So to start with I work at an AD that carry's multiple Swiss brands from $350 price points all the way up to pre-owned PP, AP, of course Rolex, Cartier, etc. Since we are not an AD for those higher brands I like to focus on the brands that we are an AD for and one of them is Longines.
Disclaimer, the company has been great to me and wonderful to work with, that withstanding however, I am a huge fan. I think they offer exceptional value per dollar and I am keen on their vintage leaning design language rich history in the world of aviation.
So that is the why of my question, my actual question is How does the general watch enthusiast on Reddit feel about how the brand is positioning themselves in the market from any aspect such as price point, design language, marketing, public outreach, whatever. What makes them a solid or not so solid brand?
Thank you! I'm trying to get my team fired up about Longines and I want to know what people besides the people I work with think about Longines! Wrist shot of my heritage chrono for some tax.
TLDR: Do you like or dislike Longines and why?
I got interested in watches back when Longines was still less known in the US. I remember being told they are a brand that's well liked in Asia, but not well known here. I took a quick look back then and saw that they had nice dress watches and that was about it.
Longines have come such a long way since then, and really stepped it up with their line up. I think a big move by them was to focus more on the tool watches that are popular with the watch people, and recent releases have been just banger after banger. The notable for me has been the Spirit Zulu in 39 and the new 2023 Conquest. These blow Tudors options out of the water, and I think they might even threaten Omega's options. I mean neither Tudor nor Omega could figure out how to make compact travel GMT?
I think Longines always had a good vintage inspired line up, but I think they also stepped it up here in the recent years as well. The obvious one to note is the sector dial, but that anniversary model is also stunning.
There's also many things to love from their more older line up too. They have built these great models that went under the radar until now and I think the recent glow up that Longines went through will highlight some of these older models to new audience. The notable for these older model for me is the Lengend Diver, the A-7 Slanted Monopusher Chronograph, and the Calendar Chronograph from the Master Collection.
It seems like Longines is being brought up to challenge Tudor, and in my opinion they are already winning this fight.