Longines has made watches in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832, and today it offers some of the best value in Swiss watchmaking: automatic movements with long power reserves, sapphire crystals and serious history, at prices well below the big luxury names. We have 2,147 Longines watches in stock, from $610.
By the numbers: Switzerland exported CHF 25.9 billion of watches in 2024, 2.8% less than in 2023, in 15.3 million pieces (9.4% fewer), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (swissinfo.ch, 30 January 2025).
The main lines
| Line | What it is | In our stock |
|---|---|---|
| Master Collection | Classic dress watches, many with moonphase, calendar or chronograph | 193 from $1,145 |
| HydroConquest | The dive watch: 300 m, ceramic bezel | 215 from $860 |
| Spirit | Pilot-inspired, chronometer-certified; includes the Zulu Time GMT | 187 from $1,485 |
| Conquest | The everyday sport watch on a bracelet | 267 from $615 |
Longines also makes the rectangular DolceVita, the Heritage collection of re-editions (such as the Legend Diver), and the slim La Grande Classique.
Master Collection: the dress watch
If you want one elegant watch with a leather strap or a fine bracelet, start here. The moonphase and annual calendar versions give you complications that cost several times more elsewhere. Sizes run from the mid-30s to 42 mm.
HydroConquest: the diver
A full-specification dive watch: 300 m of water resistance, screw-down crown, ceramic bezel insert, and a clasp with a diver's extension. In 39, 41 and 43 mm, and in blue, black, green and grey. It is the natural alternative to a Tudor Black Bay at a lower price.
Spirit: the pilot's watch
The Spirit is the line enthusiasts respect most. Every Spirit is a COSC-certified chronometer. The Zulu Time adds a "true" GMT function, where the local hour hand jumps in one-hour steps, with about 72 hours of power reserve. See how it compares in our guide to the best GMT watches.
Conquest: the all-rounder
The Conquest is Longines's steel sport watch for daily wear, redesigned in 2023 with a cleaner dial. If you want one watch for the office and the weekend, this is it.
Movements
Longines belongs to the Swatch Group and uses movements made for it by ETA, such as the L888 with about 72 hours of power reserve and, on newer models, a silicon balance spring that resists magnetism. They are accurate, robust and inexpensive to service.
What to check when buying
- Automatic or quartz: both exist in most lines. The listing states which.
- Size: many models come in two or three sizes; a 39 mm and a 43 mm HydroConquest wear very differently. See how to choose your watch size.
- Bracelet or strap: bracelets are harder to add later, so buy the bracelet version if you want both.
Shop all Longines watches.
Frequently asked questions
Is Longines a good watch brand?
Yes. It is one of the oldest Swiss brands, with well-made automatic movements and sapphire crystals at moderate prices.
Is Longines a luxury brand?
It is an entry-level luxury brand: above Tissot and Hamilton, below Omega, within the same group.
Is the HydroConquest a real dive watch?
Yes. It is water resistant to 300 m with a screw-down crown and a unidirectional bezel.
Do Longines watches hold their value?
They lose value when bought new, as most watches at this price do, so unworn and pre-owned examples are good value. The Spirit Zulu Time and heritage models hold up best.
