Longines have built a reputation for creating great sporty watches that are versatile, practical and stylish. Whether that be classy pilot’s watches like the Spirit collection, or robust divers like the HydroConquest. However, Longines produce more than one flavour of dive watch and it’s their vintage inspired Legend Diver collection that’s been updated for 2022 with five new watches.
The Legend Diver first made a splash in 2007 although its inspiration harks back much further to a Super Compressor watch that was originally made in 1959. Structurally, the 2022 editions are virtually identical to the existing models. 42mm or 36mm stainless steel cases with double screw down crowns and an internal rotating diving bezel. It’s the new colours, all of which are gradients, that are the talking point for these releases.
Longines Legend Diver Watch Ref. L3.774.4.30.2
There are two sandy brown versions, one each in the 42mm and 36mm sizes. An ashy grey exclusive to 42mm and a burgundy exclusive to 36mm. And then finally there’s a royal blue in 36mm which already existed in 42mm previously. The standout is the rich burgundy edition because it really compliments the vintage styling of the watch. The gradient darkens to the perfect point to keep the rectangular, lumed indexes and Arabic numerals very legible, as warranted by a dive watch.
Longines Legend Diver Watch ref. L3.374.4.40.2
Longines Legend Diver Watch ref. L3.774.4.70.2
Longines Legend Diver Watch ref. L3.774.4.30.2
Inside, the new colourways use the movements that have been an existing part of the collection. The 42mm variants use the L888 automatic calibre with 72-hour power reserve while the 36mms use the L592, which has an approximate 45-hour reserve. They also use silicon balance springs which increases their magnetic resistance and lowers friction.
Regardless of which size and colour you opt for, they’re all priced at £1,960. Not the most world changing release but a nice update to the Legend Diver collection. While the HydroConquest is hands down their most popular dive watch, the alternatives are worth a consideration.
Price & Specs:
Model: Longines Legend Diver Watch
Reference: L3.374.4.90.2 (royal blue dial), L3.374.4.30.2 (sand beige dial), L3.374.4.40.2 (bordeaux dial)
L3.774.4.30.2 (sandy beige dial), L3.774.4.70.2 (ash grey dial)
Case/Dial: 36mm diameter x 11.90mm height, stainless steel case with blue, beige or bordeaux dial or 42mm diameter x 12.70mm height, stainless steel case with beige or grey dial
Water resistance: 300m (30 bar)
Movement: 36mm versions – Calibre L592 (ETA A20.L11), automatic, 22 jewels
42mm versions – Calibre L888.5 (ETA A31.L11), automatic, 21 jewels
Frequency: 36mm versions – 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
42mm versions – 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 36mm versions – 45h
42mm versions – 72h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Strap: 36mm versions – Vivid burgundy or sand beige fabric strap or royal blue fabric look leather strap
42mm versions – Beige sand fabric strap or ash grey NATO fabric strap
Price/availability: £1,960
More details at Longines.
