Longines Record Heritage Chronograph

Some watch critics say that too many modern watches are vintage-inspired. When they look as good as the new Longines Record Heritage Chronograph, who cares? It draws on 1940s horological style and the matte black and gold gilt dial is positively beautiful. It also happens to be the first chronograph in the Longines Record lineup. The case measures 40mm in diameter by 13.8mm in thickness, so it should fit most wrist sizes. The dial sports both Arabic numerals and thin dart markers, and those long elegant hands are just about perfect. There’s also a gold tachymeter scale and symmetric bicompax subdials to round out the look perfectly. The movement is a COSC-certified chronometer-grade mechanical automatic based on the Swiss ETA 2892 that’s been upgraded by Longines with a 59-hour power reserve, an antimagnetic silicon balance spring, a signed rotor, and fine decorative surfaces. While it’s not an exact reproduction of the iconic Longines Ref. 4974, it is a perfect reinterpretation for modern times.