Longines is best known amongst watch enthusiasts for the Heritage collection of vintage remakes. The brand’s other offerings don’t usually enjoy the same level of attention – though the recent Master 190th Anniversary is an exception – so Longines is now adding some vintage flavour into its other lines.

The brand’s latest is a mashup of its COSC-certified Record line and the Heritage collection. Unsurprisingly retro with a black gilt dial, the Record Heritage is the first chronograph in the Record collection, up to now comprised entirely of time-and-date chronometers.

Initial thoughts

Longines’ vintage-inspired chronographs are mostly appealing but Record Heritage still stands out because the brand hasn’t done too many with a black gilt dial. Looking both sporty and elegant, such dials are a favourite amongst collectors when it comes to vintage chronographs, and the look works just as well on a modern-day remake. That also means the Record Heritage is the most eye-catching watch in the Record collection, which was quite mundane until now.

And unlike some past remakes that were too chunky, the Record Heritage has modest dimensions that vintage watch enthusiasts will appreciate. The case has good proportions overall and is just 40 mm wide, thought it is slightly thick due to the movement inside. More importantly, the dial has no date window to detract from its vintage aesthetics.

Admittedly, the Record Heritage, like all Longines remakes, is neither original nor novel. But it does what it does well, namely provide a pleasing vintage aesthetic and a robust movement for not-so-much money.

At US$3,000 the Record Heritage is amongst the most affordable of Longines’ vintage-inspired chronographs, while having the bonus of COSC certification. Granted the certificate isn’t significant due to the constrained nature of COSC testing, but it certainly improves the value proposition relative to the competition.

High quality

Like many of Longines’ recent vintage remakes, the Record Heritage has good proportions on both the dial and case. The chronograph registers, for instance, are just the right size and sit just right, without cutting into any of the hour numerals.

Additionally, the design team’s eye for detail is evident in the hands. Both the elapsed seconds and minutes share the same style of hand with a counterweight, while the constant seconds at three o’clock has a simpler hand. This reflects the designers’ evident knowledge of classic chronograph design, where the indicators for elapsed time should be distinguished from those for time-telling.

Sporting a slightly domed bezel, the steel case is 40 mm by 13.8 mm. It’s finished with polished and brushed surfaces for some contrast. It is fairly tall for the diameter, which can be attributed to the automatic, modular movement inside.

The COSC-certified L895 is an ETA 2892 with a chronograph module on top. As is the norm for Swatch Group brands, the movement is higher-spec than the stock version. It’s boasts a silicon hairspring and a longer power reserve of 59 hours, while the stock ETA 2892 clocks in at just over 40.

Interestingly, the power reserve is even longer than earlier version of the L895 that only had a running time of 54 hours, an upgrade that’s also found in Longines’ time-only movements, which indicates an across-the-board upgrade of some sort implemented by ETA.

Key Facts and Price

Longines Record Heritage
Ref. L2.921.4.56.2

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 13.8 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: L895
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 59 hours

Strap: Calf leather or steel bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Longines boutiques and retailers
Price: US$3,000, or 4,610 Singapore dollars

For more, visit Longines.com.