Longines’s Heritage collection contains timepieces that recall past models, but improved with the benefits of modern technology. The Longines Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph follows the theme by utilising an up-to-date movement within a classically styled case.
The Calibre L788 movement within the watch was developed by ETA exclusively for Longines, and first unveiled in 2012. One highlight of the movement is its single crown-integrated pusher, which sequentially starts, stops, and resets the chronograph. Calibre L788 also uses a column wheel in lieu of the more common cam actuation in movements such as the Valjoux 7750. Although a column wheel is more complicated and costly to produce, the chronograph second hand’s movement begins precisely when activated, free of jerks or retrograde motions that is sometimes observed in cam actuated chronographs. In addition, a column wheel chronograph avoids the meshing of gears cam actuated ones require to start, thus avoiding excessive wear and tear on its parts.
In terms of design, the Longines Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph has a retro styling that recalls the chronographs produced by the brand in the early 1900s. Having a single pusher integrated into the fluted crown grants the case a clean outline, which is reinforced by the airy feel the white dial confers. The dial has a bi-compax layout that, coupled with the date window at six o’clock, presents a pleasing symmetry to an observer. Blued steel hands complete the package.
The finishing touches on the watch come in three variations that its owner can choose from. A reference each in steel (L2.775.4.23.3) and rose gold (L2.775.8.23.3) has fixed, curved lugs, and Arabic numerals on the dial with “12” in red. In contrast, the other reference in steel (L2.776.4.21.3) has a decidedly older design. It has a sharper case middle than its siblings, and articulating lugs that are rarely seen nowadays. Finally, its dial is printed with Roman numerals instead, although the “XII” at 12 o’clock is in red as well.
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