There's a timepiece for every occasion. Truly. There's a big, bold, waterproof diver for the gym (and for actual dives too if you're bold enough to take a few thousand pounds underwater). There are classic dress watches, for when you're in a tux. Sports watches for sports. Showy watches when you want to show off. But Longines' latest piece – the Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946 – does all of these things. And for a showy off watch, it is remarkably taciturn.
Okay, it's not so great for the gym. But for everything else, the archival reissue is perfect timing. You've a chronograph function (that's the sports bit). The dial is classic and clean, all mounted on a semi-matte black leather strap (that's the dress watch bit). And, of course, there's the fact that Longines is responsible for a multitude of horological developments that bolster than brand's in-the-know prestige: it's a marque to invest in once you know your way around the world of Swiss watches (oh look, there are your bragging rights).
The piece itself nods to a model from the Forties (hence the year in the name), and this updated version is largely unchanged from the original. The 40mm case houses a movement created especially for Longines, alongside other elements that stay faithful to the history books: italicised 'dolphin' style Arabic numerals, blue, steel hands and a trio of robust watch pushers.
But it's the classic focus is the piece's biggest strength. This watch is an ideal office-to-everywhere pick precisely because it eschews contemporary features. It will go with your jeans. It will go with a suit. It will also attract compliments at every summer wedding you've been invited to this year.
True to form for Longines, there's a lot of Very Nice Watch for the very accessible price of £2,490. It's a sound investment, and one that will bolster your wristwear rotation for 2020. And 2021. And every other year after that, to be honest.
Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946, available at longines.co.uk from tomorrow
