The 2018 Skin Diver has been ever so gently updated by Longines, who have refrained from the use of modern watchmaking materials or technologies.
Rather than using ceramic or DLC, simple PVD coated Stainless steel replaces the original Bakelite bezel.
The diver’s bezel does retain the same pronounced serrated-edge as per the 50s Nautilus and the crown too boasts old school cross-hatching.
The purists might not like this, but the modern Skin Diver gets a modern size with a generous 42mm diameter.
There isn’t much to distinguish the dials of either of the Skin Divers, safe for the fact the vintage model shows obvious signs of deterioration owing to its age.
Once again Longines have resisted the temptation to fade the dial for a more vintage aesthetic but they have given it a nice texturized finish. SLN has also been used in an Old Radium color.
The 2018 Skin Diver has a proper 300 meters of water-resistance, a multi-layered AR-treated Sapphire crystal and screw-down crown.
It also has a screw-down case-back which features the same skin diver motif with diver equipped with spear with the words ‘’ The Longines Skin Diver Watch’’.
Powering the Heritage Skin Diver is a Longines Caliber 619/888 with 28,000 vph and 64hrs of power-reserve.
The Heritage Skin Diver has a more than fair MSRP of circa 2775USD. It is available with three different looks. Ref. L2.822.4.45.2 comes on a vintage style brown leather strap.
Ref. L2.822.4.45.6 comes on a Stainless steel Milanese shark mesh bracelet while Ref. L2.822.4.45.9 is equipped with an old school tropic-style rubber diver’s strap.
So what do you think; should Longines have perhaps used ceramic or DLC for the bezel; was 42mm the correct size choice, would you buy one???
Good post, the pictures of original vs reissue are excellent.
ReplyDeleteI am finding this watch very hard to find to try on. Local dealers and Longines boutique in Manila have not received this watch yet. I will look in Australia next month.
I have the Legend Diver and think the size is fine on me, 7.5 Inch wrist, and dont think the 42mm will be an issue even with the long lugs.
Best of luck getting yours! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Lex:) I would say for that price, they should definitely go for DLC. I have a Nethuns watch which has a all ceramic bezel. Honestly it's hard to tell the difference in appearance to SS. It does however make a small difference in weight. Perhaps PVD is thought to show more wear over time? To go more with the vintage feel? I like the watch overall, a lot in fact. Just feel the price range is bit proud.
ReplyDeleteCheers, for the feedback. I agree, PVD would certainly give the watch a more vintage vibe as it eventually wears off over time. I like the look of the Nethuns. Cheers! :)
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