A true heritage dive watch
The Longines Legend Diver is a popular and emblematic model in the Longines’ lineup. It is part of the Heritage Collection, which features timepieces inspired by the brand’s back catalogue. The Legend Diver, in particular, pays tribute to the company’s long-standing tradition of creating diving watches, and dates back to the mid-20th century.
Check out the new Legend Diver colourways
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Based on the 1959 ref. 7042 Super-Compressor, the Legend Diver received a reboot in 2007 and has evolved through several iterations since then. References have run the gamut of colourways and been issued in both 36mm and 42mm. Each has nonetheless remained faithful to the clean and classic design. This latest release fleshes out those previous offerings by adding a 39mm case to the collection.
Key features and characteristics of the Longines Legend Diver
With the exception of its handset, the Legend Diver is largely faithful to the design of the 7042. Aesthetically, the same remains true of this new 39mm version—perhaps even more so—in that the latest iteration comes without a date window at three. Reissues between 2007 and 2011 also eschewed the date function initially. But for more than a decade now the Legend Diver in all sizes has run with the complication.
While I have never had issue with a date—and frankly, often like it in quirky mid-century reissues—the balance provided by its removal here is striking and cleans up an already, nearly immaculate dial.
With the reduction in case diameter, of course, comes a more restrained lug to lug measurement. In fact, a side-by-side comparison with previous models illustrates a significant reworking of the case shape and superior finishing along the lugs and case sides. This, I’m sure will make a lot of people happy, as it should. A watchmaker of Longines’ stature and economic clout must be expected to offer a little something to everyone. The watch, despite its interior rotating bezel also comes in at a lean 12.7mm, making this a trifecta.
The Legend Diver keeps its box-shaped sapphire crystal and dual screw-in crowns at 2 and 4 o’clock. The screw down case back is solid and sports the characteristic engraving of a spearfisherman in scuba gear. However, in this rendition, he appears much more life-like, and—if you look at him through a loupe—you can see that he is sporting a Legend Diver. Like all previous models, the watch promises 300m of water resistance, as well, and is ISO 6425 certified.
The dial is printed and doused with Super-LumiNova. Luminous hands and hour markers are interspersed with luminescent squares and Arabic numerals. Even the inverted triangular pip at twelve lights up. It’s so bright initially that the light dances off the interior of the box crystal. Longines have also chosen a two-tone application of lume, with the minute and arrow-tipped seconds hand being blue.
Previously, the Legend Diver was powered by the L888.5 in the 42mm models and the L592.5 in the 36mm versions. Here we have a variation on a theme with the L888.6—a no-date version of the ETA-based A31.L11. It has an anti-magnetic silicon balance-spring which helps the watch surpass ISO 764 standards, as well a Nivashock shock absorption system. It also delivers a solid 72-hour power reserve, thanks to its 25 200vph, or 3.5Hz beat rate. The calibre is COSC-certified and comes with a five-year warranty. As an interesting note on its COSC certification, Longines sends the calibre to the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres already installed in its case, rather than the naked movement alone. It is then tested for 15 consecutive days in different positions and at three different temperatures.
The model featured here comes standard on vintage-styled leather; however, there is both a bracelet and fabric NATO option available. The Longines Legend Diver 39mm is available in both black and blue dials.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 12.7mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Internal Rotating Dive Bezel Screw Down Case Back & Crowns ISO 6425 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Box Sapphire Crystal /w AR Lacquer Dial (Blue or Black) Printed/Raised Markers Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Cal. L888.6 COSC and ISO 764 Certified 21 Jewels 25 200bph 72-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Bracelet, Brown Leather Strap, or Blue NATO |
Longines Legend Diver 39mm
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Of Interest
Unlike many dual crown cases, the Legend Diver is a true Super Compressor. Based on the patent held by casemaker Ervin Piquerez, the Legend Diver uses depth to its advantage—allowing increasing water pressure to press against the case back and tighten the seal. This case style is identifiable by the cross-hatched pattern discernible on the crown tips. It is also worth noting that the original models did not require screw down crowns to achieve their water resistance of 120m. In 1963, the watch received a bump up to 200m of water resistance in the ref. 7954. In 1971, Longines issued a special version of the watch to the Royal Australian Navy Divers. This was the first reference with a 300m water resistance.
Quibbles
Now that Longines have a deployant clasp with on-the-fly micro-adjust for both their straps and bracelets, it would be great to see them offered as standard fare here.
Final Thoughts
I first encountered this watch at a Longines’ novelty event in New York City last March. It was one of more than a dozen enticing timepieces shown to me by Xavier Ligero, then VP of International Sales. After more than thirty minutes of passionate discussion on the brand’s trajectory, I asked him which watch excited him most. Without hesitation, he named the Legend Diver. Longines have not rewritten the book on the Legend Diver here. But they have, once again, listened to the masses.
The Longines Legend Diver 39 is a popular choice for those who appreciate vintage-inspired design and the reliability of a Swiss-made timepiece. There is something so simple and seminal in the dial layout. Its blend of style and functionality is an attractive proposition. In addition to being ISO 6425/764 with a COSC-certified movement, the watch offers a connection to Longines’ heritage. And few Swiss powerhouses can put you into such a dive watch for less.
The Longines Legend Diver 39mm starts at $3900CAD on the NATO and will be $4100CAD on the bracelet. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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