For the 65th of its trademark vintage dive watch of the 1960s, Longines is giving the modern remake a set of new colours.

The new Legend Diver is essentially extensions of last year’s release, retaining the double-crown case in the smaller 39 mm size and gaining new dial colours in green, terracotta, or anthracite grey. The model is equipped with a “grains-of-rice” stainless steel bracelet with a micro-adjustment feature.

Initial thoughts

While many brands, namely Rolex and Blancpain, have established a familiar template for the dive watch, Longines has its a distinct design with the Legend Diver that has its characteristic Super Compressor case with two crowns and internal bezel. The design isn’t unique to Longines but the brand has arguably been most successful with it in the modern day

And compared to other Super Compressor-style divers in this price range, the Legend Diver has the advantage of a higher-spec movement in the form of the COSC-certified L888.6 with 72 hours of power reserve.

This makes the Legend Diver an appealing and affordable watch that’s priced at US$3,400.

Lacquered colours

The highlight of the release are the lacquered dial in green, terracotta and anthracite grey. The colour extends to the rotating bi-directional bezel designed for measuring dive time. The bezel can be rotated utilising the screw-in crown at two o’clock.

The dial layout is symmetrical with no date, and features elongated indices and raised Arabic numerals coated with SuperLumiNova. The rhodium-plated hands and the seconds hand are in the shape of an arrow and are likewise filled with SuperLumiNova, enhancing legibility in dark environments.

Sporting alternating mirror-polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the case is 39 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm in thickness. The is the mid-sized version, while the largest is 42 mm.

Water resistant to 300 m, the timepiece is available on a “grain-of-rice” bracelet with a micro-adjustment feature. The stainless steel closed back features relief emblem of a skindiver just like the vintage original.

Inside the case is the L888.6. The self-winding movement is COSC-certified, boasting an impressive accuracy, and is resistant to magnetism with silicon balance-spring. Offering a power reserve of 72 hours, the calibre beats at 25,200 beats per hour.

Key facts and price

Longines Legend Diver
Ref. L3.764.4.06.6 (green)
Ref. L3.764.4.96.6 (terracotta)
Ref. L3.764.4.99.6 (anthracite grey)

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 12.7 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: Cal. L888.6
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and bi-directional rotating bezel
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Matching stainless steel “grain-of-rice” bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Longines boutiques and retailers
Price: US$3,400

For more, visit longines.com