Posted: 12/4/2025 4:54:12 PM EDT
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Yep, Longines...the HISTORY...WOW...1867!! Y'all ever watch any of Teddy Baldassarre's YouTube videos? Very interesting / informative...sure, he's also pitching the brands that he carries at his store in the Cleveland / Mistake on the Lake (yes, I used to live there, escaped when I was younger!!) area - TEDDY. Anyway, watched his visit to Longines in Switzerland last night...REALLY awesome....the history, the interview with the CEO, the innovations, etc. I *really* like their HydroConquest - both the "normal" bluesy and the GMT. Great price point, automatic movements, etc. Y'all have any experience with Longines? |
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Great company and well-respected. All Swiss movements. Some of the lower priced models were sellita movements. They already have or are in the process of switching to modified ETA movements. Some nice additions to the movements (Silicon hairspring for example), not just aesthetics. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
| I’ve owned a few over the years (I’m particularly drawn to their Heritage models) and IMO they punch well above their weight - especially when purchased on the gray market. I don’t know why they don’t seem to do as well in the US but they’ve highly regarded in other countries. I do wish that Swatch Group wouldn’t keep them tiered under Omega and let them return to their former glory. |
| Longines, Certina, Tissot and Mido are all great watch companies under the Swatch umbrella that really don't get enough attention in the US market. |
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I agree and kind of had that same epiphany about a year ago. Its funny how that goes in the watch geek world, you have a brand like Longines with a very long and rich history that offers watches very close to Omega (quality wise) for almost half the price yet people hardly ever talk about them. On the other hand, you have brands like Hamilton that people rave about but honestly IMO, I think most of their watches are more in the $500 Seiko/Citizen quality tier but yet sell for closer to $1k and people can't seem to get enough of them. Go figure? That's actually how I got tuned into Longines... I was wanting a Hamilton FKA but the more I looked into them, the more I felt like they just aren't worth the money. I believe my Glycine Combat Auto is at least equal to (if not a better) and cost me ~half of what a KFA would so I started looking for something better and that's when I "discovered" Longines. I'd love to buy a Longines Spirt Zulu time. I think its a hell of a watch for the money but I'm too cheap to spend that much on a watch 
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On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
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Originally Posted By airgunner: I agree and kind of had that same epiphany about a year ago. Its funny how that goes in the watch geek world, you have a brand like Longines with a very long and rich history that offers watches very close to Omega (quality wise) for almost half the price yet people hardly ever talk about them. On the other hand, you have brands like Hamilton that people rave about but honestly IMO, I think most of their watches are more in the $500 Seiko/Citizen quality tier but yet sell for closer to $1k and people can't seem to get enough of them. Go figure? That's actually how I got tuned into Longines... I was wanting a Hamilton FKA but the more I looked into them, the more I felt like they just aren't worth the money. I believe my Glycine Combat Auto is at least equal to (if not a better) and cost me ~half of what a KFA would so I started looking for something better and that's when I "discovered" Longines. I'd love to buy a Longines Spirt Zulu time. I think its a hell of a watch for the money but I'm too cheap to spend that much on a watch Hamilton is the only watch company that puts Extra-Reflective coating on their crystals instead of Anti-Reflective coating. I had a Khaki Titanium and it was unreadable about half the time. |
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Originally Posted By RobertL: Hamilton is the only watch company that puts Extra-Reflective coating on their crystals instead of Anti-Reflective coating. I had a Khaki Titanium and it was unreadable about half the time. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
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Originally Posted By airgunner: I agree and kind of had that same epiphany about a year ago. Its funny how that goes in the watch geek world, you have a brand like Longines with a very long and rich history that offers watches very close to Omega (quality wise) for almost half the price yet people hardly ever talk about them. On the other hand, you have brands like Hamilton that people rave about but honestly IMO, I think most of their watches are more in the $500 Seiko/Citizen quality tier but yet sell for closer to $1k and people can't seem to get enough of them. Go figure? That's actually how I got tuned into Longines... I was wanting a Hamilton FKA but the more I looked into them, the more I felt like they just aren't worth the money. I believe my Glycine Combat Auto is at least equal to (if not a better) and cost me ~half of what a KFA would so I started looking for something better and that's when I "discovered" Longines. I'd love to buy a Longines Spirt Zulu time. I think its a hell of a watch for the money but I'm too cheap to spend that much on a watch The more I dig...the more I learn...LOL!! That Glycine Combat Auto - very cool!! |
