Swiss watch brand Longines pays tribute to its historic Flagship collection with a new model that features a black dial and emblematic design from the 1950s.

Launched in 1957, the Flagship collection was one of the first lines to be named by Longines. The flagship flies the flag of the commander-in-chief of the fleet. With this resolutely conquering name, the collection would go on to become a crown jewel for the winged hourglass brand from the 1950s onwards. Initially intended for men, these watches also enjoyed great success with female customers.

Today, Longines revisits this timeless, unisex design by drawing inspiration from a rare model with a black dial from 1957. Combining technical expertise and elegance, the new all-black Flagship Heritage will appeal to all vintage watch enthusiasts.

This timepiece houses a self-winding mechanical movement (L615) and includes a stainless steel case with a diameter of 38.50 mm. A characteristic feature of the collection, the case also features bevelled, inward-pointing horns, which gives the piece a refined and stylish silhouette.

Faithful to the design of the original watch, this model unveils a black lacquered domed dial with a polished finish, accentuated by applied indexes in the shape of faceted trapezoids.

Located at 6 o’clock, the date appears below an off-centre small seconds counter and the “Flagship” inscription, both emblematic of the watchmaking aesthetics of the 1950s. The dolphin shaped hands enhance this understated composition, encased in an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

An emblem of the collection, a golden caravel decorated with blue enamel is engraved on the screw-down case back.

The model is presented on a black leather strap decorated with fine beige stitching and equipped with a pin buckle.

This new variation completes the Flagship Heritage line, which until now consisted of a steel version with a cream dial, as well as a limited series launched for the collection’s 60th anniversary, celebrated in partnership with the brand’s Ambassador Kate Winslet.

Technical details

Model: Longines Flagship Heritage
Reference number: L4.795.4.58.0

Movement
Calibre L615 (ETA 2895-2) Self-winding mechanical movement
11½ lines, 27 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour
42 hours of power reserve

Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock and date

Case
Round, Ø 38.50 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire box with several layers of anti-reflective treatment
Engraved steel back with enamelled yellow gold medallion
Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 metres)

Dial
Shiny black, applied indexes

Hands
Rose
SuperLuminova®

Strap
Black leather with steel buckle