Hands-On with the Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph watch
When it comes to re-editions or vintage-inspired watches, we’ve seen quite a few over the years. Some are truly awesome and well-executed where others are nowhere close to being as good as the pack shots want to make you believe. The Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph is one of those watches you would rush to hold when presented with it in real life.
Although I gravitate toward a certain type of watches when it comes to my personal collection (more rugged, sporty styles), that doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally lust after something different. However, it must be said that experience has shown me these outliers rarely get the wrist time they deserve. That’s why getting the chance to wear this Heritage Chronograph that I most definitely wouldn’t have considered adding to my stable without seeing it on the wrist, was a real treat.
Longines Heritage Classic Chrono
If you fancy vintage watches and want one to wear as a daily beater, Longines sure has an appealing range. Whether you like a diver, dress watch, or a military-inspired watch, you will likely find something to suit your taste. This Longines Heritage Classic Chrono is no exception. With its 40mm case, it perfectly matches my preferred case diameter. And although the watch is somewhat thicker than expected, due to the design and construction of the case it looks smaller to the eye. That is mostly due to the shape of the polished case and the separate (and brushed) bezel construction you don’t notice the thickness of 13.6mm much.
On the gorgeous silver dial, you’ll find a lot of information that isn’t too much in your face due to the modest color scheme. On the outside, there is a tachymeter scale in blue that matches the chronograph hands. Moving inward there is a black ring that has a minute track on the outside and marks the hour numbers. Both sub-dials are slightly recessed and surrounded by a polished edge. And as you might expect from a proper vintage-inspired watch, it comes without text clutter. With only the Longines brand name and the small swiss made on the dial, the watch stays true to its predecessor.
Technical
When we turn the watch around and have a look at its backside, you’ll notice the stainless steel case back. That means there is no visual at the automatic caliber L895 which powers the Longines Heritage Classic Chrono. This caliber is based on the ETA 31.L01 and beats at 28,800 vibrations an hour. Fully wound, this watch will run for about 54 hours if you leave it off the wrist.
Personally I hardly look at power reserve on watches as I wear a watch for some time before switching it for another. But an often-heard thing is that people leave their watch over the weekend for something else. In that specific case, the Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph will still be running on Monday morning.
At 3 o’clock you’ll find the going seconds sub-dial. Stout, rectangular pushes on either side of the crown operate the chronograph. This chronograph can time up to thirty minutes on the 9 o’clock sub-dial.
The stainless steel case provides 30 meters of water resistance. So it will keep your watch safe in moist conditions but you should not shower with it or go swimming. The black leather strap is very smooth and has this typical double stitching near the lugs. The orange/brown lining gives it a nice contrast and smooth feel on the wrist. Should you want to change the strap for something more personal, the size to look for is 19mm.
Final thought
This watch stands out in a crowd. Due to the design and colors employed, the rather busy dial doesn’t come across as too busy at all. To my eye, this is a really smart, successful design. Longines has succeeded in creating a great looking heritage watch. Updating it to current times in the best way possible with a combination of well-chosen colors and different finishes.
