Longines: Master Chrono Moonphase and Monopusher

Mastering Elegance and Complications

By: Roger Ruegger

First introduced more than 20 years ago, the Master collection from Longines now consists of several revamped new three-hand models, a moonphase chronograph, and, for the first time, a manual-wind monopusher chronograph.

Last June, Longines had already unveiled several new three-hand models within the Master collection, all of them equipped with a new barleycorn pattern on the dial.

On the 30-mm and 34-mm models, the pattern can only be found on the outer edge of the dial, while the 39-mm and 41-mm models have it across the entire dial in silver or blue tones (with frosted blue becoming a recurring theme in St-Imier this year). Most of the brand’s new Master models feature applied Arabic numerals (some of the smaller versions come with diamonds instead, two 41-mm versions with Eastern Arabic numerals), newly designed sword hands in blued steel or with rhodium plating. The watches are available with stainless-steel bracelets, now featuring shortened links and a micro-adjustable folding clasp, or with leather straps with a new folding clasp (also with micro-adjustment).

“Since its launch in 2005, the Longines Master Collection represents the pinnacle of the brand’s horological craftsmanship, where expert mechanics meet enduring style. With this comprehensive redesign, every element has been reimagined – from dial and hands to bezel and bracelet – for timepieces that express a contemporary vision of elegance.” – Longines

The 39- and 41-mm versions are powered by the L888.5 with 72 hours of power reserve, prices start at CHF 2,150 ($2,650).

A New Monopusher Chronograph

Following the introduction of this new design, Longines has added two chronographs, a revamped Moonphase Chronograph, and the first monopusher chronograph in the Master collection.

Originally developed for doctors and nurses before the advent of electronic heart-rate monitors, the pulsometer that can be found here in addition to the minute and second counter allows for quick pulse readings with a wrist- or pocketwatch chronograph. And in today’s world, chronographs with one pusher tend to get the heartrate of collectors up.

At the heart of the two new Longines Master Collection Chrono Monopusher models is a new Longines-exclusive manual-winding mechanical movement: the column-wheel calibre L799.5, visible through a transparent case back fitted with a sapphire crystal (water resistance is 30 meters throughout the entire collection). Equipped with a silicon balance spring, it delivers a power reserve of up to 68 hours, the chronograph functions include a 60-second central hand and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.

The Chrono Monopusher is available with a frosted blue (Ref. L2.960.4.93.2) or silver opaline barleycorn dial (Ref. L2.960.4.78.2), retail is CHF 3,200 (€3,700).

Chrono Moonphase

Also housed in a 41-mm round stainless-steel case, the new Chrono Moonphase is powered by the column-wheel calibre L687.5. Hours and minutes are complemented by a small seconds and 24-hour indicator at 9 o’clock, while the date is indicated on the dial with a half-moon-shaped central hand. The chronograph features a 60-second central hand, a 30-minute counter with day and month indication at 12 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter combined with the moonphase display at 6 o’clock. The movement also features a silicon balance spring, power reserve is 66 hours.

The Moonphase Chrono is available with a blue leather strap (Ref. L2.962.4.73.2) or bracelet (Ref. L2.962.4.73.6), retail is CHF 3,500 (€4,050 / $4,250).