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Originally Posted By Traderjac: Never heard of them, and at their prices I am not even interested. All they do is tell you what time it is. Worth watching:  Visiting Longines’ Headquarters - Hands-On With Their Rarest Watches & CEO Interview |
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One of these will likely be in my rotation in the next year. Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By gotigers: One of these will likely be in my rotation in the next year. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194114_jpg-3670639.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194143_jpg-3670641.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194216_jpg-3670642.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194241_jpg-3670643.JPG All nice choices! |
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Originally Posted By gotigers: One of these will likely be in my rotation in the next year. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194114_jpg-3670639.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194143_jpg-3670641.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194216_jpg-3670642.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/200035/Screenshot_2025-12-05_194241_jpg-3670643.JPG Dumb question, but don't cloth wristbands kinda of cheapen the watch. I would expect an expensive watch to have a matching metal bracelet. |
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Originally Posted By AR15Texan: Dumb question, but don't cloth wristbands kinda of cheapen the watch. I would expect an expensive watch to have a matching metal bracelet. For many, a dress watch should have a leather band, a sport watch should have a bracelet and a field or military watch should have a canvas or nylon band. For myself, I usually won't buy any watch I can't get with a bracelet or at least source a quality bracelet for it. |
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Originally Posted By RobertL: For many, a dress watch should have a leather band, a sport watch should have a bracelet and a field or military watch should have a canvas or nylon band. For myself, I usually won't buy any watch I can't get with a bracelet or at least source a quality bracelet for it. Originally Posted By RobertL: Originally Posted By AR15Texan: Dumb question, but don't cloth wristbands kinda of cheapen the watch. I would expect an expensive watch to have a matching metal bracelet. For many, a dress watch should have a leather band, a sport watch should have a bracelet and a field or military watch should have a canvas or nylon band. For myself, I usually won't buy any watch I can't get with a bracelet or at least source a quality bracelet for it. One of my greatest… well only gripe about my Laco Frankfurt GMT is no bracelet option and the bead blaster stainless case makes aftermarket a nightmare. As for Longines… yeah 
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"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"
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Attached File My Hydroconquest. I swapped out the bracelet for a NATO strap. |
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Originally Posted By RobertL: For many, a dress watch should have a leather band, a sport watch should have a bracelet and a field or military watch should have a canvas or nylon band. For myself, I usually won't buy any watch I can't get with a bracelet or at least source a quality bracelet for it. Originally Posted By RobertL: Originally Posted By AR15Texan: Dumb question, but don't cloth wristbands kinda of cheapen the watch. I would expect an expensive watch to have a matching metal bracelet. For many, a dress watch should have a leather band, a sport watch should have a bracelet and a field or military watch should have a canvas or nylon band. For myself, I usually won't buy any watch I can't get with a bracelet or at least source a quality bracelet for it. Good question and great answer! I prefer bracelets overall - my favorites are the Rolex Jubilee...such a GREAT design, very comfy and looks BEAUTIFUL!! I've got a few with rubber straps (one is a diver, the other is a sport watch) and they are comfortable, for sure. I guess it kind of depends on the overall look - I like watches that have options - meaning - here's a great bracelet, also, this canvas (or rubber) strap goes great with it...options! I don't own any canvas / NATO staps (yet). I hear you though, it's kind of interesting to see a VERY high end (at least in the $$$$$$ perspective) timepiece on a strap...as in, to me, generally, it detracts from it. Then again...that could also be the way of saying "f you - it's my watch and I'll wear it how I want....!" Another thought. In the end, it's your watch - if you like the Mickey Mouse with the ear straps - go for it ! LOL I say that as one of my favorite "faces" for my Apple Watch is the Snoopy set of animated faces. Seriously. |
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Always buy on a bracelet if one is available. It's the most affordable way to buy a bracelet and you can always put it on a cloth or leather strap later for not much money. Buying a bracelet after the sale can be very expensive if they are even available. |
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I’d see them way more often when overseas. Love the history of the brand. Had my eye on the Spirit Zulu Time Titanium, but they’re asking the same price as a Tudor. Grade 5 (Longines) vs Grade 2 (Tudor) titanium, but the Longines is a smaller case. Was hoping they’d make the 42 mm version like their steel brethren. |
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I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... 
