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The Longines Master Collection Small Seconds embodies the classical dress watch

by Sheng Lee . Aug 3, 2023

News

The Longines Master Collection Small Seconds embodies the classical dress watch

Engraved Breguet numerals and petite seconds

Ref. L2.843.4.93.2 (salmon)

In celebration of the brand’s 190th anniversary, Longines revamped its Master Collection with a trio of retro dress watches last year. These watches differentiate themselves with their high-quality dials featuring engraved hour markers, and among them, the commemorative edition in steel stood out as one of the best watches in its price range last year.

This year, the Saint-Imier watchmaker builds upon the success of the anniversary watches and enhances the retro appeal. The Longines new Master Collection Small Seconds still boasts the elaborately engraved Breguet numerals and now features a petite seconds, completing the traditional dress watch look. Furthermore, the case size has been reduced from 40 mm to a more wrist-friendly 38.5 mm, while remaining slim at just 10.2 mm tall.

Ref. L2.843.4.63.2 (anthracite)

Petite seconds with azurage and railroad track

As far as pure dress watches go, seconds are often deemed unnecessary and thus discarded, resulting in a minimalist dial with only the hours and minutes. However, a seconds hand serves a practical purpose by indicating whether a watch is running or not. Therefore, a middle ground is achieved by having a small and subtle second hand, and that is exactly what the latest Master Collection Small Seconds accomplishes.

Notably, the small seconds has been thoughtfully executed, offering a feel reminiscent of timepieces from the mid-20th century. The sub-dial at six o’clock comes with a circular guilloche or azurage finish and is complemented by two rings of tracks, which are intricate details rarely seen in modern watches.

Ref. L2.843.4.63.2 (anthracite)

The attention to detail extends across the entire dial. The engraved Breguet numerals stand out as a true highlight, appearing as though hand-engraved, thanks to the clever use of laser technology. Furthermore, the dial presents three distinctive finishes: coarse grain frosting for the anthracite, fine grain frosting for the silver, and vertical brushing for the “salmon” variant. Each version comes with hands and hour markers in colors carefully selected to complement the dial finish, demonstrating a keen eye for design.

Upgraded ETA workhorse

As with most Longines watches, the movements inside are based on decades-old ETA movements that have been upgraded with modern technologies and up-to-date features. The L893.5 inside the Small Seconds boasts a silicon hairspring for magnetism resistance and a healthy power reserve of 72 hours – notable improvements over its ETA predecessors and standout specifications in the sub-USD 2,500 price category.

The L893.5

Our verdict

The Small Seconds is an attractive dress watch that surpasses expectations. It excels in many design aspects: the modest 38.5 mm case, the engraved Breguet numerals, and the elaborate small seconds, all successfully capturing the retro look and feel.

Importantly, the dial and hands’ execution and finishing are of top quality for its price – a trait often found in Longines’ retro watches, such as the Tuxedo Chronograph – providing the watch with added depth and an expensive appearance. In short, it’s an excellent choice for watches under USD 2,500.

However, the only weakness of the watch is the see-through case back, as the finishing of the movement seems basic and slightly rough on the base plate. Since it doesn’t contribute much to the watch’s heat, sealing the back using a polished metal piece with nice engraving could make it more appealing and also reduce the watch’s thickness.

Ref. L2.843.4.73.2 (silver)

Longines Master Collection Small Seconds Specs and Price

Ref. L2.843.4.93.2 (salmon)

Ref. L2.843.4.63.2 (anthracite)

Ref. L2.843.4.73.2 (silver)

Movement: L893.5; automatic; 72 hours power reserve

Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds

Case: 38.5 x 10.2 mm; steel; water resistant to 30 m

Strap: Alligator strap with folding buckle

Availability: At Longines boutiques and retailers

Price: USD 2,500

Petite seconds with azurage and railroad track

Upgraded ETA workhorse

Our verdict

Longines Master Collection Small Seconds Specs and Price

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