Steeped in watchmaking expertise since 1832, Longines embodies a legacy of tradition, elegance, and commitment to the sporting arena. Sponsoring prestigious global events, the brand’s history is a tapestry of technical and aesthetic innovation. Rooted in the founders’ vision to capture the spirit of the time while maintaining a timeless elegance, Longines stands at the intersection of cutting-edge craftsmanship and simplicity. The commitment to excellence resonates in collections like the Master Collection and Flagship, showcasing a heritage that seamlessly weaves together tradition and sophistication in the world of horology. Embrace our collection of both unworn and used pre-owned timepieces at MVS Watches.
At MVS Watches, we present a carefully curated selection of pre-owned Longines timepieces, each authenticated by our expert team. Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of the Heritage collection, the classic refinement of the Master Collection, or the modern precision of the Spirit line, our collection represents the finest examples of Longines watchmaking available on the secondary market.
Longines’ journey began in 1832 when Auguste Agassiz established a watchmaking business in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. This makes Longines one of the oldest registered watch brands in the world, with their winged hourglass logo being the oldest registered trademark still in active use in its original form.
The company truly found its footing under the leadership of Ernest Francillon, Agassiz’s nephew, who moved production to a factory setting in an area known as “Les Longines” (the long meadows), giving the company its enduring name. Under Francillon’s direction, Longines pioneered industrial manufacturing processes while maintaining exceptional quality standards, establishing a reputation that would define the brand for generations.
Key milestones in Longines’ remarkable history include:
Throughout its history, Longines has maintained a commitment to technical excellence and refined design that has secured its position as a respected name in Swiss watchmaking. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some Swiss manufacturers, Longines offers exceptional quality and historical significance, often at more accessible price points than many luxury competitors.
Introduced in 2005, the Master Collection has become Longines’ flagship line, embodying the brand’s commitment to classical watchmaking traditions with modern reliability. These timepieces feature elegant styling with a focus on subtle sophistication and technical excellence.
Most Master Collection watches feature transparent case backs that showcase the decorated automatic movements within. Available complications include chronographs, moon phases, annual calendars, and GMT functions, all presented with balanced dial designs that prioritise legibility and timeless aesthetics.
The collection’s signature elements include roman numeral hour markers, “barleycorn” guilloche dial patterns, and blued steel hands on many models. With case sizes typically ranging from 38.5mm to 42mm, these watches offer versatile proportions suitable for diverse wrist sizes and style preferences.
Longines’ rich archives provide the inspiration for their Heritage collection, which faithfully recreates significant historical models using modern manufacturing techniques. These watches capture the essence of different eras in watchmaking while incorporating contemporary reliability and convenience features.
Notable pieces in this collection include:
Each Heritage model maintains remarkable fidelity to its original inspiration while incorporating modern elements like sapphire crystals and updated movements. For collectors interested in vintage aesthetics without the maintenance concerns of truly vintage pieces, the Heritage collection offers an ideal solution.
Launched in 2020, the Spirit collection pays tribute to the pioneering aviators and explorers who relied on Longines timepieces during their historic achievements. These watches blend vintage-inspired design elements with thoroughly modern specifications and construction.
Distinguished by their five applied stars on the dial, a historical Longines symbol denoting chronometer-grade movements, Spirit watches feature contemporary case sizes (40-42mm), COSC-certified automatic movements, and silicon balance springs for enhanced accuracy and magnetic resistance.
The collection offers three-hand models with date, chronographs, and GMT complications, all featuring distinctive flared crowns, diamond-shaped indexes, and an emphasis on legibility that recalls the tool watches of the golden age of exploration.
Representing Longines’ entry into the modern sport watch category, the HydroConquest collection offers robust dive watches with 300m water resistance, unidirectional bezels, and screw-down crowns. These timepieces combine technical capability with versatile aesthetics suitable for both sporting activities and casual wear.
Available in various sizes (39mm to 43mm) and both quartz and automatic versions, HydroConquest watches feature ceramic bezel inserts on contemporary models, applied indexes with Super-LumiNova, and solid case construction that balances comfort with durability.
The collection has evolved to include chronograph models and special editions, establishing itself as Longines’ definitive sports watch offering and providing an accessible entry point for collectors interested in Swiss-made dive watches.
The Flagship name holds special significance in Longines’ history, having been first introduced in 1957. The modern Flagship collection maintains the principles of elegant simplicity that defined the original, with clean dials, applied indices, and refined proportions.
Distinguished by a relief carving of a flagship vessel on their casebacks, a direct reference to the original models, these watches embody dressy versatility with cases typically ranging from 38.5mm to 40mm in diameter.
The collection focuses on essential functionality, with most models offering time-only or time-and-date displays presented with exceptional clarity and restraint. This understated approach makes Flagship watches particularly suitable for formal occasions while maintaining versatility for regular wear.
Throughout its history, Longines has created numerous significant movements that have contributed to its technical reputation:
Longines has a rich history of movement manufacturing, with several notable calibres:
Since joining the Swatch Group, Longines utilises exclusive calibres based on ETA movements, often with modifications and enhanced finishing:
These movements combine reliability with attractive value propositions, allowing Longines to offer technically sound timepieces at accessible price points within the luxury segment.
Longines’ design language has evolved while maintaining connections to its heritage:
Throughout these eras, certain elements have remained consistent, including an emphasis on proportional harmony, legibility, and restrained elegance that avoids ostentation.
Longines has embraced modern manufacturing techniques and materials while maintaining traditional finishing methods:
The brand balances contemporary production efficiency with quality finishing that respects their heritage, resulting in watches that offer excellent value without compromising on essential luxury elements.
