Hands-On With The Faithful Longines Legend Diver 59
Longines introduces a new Legend Diver model inspired by the original 1959 Diver ref. 7042. The Legend Diver 59 is not the first tribute to the brand’s original dive watch with a Super Compressor case, but it might be the most faithful to date. Let’s take a closer look.
The original 1959 Longines Diver ref. 7042
Longines Legend Divers since 2007
I vividly remember the introduction of the Legend Diver in 2007. Though also inspired by the Longines Diver from the 1950s, it was not as technically advanced as today’s Legend Diver 59 and lacked the same level of detail. It was available in two versions, one with a date window and one without. At some point around 2011/2012, Longines discontinued the model without a date window, and collectors subsequently began searching for it. More recently, in 2023, the brand introduced a 39mm Legend Diver variation with lacquered dials in black and blue (I wrote a review here). The smaller diameter also resulted in a 47mm lug-to-lug, marking a 3mm reduction. According to our readers, this was a very welcome new version of the Longines Legend Diver.
Longines Legend Diver 59
Today’s Longines release is slightly different again. It features a larger diameter, corresponding to the original reference 7042, and a dial with vintage-inspired elements. Longines also ditched the seven-row beads-of-rice bracelet from the 2023 version and paired it with a Milanese mesh bracelet instead.
The brand has clearly put significant effort into designing the dial of its new Legend Diver 59 ref. L3.795.4.59.9. The black dial showcases a finely grained texture that imparts a vintage feel and adds depth. This design choice offers a refreshing alternative to the previous lacquered dial, especially for a homage watch. Then, there are the Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. These are quite thick and have been painted with Super-LumiNova. You will also find several lumed indexes in Old Radium Super-LumiNova, including the triangle on the internal diving bezel. On this flange, you will also find the 15, 30, and 45 numerals using a beautiful typography. The dial design and printing are very faithful to the original 1959 Diver ref. 7042, but small differences, such as typography, are noticeable.
Also, the seconds hand differs from the original needle shape. It now features a small, triangle-framed lume plot at the tip for better readability. All hands have a satin finish that pairs nicely with the color of the indexes and numerals.
An antimagnetic certified chronometer
On the rear, we find a solid steel case back featuring a medallion depicting a diver with a harpoon in the center and several engraved specifications on the perimeter. Hidden behind the case back lies the Longines caliber L888.6. This proprietary ETA-manufactured movement is the same one that powered the 39mm Legend Diver from 2023. It ticks at 25,200 vph and offers a 72-hour power reserve. Longines also chose to have the watch certified as a chronometer by COSC after casing this movement. In addition, Longines states that the Legend Diver 59 can withstand magnetic fields up to 10 times the level defined by the ISO 742 standard. This would equal approximately 600 gauss.
ISO 6542 certified
As it’s a diver’s watch, Longines complies with the ISO 6542 standard. Many watches use this standard as a guideline, but being certified to it is different. During testing, manufacturers must perform an immersion test at 25% above the stated water resistance and ensure that the watch resists shocks, magnetic fields, condensation, corrosion, and temperature variations. Additionally, there must be a secure dive-time indicator (such as a bezel) and good readability in the dark, using luminous hands and hour markers. The Longines Legend Diver 59 is certified to ISO 6542, offering water resistance to 300 meters (30 bar), so you can use this watch on your diving trips with confidence.
In short, Longines ensured you get a lot of useful specifications with this Legend Diver 59. Even though the 2023 Legend Diver seemed to hit the sweet spot with its 39mm size, this model is truer to the original 1959 version. On top of that, I imagine you’d want a somewhat large dial (and, thus, case) when actually using it in the water. That’s probably why the original had a 42mm case in the first place.
Milanese bracelet
The Longines Legend Diver 59 comes equipped with a 22/18mm Milanese bracelet with a 20mm-wide folding clasp. There’s a small micro-adjustment system inside this clasp, allowing for a 5mm extension. The clasp has two release buttons to unlock. Furthermore, you will receive an additional 22/19mm Tropic-style rubber strap with a Longines-signed pin buckle.
On the wrist
On my 18cm (7.1″) wrist, this 42mm Longines Legend Diver 59 works perfectly. The 50.1mm lug-to-lug distance is also about as much as my wrist can handle. So it’s fine for me, but I can imagine that it would hover slightly above wrists smaller than mine. The question is: do you want to stay true to the original when paying homage or create a tribute that can be worn by a large group? Longines went the former route this time and focused on aligning many details with the 1959 Diver ref. 7042.
In all honesty, to me, this is the nicest Longines Legend Diver variation thus far. Although the 39mm version ticked many boxes, this 42mm model has a dial that speaks to me much more. The black grain structure adds nice depth, and I love the use of color on the print and the hands. Those who love vintage watches, or at least their looks, might prefer this dial to the 2023 editions with lacquered dials.
Some afterthoughts
I found the large crowns are easy to operate. The one near 2 o’clock can be unscrewed and then used to rotate and set the diving bezel. The other screw-down crown is used to wind the movement and set the time.
The Longines Milanese mesh bracelet is very comfortable to wear, and there are no sharp edges that could rip your cuffs. The clasp feels very solid, and the micro-adjustment is a must-have for many. While there’s no quick-release system on the bracelet (or strap), the watch will come with a tool to make changing it easy. If you feel confident enough, that is.
The retail price of the Longines Legend Diver 59 ref. L3.795.4.59.9 is €4,400. For more information, visit the official Longines website.
What do you think of this new Legend Diver 59 that pays tribute to the first Longines Diver? Let us know in the comments.
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