Back in 2019, Longines introduced the Heritage Classic, a remake of a 1934 watch with a “sector” dial. Combining a popular, retro style with an affordable price tag – we gave it a thumb-up in our review – the original Heritage Classic was a success. Now Longines has given the Heritage Classic a black dial, while keeping the rest of the formula the same.

Initial thoughts

Longines can’t be accused of being imaginative, but that’s perfectly fine as the brand’s forte, at least for watch enthusiasts, is its vintage remakes. In fact, the new Heritage Classic comes just months after the Avigation Bigeye in a new colourway was unveiled.

Aside from the dial, the new Heritage Classic is identical to the 2019 model in every regard, so it has the same appeal as its predecessor, though I prefer the black dial over the silver.

The 2019 Heritage Classic

There’s an austerity to the dark dial that better fits the “sector” dial, which is occasionally known as a “scientific” dial. I already liked the clean and minimalist look before, and now its lines seem sharper in black. However, the black dial forgoes the heat-blued hands of the silver dial, which is a shame, but a necessity given the need for contrasting hands.

Priced at US$2,150 on a leather strap and slightly more on a beads-of-rice bracelet, the new Heritage Classic also has the same price – a good thing since that the 2019 original was one of the best value propositions of the year.

The new Heritage Classic on a bracelet

Black sector

The “sector” dial has been retained, as have the wearable, 38.5 mm case. And the watch also remains powered by the L893 movement, which is equipped with a silicon hairspring.

Divided neatly into sectors of five minutes and quarters, the “sector” dial was originally conceived to aid time-telling and popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The black and silver dial of the new Heritage Classic is eminently legible, looking both functional and refined.

Like the silver version, the black dial is actually two tone. The chapter ring for the hours is concentrically brushed and a shade lighter in colour, while the central portion and outermost ring are matte black.

The sub-seconds is finished with a concentric guilloche pattern

Although the earlier Heritage Classic was only available on a leather strap, as are most other Longines remakes, the new version can be had with a retro, beads-of-rice bracelet.

The bracelet complements the vintage look well, and should be the obvious choice over the leather strap, especially since it’s only US$200 extra.

Under the solid case back beats the L893, essentially a rebadged ETA A31.L91, which is in turn an upgraded version of the ETA 2892. The movement boasts three days of power reserve (made possible in part by lowering its frequency slightly) and a silicon hairspring.

And the Heritage Classic has a five-year warranty, as opposed to the standard two – a bonus that accompanies all Longines watches featuring a silicon balance spring.

Key facts and price

Longines Heritage Classic
Ref. L2.828.4.53.2 (leather)
Ref. L2.828.4.53.6 (bracelet)

Case diameter: 38.5mm
Height: 10mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: L893
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Leather or beads-of-rice bracelet

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques from July
Price: US$2,150 (leather); US$2,350 (bracelet)

For more, visit Longines.com.