The Longines Flagship Heritage adds three new sunburst dials for 2024
Zach Blass- The Longines Flagship Heritage 2024 collection brings green, anthracite, and havana beige dials into the mix.
- 38.5mm stainless steel cases are each outfitted with the signature 18k gold medallion hand-painted with enamel on the caseback.
- All three variations are priced at US$3,050.
If I had to name the first two qualities that come to mind when I think about Longines, it would be that it’s a strong force in the heritage revival space, and a brand that is value-driven. But as of late, most of the focus for consumers, at least within our watch geek niche, has been placed on the sportier side of Longines’ catalogue. It’s important to remember that Longines also has interesting dress watches to offer. Ironically, I just wrote up a buying guide for the best brown dial watches – which did include a Longines on the list. Today, we not only have a new Havana Beige brown for the Longines Flagship Heritage that would have easily been a contender for the guide, but also new green and anthracite dials.
Green and anthracite, understandably, seem to be two favoured colours by Longines, which not long ago introduced the same two hues, albeit in glossy lacquer, to its Legend Diver 39mm range. Befitting a dress watch like the Flagship Heritage, Longines has opted to introduce a green and anthracite dial with a more traditional sunburst finish. This dial finish also extends to the Havana beige configuration, which of the trio feels the most novel and distinguished. That being said, I suspect the green and anthracite may have more mainstream appeal, and at least in the render, Longines appears to have nailed a rich green colour that is quite striking. Anthracite, while more subdued, is given an added pop being the sole model with rose gold-plated hands and indices. While aesthetically additive, it also heightens legibility, providing more contrast than white metal hands would.
At 6 o’clock on each dial, you’ll find a moonphase complication tucked within a calendar sub-dial, indicating the current date with its small hand. Moving outward, the 30-metre water-resistant steel case, for all three configurations, measures 38.5mm in diameter, 12.4mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug – catering to what many would consider modern sweet spot dimensions.
This is ultimately a dial refresh and colour expansion for the line. In the same manner, the dimensions of the case have not changed. Inside remains the Longines-exclusive automatic calibre L899.5 (based on the ETA A31/2892A2) with a weekend-proof, 72-hour power reserve, and a silicon balance spring that helps the movement better resist magnetism (within the ISO 764 standard). Some may lament the fact you cannot see the calibre exhibited, but once you are aware of the lesser-known Easter egg of the collection’s caseback, I think you’ll agree that Longines is offering something better. This signature relates to the 18k gold medallion set into the caseback, hand-painted with blue enamel. The combination of gold and enamel results in the depiction of a caravel, a small Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship that dates back to the 15th century. For a watch of this price to incorporate something precious and handcrafted, in my opinion, beats a view of an industrially finished movement.
As someone with a 6.5-inch-or-so wrist, and someone who likes vintage-inspired sizing, I think it would be killer for Longines to introduce a version of this watch that shaves 2mm off of each measurement. However, I’m not disagreeable to the present dimensions – especially for US$3,050. Furthermore, with its level of complication and spec and considering its handsome dial options, I think there’s a lot to like about the three new Longines Flagship Heritage models and the collection as a whole. If you’re in the market for one of the best moonphase watches for the dollar, I have no qualms with nominating the Longines Flagship Heritage for your consideration.
Longines Flagship Heritage 2024 collection pricing and availability
The Longines Flagship Heritage Green, Anthracite, and Havana Beige are all available now for purchase. Price: US$3,050
| Brand | Longines |
| Model | Flagship Heritage |
| Reference | L4.815.4.62.2 (Havana Beige) L4.815.4.52.2 (Anthracite) L4.815.4.02.2 (Green) |
| Case Dimensions | 38.5mm (D) x 12.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front |
| Dial | Green, anthracite, or havana beige, sunray-finished |
| Lug Width | 19mm |
| Strap | Dial-matching leather strap, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | L899.5, ETA A31-based, automatic, silicon balance spring |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, moonphase |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$3,050 |