Too difficult to resist
In the immortal words of Victor Kiam, “I liked it so much, I bought the [watch].” Okay, so the Remington CEO and former owner of the New England Patriots may have said “company,” but you get my drift. The 39mm Longines Legend Diver is just that good.
At The Calibrated Wrist, we had the terracotta colourway in for review, and it arrived within three days of my own anthracite version. So, you get a look at both here. Word of warning: expect a bias.
Longines Heritage Workshop Tour
Advertisement
Check out the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium
A brief history of the Legend Diver
The Legend Diver is a reissue of the Longines Super Compressor Diver ref. 7042, first released in 1959. We reviewed the black dial iteration late last year, and Longines have also launched reincarnations in 36 and 42mm. However, it is the 39mm which most closely resembles that original piece.
What sets the Legend Diver apart is its “super compressor” case. Ervin Piquerez S.A., or EPSA, was responsible for the initial design. It is characterized by its dual-crown functionality and internal rotating bezel. But the true genius of this particular configuration is the method used in attaining watertightness. Put simply, the case used water pressure to its advantage with an O-ring seal that absorbed increases in atmospheric pressure on the case back. Therefore, the farther underwater the watch descended, the more waterproof it became. It revolutionized the early skin diver.
This year, the brand has doubled down on the new collection with novel dial tones of terracotta, anthracite, and green to celebrate the 65th anniversary of this “legendary” line.
Key features and characteristics of the Longines Legend Diver
Case and crystal
Alongside its 39mm diameter, the dive watch measures 12.7mm in height and 47mm lug-to-lug. With screw down crowns and a solid case back, the watch offers up 300m of water resistance, as well, and surpasses ISO 6425 standards. It has a dressy appearance with a predominance of polish atop the lugs and over the fixed bezel. The sides are finished in a smooth horizontal brushing, and the knurled crowns sport the telltale cross-hatching of traditional compressor cases.
The most delicious element (okay, one of them) is the box sapphire crystal. This also contributes to the refined appearance, as it covers both the dial and the bezel, while offering lovely distortions at the edges.
For those unfamiliar with the compressor-style, the internal bezel is operated by the second crown at 2:30. It functions just like an elapsed time bezel and is fully graduated here. The crown screws down for security and watertightness.
Dial
The dials are lustrous up close, thanks to their enamel finishes, and reflect the vintage layout and font used in early models—right down to the funky lume bars next to the cardinal numerals. I really like the cursive used in the “Automatic” line of text, as well. All dial elements have been well coated in two tones of Super-LumiNova.
Chronometer-certified movement
On the back, we find a sector-style embossing of a diver with a spear-gun. A little Easter egg here is that when observed with a loupe, the diver can bee seen wearing an actual Legend Diver watch. The text here also reminds us that the movement is COSC-certified.
In fact, the L888.6—which is based on the ETA A31.L11—also features a silicon balance spring which helps it meet ISO 764 standards for anti-magnetism. The watch has a 3.5Hz beat rate and 21 jewels, with a solid 72-hour power reserve. It is exclusive to Longines.
Comfort-adjusting bracelet
The 20mm beads-of-rice bracelet tapers to 16mm at the clasp and is exceptionally well-made for a watch at this price point—with brushed links down the sides and polished beads down the centre. The way it meets the lugs is perfect and allows for a very comfortable drape. The big step up for Longines, here, (even above last year’s models) is the tool-less comfort adjust.
Advertisement
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 (Green, Terracotta, Anthracite) 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 BOR Bracelet /w Comfort Adjust Clasp |
Longines Legend Diver 39mm
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
These new models of the 39mm Longines Legend Diver represent a thoughtful execution and a maturation of the collection that was first reintroduced back in 2007. They have been referred to in certain enthusiast circles as the “Black Bay 58 killer”; but, I am not certain that this watch embodies the same proposition. Sure, they are both retro-styled 39mm dive watches, but the aesthetics are entirely different. The Legend Diver, while certainly capable of functioning as a tool, is far more elegant—and for that reason, far more polyvalent than the Black Bay 58. In a pinch, the Legend Diver could be considered a “one-and-done.” That being said, I do not think you buy one over the other.
However, when it comes down to pricing, I dare say that your value for dollar is significantly higher with the Longines Legend Diver. Each has a COSC-certified, exclusive movement (ostensibly in-house), and each comes from a Swiss brand with significant dive provenance. Moreover, each taps into its vintage catalogue. And yet, I feel like the level and mix of finishes is stronger in the Legend Diver. The enamel dial and water resistance also recommend the Longines. And (oddly) the BB58 has yet to benefit from the brand’s T-Fit clasp. Despite this, the BB58 is $600 more.
Anyway, I think the Legend Diver is a killer. Period.
I told you to expect a bias.
Pricing & Availability
The Longines Legend Diver retails for $3400USD ($4550CAD) on the bracelet. For more information, please check out 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.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site may result in us making money.
This could be the perfect watch
I won’t argue. Thank for stopping by!