Horological Meandering

Hi All,

Has anyone seen or handled the Longines Heritage 1973 chronograph yet - I believe they might have now started hitting the shops?

This one caught my eye as possibly another attractive Longines tribute to a historic model, albeit that the additional third counter and date window are not true to the original.

It still seems to be very well done and from all accounts the column wheel chronograph movement made for Longines by ETA is'nt a bad movement either?

Would be interested to hear of any hands on experiences.

Many thanks,

Vernon.

Where to start?

Let's say, to make it simple, that if you are a Longines Lover, this Watch is not for you.

For a simple reason: When you know the glorious Longines History / Past, you cannot be happy to see such a movement in such a Watch.

Compared to a 13 ZN or a 30 CH, the ETA is far from having the same appeal.

But this new Longines Chronograph hits the good marketting targets of nowadays: Automatic + Date, which will please to 90 % of the horological planet, which only swear by the date and an automatic movement.

And yes, you will have to pay two or three more to get a 30 CH, an original one, I mean.

You got it, the answer dépends on you. In what category do you belong?

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

. . . here's the original . . .

. . . courtesy Marv. 

I agree - this is a delicious watch.

No message body

Hi Nicolas,

I think you're right - the best part of the classic Longines chronos is the movements. I've been on the look out for a really nice 30CH (thanks to Ubik for his advice) and I even know that I want the 7413 model from the late 1960's. For me a Longines chrono is for sure all about the movement and thats why when it comes to the chronos vintage must be best. Whilst the Heritage edition is clearly a nice watch and very attractive in it's own right, it's maybe too far removed from the spirit of the original.

By way of contrast, the Longines Legend Diver seems to be much closer to the spirit of the original. Not only are the design and aesthetics beautifully re-created but, as far as I know (and I stand to be corrected), some original versions of this watch had a movement based on an A. Schild movement and so the use in the LLD of an ETA based movement is much more appropriate for this model. I can't really add to what has already been written about the quality and value of this watch.

Att the last GTG I attended in London in December last year, there was a clear vintage end of the table and a clear modern end of the table. I was at the vintage end - shows where my heart lies! Somehow I could see an LLD being comfortable at either end of the table, but the 1973 would have to stay at the modern end!! That probaly sums it up for me!

Thanks for your thoughts - it's interesting, and prompts thought.

Best wishes,

Vernon.

 

In fact, there were two re editions: One without Date, which is THE faithful re edition, and one with a date, for those who only swear by the date.

The No Date is a superb and great Watch, a bargain for what it is, I must say.

And I am not disturbed at all to see a " common " ETA automatic movement housed in it.

When it comes to Chronographs, things are much tougher to discuss. I very wel know the one you are speaking about, which was, indeed, and AFAIK, the last 30 CH ever produced.

The " Tribute " is a pale copy, in my opinion. The date kills the dial, and the movement is a crime against the original.

But it is just my opinion, and some who don't care about movements will certainly appreciate it. Especially the Date Fans.

Best,

Nicolas

your comments!

It just goes to show that on certain issue we think alike

Cheers

Francois from Down Under

No message body

Longines, along with many other manufacturers that I follow (Zenith, Omega, JLC) is tapping their glorious past with very nice re editions.

The presence of date is an annoyance to some but a vast majority of buyers wants date on their watches.

In respect to ETA, they mass produce a large number of industrial movements but they are VERY reliable and AMAZING accurate.

Let's not forget that it was ETA, not Omega, that acquired the Co Axial from Daniels, potentially the most important innovation on the last 25-50 years.

I like vintage watches (Disclaimer - I have a few) but I'm not extremist and I believe that this Longines chronograph is a very nice day-to-day watch. Add to that that I love this case shape.

Cheers,

Nilo

"Heritage", on the one hand some brands do produce "Heritage" which have a very close relation both aesthetically and from a feeling point of view. On the other hand some brands produce "Heritage" watches with very little or no resemblance with their original ancestors. This Longines, in my opinion fits in the second category, besides the shape of the case, which is about the only part linking this "Heritage" to the original, everything else is different, 3 sub-dials, a date and an ETA movement!? I'd rather spend more, probably much more for an original Longine 1973 with a 30 CH movement or else I wouldn't go for a "Heritage" at all but just a "normal" Longines.

Just my opinion.

Cheers

Francois from Down Under 

'Heritage' seems to be stretched a bit sometimes ;-)

Best wishes,

Vernon