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Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 I like that. Damn. 14mm thick for a chrono ain't bad either. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 The internet is all about resale value and “in house movements.” |
It is always a silly thing to give advice, but to give good advice is absolutely fatal. - Oscar Wilde
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Originally Posted By BigFatDog: The internet is all about resale value and “in house movements.” Originally Posted By BigFatDog: Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 The internet is all about resale value and “in house movements.” True, but I'll take improved ETA and Valjoux movements. Solid bones, easy for people to work on. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 Very nice!! Your money, your wrist, if you want it, go for it!! |
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Originally Posted By rob78: True, but I'll take improved ETA and Valjoux movements. Solid bones, easy for people to work on. Originally Posted By rob78: Originally Posted By BigFatDog: Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 The internet is all about resale value and “in house movements.” True, but I'll take improved ETA and Valjoux movements. Solid bones, easy for people to work on. I too like ETA movements…  |
It is always a silly thing to give advice, but to give good advice is absolutely fatal. - Oscar Wilde
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Originally Posted By tabraha: I've almost pulled the trigger on a L2.773.4.71.2 a few times this year but some of the forums have knocked the Longines rep a bit so I pulled back. ARF sounds on the whole more positive than the other places. The one I'm looking at is a good value for the level of complications it has IMO. Now you guys are making me start searching more seriously again... https://api.ecom.longines.com/media/catalog/product/l/o/longines-master-collection-chrono-moonphase-l2-773-4-71-2-detailed-view-2000x2000-1-89ba37.jpg?&w=800 I am seeing/reading much more positive than negative. Really only read negative in passing. Majority what i read about Longines is very positive. After reading your post, i searched. I do see a negative on Reddit and the like. Mostly about customer service. Just like gun manufacturer reviews, you are either a fan boy or not. Ex. Sig. Well, Sig has had it fair share of issues. |
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Originally Posted By Captain_Buddha: The more I dig...the more I learn...LOL!! That Glycine Combat Auto - very cool!! Originally Posted By Captain_Buddha: Originally Posted By airgunner: I agree and kind of had that same epiphany about a year ago. Its funny how that goes in the watch geek world, you have a brand like Longines with a very long and rich history that offers watches very close to Omega (quality wise) for almost half the price yet people hardly ever talk about them. On the other hand, you have brands like Hamilton that people rave about but honestly IMO, I think most of their watches are more in the $500 Seiko/Citizen quality tier but yet sell for closer to $1k and people can't seem to get enough of them. Go figure? That's actually how I got tuned into Longines... I was wanting a Hamilton FKA but the more I looked into them, the more I felt like they just aren't worth the money. I believe my Glycine Combat Auto is at least equal to (if not a better) and cost me ~half of what a KFA would so I started looking for something better and that's when I "discovered" Longines. I'd love to buy a Longines Spirt Zulu time. I think its a hell of a watch for the money but I'm too cheap to spend that much on a watch The more I dig...the more I learn...LOL!! That Glycine Combat Auto - very cool!! I like mine. 
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Originally Posted By leemozoid: I like mine. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/246093/1000011541-3686349.jpg Nice!! |
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Originally Posted By HiramRanger: Christmas present https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/218/IMG_3743-3686426.jpg Love it!! |
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Originally Posted By HiramRanger: Christmas present https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/218/IMG_3743-3686426.jpg Santa knows his watches! |
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