The "Longines Master Collection" is a series that symbolizes the brand's journey in mechanical watchmaking. Among them, the "Longines Master Collection Retrograde" is a complication watch created by Longines to mark its 175th anniversary in 2007.

In terms of its mechanism, it is equipped with the automatic Cal.L698, specially designed by ETA, a movement specialist manufacturer, for Longines. It features four retrograde (three for models with a power reserve indicator) functions, a first for Longines, with four nearly symmetrical fan-shaped dials for the day of the week at 12 o'clock, small seconds at 6 o'clock, the date at 3 o'clock, and a 24-hour display at 9 o'clock. Despite being a complication, its refined appearance is truly admirable, a testament to the design prowess of this esteemed maison. The dial, adorned with intricate barleycorn guilloché, and the beautiful blued steel hands exude an overflowing elegance.

The exhibition case back reveals the intricate workings of the complex movement, adorned with exquisite finishing. The collection comes in two versions: one with four retrograde functions and another with three retrograde functions plus a power reserve indicator. Both are presented in stainless steel cases, with a choice of alligator strap or stainless steel bracelet. This marks the arrival of a new masterpiece timepiece from Longines, released in its 175th year.

Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 46-hour power reserve. Case diameter 41.0 mm. 30m water resistance. Scheduled for release in Autumn 2008.

4 Retro, Stainless Steel Case, Alligator Strap. ¥609,000
4 Retro, Stainless Steel Case, Stainless Steel Bracelet. ¥609,000
3 Retro, Stainless Steel Case, Alligator Strap. ¥546,000
3 Retro, Stainless Steel Case, Stainless Steel Bracelet. ¥546,000



BRAND HISTORY

The foundation of the esteemed Swiss watchmaking brand Longines was laid in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, with the opening of a watch assembly workshop by Auguste Agassiz and his nephew, Ernest Francillon, who established a modern integrated manufacturing system in the village of Les Longines in '66.

The first key-wound pocket watches manufactured at the watch factory established by Ernest Francillon won a bronze medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle. Subsequently, Longines' products, combining high precision and quality, garnered ten Grand Prix awards and 28 gold medals at successive world fairs. Furthermore, in 1879, the company succeeded early in developing a chronograph movement and was the official timekeeper for the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in '96. From then on, its activities expanded into the realm of sports.

In the field of wristwatches, they were carried on numerous adventurous journeys, starting with R. Amundsen's Arctic Ocean expedition in 1926. In '27, they were also carried on Charles Lindbergh's non-stop transatlantic flight, earning the brand global recognition for manufacturing aviation watches capable of withstanding harsh conditions.

With such a brilliant history, Longines continues to offer a remarkably diverse lineup in both sports and dress watch categories. At the Basel Fair in April 2007, the "Longines Sport Collection" was unveiled. This collection offers compelling timepieces with reliable quality and excellent cost performance.

Founding Year: 1832
Place of Founding: Saint-Imier, Switzerland
Main Series Names: Evidenza, Master Collection, Sport Collection
Inquiries: Swatch Group Japan Longines Division 03-6254-7351

Official Website: http://www.longines.com/