The new interpretation of Longines Legend Diver watch

Debuting in 2007 with a 42 mm steel case, a shiny black dial, 300 m water resistance and an internal bezel, the Legend Diver proved to be a crowd pleaser and was an instant success. From a date display addition in 2012 to a stunning bronze rendition endowed with a gradient green dial in 2020, it evolves once again courtesy of a new palette comprising a quartet of new dial colours, offered in two case sizes and with matching fabric straps.

The latest iterations, with case dimensions of a classical 42 mm and a compact 36 mm, are both fashioned in smooth, fully polished cases in stainless steel. Gracing the dials are luminous hands, hour markers interspersed with luminescent squares and Arab numerals enhanced with Super-LumiNova® rectangles for optimum visibility.

In terms of specifications, the new interpretations have in common these features: box-shaped sapphire crystal; two screw-in crowns, one of which especially safeguards the internal bezel from being accidentally and externally adjusted; and a screw-down case back for improved waterproofing ability. Uncommon for modern dive watches, the Legend Diver’s signature internal rotating diving bezel bears a construction that also allows the edge of the steel case to be joined to the crystal in a manner that elevates the latter’s high, rounded silhouette.

And the 3 o’clock date window makes a surprisingly comeback for this new capsule—positioned inwards at the edge of the minutes scale for the burgundy and royal blue models while it encroaches into the centre of the minutes scale for the beige and grey models. Another interesting decorative detail is found on the case back—that of an embossed motif of a scuba diver—a throwback to the original diving watch from which the Legend Diver is adapted from. A self-winding mechanical movement with a silicon balance-spring, 72-hour power reserve and a five- year warranty, namely L888.5, powers the 42 mm variants while L592 drives the 36 mm versions.

Now for a deep dive into the 2022 renditions with their range of colourful gradient dials: vivid burgundy, sand beige or royal blue for the 36 mm; and sand beige or ash grey for the 42 mm. Accompanying these attractive colour-gradient or fumé dials are tone-on-tone fabric straps, except for the grey strap which is created in NATO material. The versatile new colourways, ranging from neutral and muted to striking and saturated, would definitely cater to diverse tastes, styles and personalities. Additionally, a royal blue version with a coordinated fabric- look leather strap is also available.

By fusing elegance with modernity and a sporty attitude, Longines’s winning design strategy is also bolstered by an abundant of archive models to revive and reissue. An emblem from the Longines Heritage catalogue, the new Legend Diver variants will no doubt continue to fuel enthusiasm for this refresh of a vintage sports watch with clean, dynamic lines that also serve as an absolutely dependable underwater partner for when one ventures into the deep.