While Longines watches typically do not command the premium prices of brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, they offer several compelling attributes for collectors:
Vintage Longines timepieces, particularly those from the 1940s through the 1960s, are increasingly recognised for their historical importance and exceptional movement quality. Models featuring the 13ZN, 30L, and other significant in-house movements have appreciated considerably in recent years as collector knowledge has evolved.
Limited edition Heritage models have shown strong market stability, particularly when they faithfully recreate significant historical pieces or commemorate important anniversaries. These watches often sell out quickly at retail and maintain strong secondary market demand.
For vintage Longines, condition is particularly crucial to value. Well-preserved examples with original dials, hands, and movements, especially those with documentation, command significant premiums over restored pieces.
The relatively accessible price points of many Longines watches allow collectors to acquire pieces with genuine historical significance and technical merit at lower entry points than many luxury competitors. This accessibility creates opportunities for appreciation as collector knowledge increases.
When assessing pre-owned Longines watches, consider these key authentication points:
At MVS Watches, our authentication process examines all these elements and more, ensuring every Longines watch we offer is guaranteed authentic. Each listing includes detailed photographs documenting key authentication points, providing complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.
Longines occupies a distinctive position in the Swiss watch hierarchy, offering genuine heritage (founded in 1832) and technical excellence at more accessible price points than many luxury competitors. Often described as an “entry-luxury” brand within the Swatch Group portfolio, Longines sits above Tissot and below OMEGA in terms of positioning and pricing. What distinguishes Longines is their exceptional value proposition. Their timepieces feature quality movements, excellent finishing, and authentic historical significance, often at 30-50% lower prices than watches with similar specifications from more heavily marketed brands. For collectors who prioritise substantive quality and heritage over maximum brand prestige, Longines offers perhaps the best value in Swiss luxury watchmaking.
Select vintage Longines models have shown strong appreciation in recent years, particularly as collector knowledge has evolved regarding their historical significance and movement quality. Chronographs featuring the legendary 13ZN movement have seen especially notable value increases, as have clean examples of their elegant time-only watches from the 1950s and 1960s. As with any vintage watch investment, condition is paramount, original dial, hands, and case with minimal restoration typically command significant premiums. While vintage Longines may not match the investment performance of vintage Rolex or Patek Philippe, they often offer more accessible entry points with genuine potential for appreciation as collector education continues to develop around the brand’s historical importance.
The Longines winged hourglass logo holds the distinction of being the oldest registered trademark still in active use in its original form in the global register of trademarks, having been registered in 1889. The logo combines the winged hourglass symbol (representing the passage of time and transcendence) with the Longines name. Throughout the brand’s history, the logo has undergone only minor refinements while maintaining its essential design, creating a powerful visual continuity across nearly two centuries of watchmaking. The presence and style of the logo on a dial can help date a Longines watch, as subtle variations in its execution occurred during different production eras. Beyond its practical identifying function, the logo represents Longines’ remarkable longevity and consistent identity in an industry where many historical brands have disappeared or been fundamentally transformed.
Longines recommends servicing their mechanical watches every 4-5 years, though modern models with advanced lubricants may sometimes extend this interval slightly. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance, maintains water resistance, and prevents accelerated wear that can lead to more costly repairs. For vintage Longines pieces, particularly those with historical calibres like the 13ZN chronograph or 30L movements, we recommend working with specialists experienced with these specific movements. Improper servicing of these valuable historical calibres can significantly impact both performance and collector value. At MVS Watches, we can recommend qualified service providers for both modern and vintage Longines timepieces, ensuring your watch receives appropriate care that preserves both its functionality and value.
The Master Collection has become Longines’ flagship line due to several key attributes that resonate with watch enthusiasts. First, these watches embody classical design principles with balanced dials, elegant proportions, and traditional elements like guilloche patterns and roman numerals. Second, they offer impressive value, featuring decorated automatic movements (visible through exhibition casebacks) at price points significantly below many luxury competitors with similar specifications. Third, the collection spans a comprehensive range of complications, from simple date models to moonphases, annual calendars, and chronographs, allowing collectors to find sophisticated functions that suit their needs. Finally, their versatile sizing (typically 38.5-42mm) and refined styling make Master Collection watches appropriate for both formal and business casual settings. This combination of classical aesthetics, technical content, and everyday wearability has established the Master Collection as the definitive expression of modern Longines.
MVS Watches is the go-to destination for Longines watch enthusiasts and collectors of luxury timepieces. Whether you’re seeking a pre-owned Longines Master Collection, a sleek Spirit, or an elegant Heritage piece, our expert team are dedicated to helping you find the perfect piece, tailored to your needs.
With a wide selection of second-hand Longines watches, both used and unused, every timepiece is handpicked and assessed for quality. Explore the collection at MVS Watches here online or contact us to discuss what you are looking for. For those looking to sell or part exchange your Longines watch, MVS Watches offers a seamless process, providing competitive valuations within 48 hours.
Renowned for our reliability and expertise, MVS Watches ensures every client feels confident and supported throughout their purchase or sale. Whether it’s a luxury gift or an everyday watch, we will help you find the Longines that perfectly suits your style and needs. Discover our exceptional range of Longines watches online or contact us to learn more about how we can assist you.
Explore the world of pre-owned Longines watches and own a piece of Swiss horology. Whether you’re adding to your collection, searching for a meaningful gift, or investing in a rare timepiece, our curated selection has something extraordinary waiting for you.
Contact MVS Watches today to learn more about our pre-owned Longines watches, payment options, and free next-day delivery.
Call us at 07793 488492 or email info@mvswatches.com
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