The Low-Down

In the 1930’s sector dials were all the rage, and now they are highly coveted. In 2019, Longines capitalized on this knowledge with the Heritage Classic in silver dial. The silver dial became popular within the inner circles of watch enthusiasts as an affordable luxury timepiece with sector dial in a compact case. With the introduction of the Heritage Classic in striking black dial, Longines has created a dress watch fit for any formal occasion. The timing is impeccable as everyone is beginning to dress up and go out with the threat of pandemic beginning to recede.

Longines’ reproduction of the vintage sector dial design is authentic. The sector dial is composed of different zones, each with a different finish. The matt black center circle pushes focus on the slim silver hands. The dial is inlaid with an anthracite hour circle with a circular brushed finish. Finally, the small seconds sub-dial has the railway track to complete the geometric pattern.

The Heritage Classic is powered by the L893 automatic movement. It is a movement developed exclusively for the Heritage series by Swatch Group owned ETA movement manufacturer. ETA designated name for the caliber is A31.501, and it has a silicon balance-spring and offers 72 hours of power reserve. The use of modern materials, like silicon balance-spring, enables Longines to offer longer warranty since service intervals are spread far apart with less wear and tear of components.

Longines went to great lengths to correctly match the straps to the 1940’s period with cognac colored leather strap with a “pull-up effect” and a grain of rice steel bracelet. “So far – with a few exceptions – we have always fitted our heritage pieces with leather straps,” explains Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines. “We have chosen a ‘grain of rice’ pattern. It is a high-end mesh that dates back to the 1940s and blends perfectly with the design of the dial. It is very soft and comfortable to wear.”

IMHO

Very few companies make sector dials, and even fewer make them just right. Longines got it perfectly right with a 38.5mm case, a well-balanced dial, and a modern ETA movement developed exclusively for the brand. While the silver dial is more versatile, the black dial is perfect for a tux, but in the age of casual clothing, it is also suitable under the cuffs of any business casual shirt.

Tech Specs

Movement: Automatic movement caliber L893 (ETA A31.501), 25,200 vph, silicon balance-spring, 72 hours power reserve.
Case: 38.5mm x 10mm, stainless steel
Functions: Hour, minutes, small seconds
Strap: Cognac leather strap, stainless steel “bead of rice” style bracelet
Price: USD2,150 leather strap, USD2,350 stainless steel bracelet