, we certainly have, as I don't systemically receive yours... Best, Nicolas

Nicolas, are you making it...

 
 By: G99 : April 16th, 2009-00:23
Nicolas, are you making it a personal crusade to buy them all or only the ones from the better brands? i've noticed that some can be had for pennies, but thats probably all the internals are worth. it interests me that the Longines legend original was 200... 

First of all, you are going to need a wider lens for you camera,

 
 By: AlexSunrise : April 15th, 2009-11:40
to be able to fit all those watches into one frame, and the rest of us are going to need a defibrilator to help us come back to life after the "shock" of seeing such a gathering of legendary watches! Gracias por la foto! Abrazo, Alejandro

Tengo que reactualizarla un poco, Alex

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-11:51
Tienes razon..I need a wider lense... Best, nicolas

Chocolate dial...:-)

 
 By: kbc.2222 : April 15th, 2009-15:35
U new edition was very attractive when have a photo with u collections... Congrats...Very nice watch... Best Chung

Thanks, Chung

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-20:50
This modern among the Vintage doesn't shock at all, I agree. Best, Nicolas

Thanks, FX. You're welcome.

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-13:19
Take care! Best, Nicolas

Fantastic post of a fantastic watch.....

 
 By: Miranda : April 15th, 2009-17:13
The new date version ( which I prefer to be honest, so much so I have ordered one, and have to wait at least 3 months for delivery), is available in steel and in a new pprecious metal version. The non date will also continue. Both versions are the most sp...  

I heard they will stop the production for some months, Imram

 
 By: amanico : April 15th, 2009-20:42
The production of this one, the one without date, to favorize the introduction of the model with the date. True? Absolutely agree, Imran: A watch which is 3 times less exepnisive than a Panerai Sub ( Pam 24 ), but which gives the same pleasure, to me. Bes... 

Bravo

 
 By: Moses. : April 15th, 2009-18:46
Great review and photos. Longines really seems to be coming back strong - my first nice watch was a Longines, so I have a real affection for them. Hopefully the powers-that-be will let them reach their full potential.

Agree, my friend. Thanks. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 16th, 2009-23:55
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Nice watch indeed !

 
 By: DrStrong : April 16th, 2009-12:40
and thanks a lot for this great review, the comparison with the vintage pieces is very informative. Cheers Jeff

Thanks, Jeff

 
 By: amanico : April 16th, 2009-23:57
I didn't find a better approach than comparing the Vintage and the modern together, to fully appreciate the modern... Best, my friend. Nicolas

Great watches, pics & review!

 
 By: Peter  : April 16th, 2009-17:51
Thks for sharing

Thanks, Peter! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 16th, 2009-23:57
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An awsome review Nicolas ...

 
 By: Nork : April 17th, 2009-04:34
Etienne....  

Thanks for your input and deligthful pics, Etienne.

 
 By: amanico : April 17th, 2009-12:28
I specially lve the last one, with the " Trieste " on the background. Best, my friend, and thanks for your nice words. Nicolas

A great Diver to remember ... ...

 
 By: kermit e froggy : April 17th, 2009-19:45
I enjoy your longines review and the pics are nicely taken. This is a very well made Longines Diver to remember ! Thank you

Thank you, Kermit

 
 By: amanico : April 19th, 2009-06:11
And welcome here, by the way! Looking forward to hear more from you, Best, Nicolas

Fantastic write-up Nicolas and I agree with you 100%

 
 By: nekok : April 21st, 2009-10:18
This watch is FANTASTIC value for money. Very nicely made and true to the original.

A watch to wear, to feel, to live with, Nicky

 
 By: amanico : April 21st, 2009-12:10
Well, there are quite a lot of epople here owning this Beauty, and I never heard something negative about it. A real bargain, and some past sensations to remember from a not so far era... Best, my friend. Nicolas