Longines... opinions

[Mr P and R]

I have decided to upgrade the wrist furniture for 09. Amongst the usual Rolex Subs and Tag Carreras I have spotted a couple of Longines that I really quite like.

What is the view on Longines resell values and general brand perception?

[lowdrag]

You certainly don't mention Longines in the same breath as Rolex or Omega for sure. A brand that has its following but the resale value would be pretty low I reckon. Not bad watches, but bought mostly by people who don't really know watches while browsing in a shop I reckon.

[hiscocks]

I don't know about that - especially the last part. Longines have a pedigree and heritage that lots of watchmakers would kill for. They have some superb watches of late and some unique designs. One of my fave watchmakers I think.

[Twit]

lowdrag said:

You certainly don't mention Longines in the same breath as Rolex or Omega for sure. A brand that has its following but the resale value would be pretty low I reckon. Not bad watches, but bought mostly by people who don't really know watches while browsing in a shop I reckon.

Rubbish! As has been said they have a heritage that most companies would die for and its easily a match for the Omega!! (dullmega more like!). If you look on TZ resale prices on Longines are pretty good and they look really classy.

If you like them then go for it, buy because you want to wear it not sell it on! I've actually been looking at a couple recently to maybe add to my little collection.

[Skyman]

lowdrag said:

You certainly don't mention Longines in the same breath as Rolex or Omega for sure. A brand that has its following but the resale value would be pretty low I reckon. Not bad watches, but bought mostly by people who don't really know watches while browsing in a shop I reckon.

Cough..........blx

[ShadownINja]

From what I hear, they're bought by people who know about watches. Omega and Longines are both owned by Swatch so similar quality, I understand. TBH I find the Longines range generally more attractive than the Omega range. Everyone wants an Omega, however, because Bond had one, so you could argue that Omega is bought by people without a clue.

[nonplussed]

I have a Longines. It loses time like a bd so it must be good

Apart from that, I remember the brand from advertising on F1 Ferraris and providing official F! timing in the 70's and 80's. That's good enough brand heritage for me.

[ascayman]

proper heritage, proper watches at a good price.

i've just bought my brother one and he loves it. v. nice indeed.

[SaliMali]

ShadownINja said:

Everyone wants an Omega, however, because Bond had one, so you could argue that Omega is bought by people without a clue.

I bought my first Omega after seeing Bond

[Stitch]

In my view, Longines is a much under rated brand (as demonstrated by comments on this thread).

Longines was at the forefront of watch development for many, many years (Lindbergh Hour/WEEMS etc).

You are going to lose money on any new watch you buy. You are buying it with VAT and jewelers margin built in so of course you can't recover what you paid for it. But other than for serious flippers (who don't buy new anyway) I don't see that resale value is such an issue.

If it is a concern, then Rolex, Omega etc have a lot further to fall.

For me a nice legends diver for around £1,100 http://www.longines.com/watches/sports-legends/L3....

or for a dress watch an Evidenza http://www.longines.com/watches/longines-evidenza/... must be a decent choice.

[nickjw]

Isn't Longines one of the oldest C1832, if not THE oldest watchmakers ?

I visited a large watch retailer in the Sates who only sold the top end watches (Cartier, Rolex, Omega etc etc). My wife was looking at buying a Cartier but didn't really like their latest offerings. The owner of the store pointed her to Longines. He said, quote, "Longines are for the people who know about watches.".

[sparkyhx]

I think longines does have a very good history, but I think its lost a lot of 'brand image. From a mechanical point of virew I think it lost its way in the quartz era and get the impression they invested heavily bringing out many innovations at the expense of the mechanical brand.

They are certainly not to be sniffed at and they do genuinely have history.

[ylee coyote]

wearing mine right now ...

Its an oposition chronograph(one p) and I love it

I could only afford the Quartz one at the time I bought it , but still looking for the auto titanium version which are pretty rare

I love the timing mech and the look of the watch is quality (IMHO.....)

[glazbagun]

sparkyhx said:

I think longines does have a very good history, but I think its lost a lot of 'brand image. From a mechanical point of virew I think it lost its way in the quartz era and get the impression they invested heavily bringing out many innovations at the expense of the mechanical brand.

They are certainly not to be sniffed at and they do genuinely have history.

I'd go with that. Longines were once one of THE best watchmakers, but these days the Swatch group has positioned them on a par with Hamilton (who were also once mighty) and Oris. Still good value for the money, but I'd take a vintage over a new one if you could live with the styling.

Edited by glazbagun on Friday 19th June 00:12

[P.J.]

I have had a longines conquest vhp for a number of years and am very pleased with it. Did consider a Blue dial Omega Seamaster at the time and glad I did not as they have become a slightly common. Regret not buying a titanium rolex yachtmaster at the time for 3k as this has soared in price.

[GC8]

nickjw said:

Isn't Longines one of the oldest C1832, if not THE oldest watchmakers ?

Girard-Perregaux are 41 years older...

[NJH]

I have to agree, for a fairly broadly available brand they look amazingly good VFM. A company with a very rich heritage that is making a bit of a comeback of late. Good luck to them.

[HereBeMonsters]

lowdrag said:

You certainly don't mention Longines in the same breath as Rolex or Omega for sure. A brand that has its following but the resale value would be pretty low I reckon. Not bad watches, but bought mostly by people who don't really know watches while browsing in a shop I reckon.

That's exactly what I have heard about Rolex and Omega.

[ShadownINja]

You certainly don't hear rappers singing about Longines. Cristal, Rolex and Rovers (of the Range variety) but not Longines. Or TVRs. Or me. Goddammit, I'm cool.

[Guvna]

Bit of a bumpety bump here

I really like the look of this Longines



It costs about £1750 so getting close to Omega or Breitling territory

I love the look of the watch and tried it on the other day. How do you feel Longines compares to Omega and Brietling in terms of public perceptions and re-sale value?