Longines launches two new limited-edition Master Collection watches
The two models come with new features and are limited to just 500 pieces each
The Swiss watch brand has just issued two limited edition watches in its Master Collection, one in yellow gold and one in rose gold. The two models come with an exclusive Longines GMT movement which is visible through a transparent case back. Powered by the Longines L.844.5 calibre, they are equipped with a GMT function with a silicon balance spring, the calibre offering a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard.
The self-winding mechanical movement is visible through the transparent sapphire case back of the 40 mm-diameter case and comes with a power reserve of up to 72 hours. There is a frosted silver dial which displays a 24-hour scale in Arabic numerals on the rim, reversed at 3 o’clock and 9 o'clock, created to make it easier to read the second time zone. A railroad minute track separates the Arabic numerals from the Roman numerals of the eleven applied gold hour markers.
The date sits at 6 o'clock while the hours, minutes and second hands are in gold. The GMT (or Greenwich Mean Time) hand meanwhile is in black to coordinate with the 24‐hour scale numerals and to be easily distinguished from the second time zone. Each piece comes with a soft anthracite-grey leather strap, finished using a special “soft-touch” vegetable tanning process and fitted with a tongue buckle in yellow gold or rose gold.
Established in Saint-Imier in 1832, Longines has long been associated with sport and aviation. The GMT function, meaning it is a multiple-timezone watch, is a hallmark of the brand. It originated when the first Longines dual time-zone wristwatch was manufactured in 1925, which featured the Zulu flag on its dial – Zulu referring to the letter Z which designates universal time for aviators and members of the armed forces. The development of other GMT models, particularly for aeronautical purposes, has remained key to Longines' pioneering role in this field, with the company having registered a patent for the invention of this watchmaking complication as early as 1936.
The new Master Collection GMT retails for €16,950 and is available from longines.com
