Heirs of a tradition in which style and refinement have been primordial, Les Elégantes de Longines epitomizes the tremendously fruitful period of the Roaring Twenties. The 2008 collection harmonises shapes, proportions, volumes, and mechanism, reinvigorating the splendours of a daring era and making them exceptionally feminine.
Elegant shapes, refined faces… Les Elégantes de Longines owe the finesse of their style to the ever-renewed creativity of the Longines maison in Saint-Imier. The creativity that has characterized this line since its inception has charmed both collectors and connoisseurs.
The 7th and limited edition of Les Elégantes de Longines draws its inspiration from historical Longines models dating from 1917 and 1918. Mining the artistic riches of the early 20th century, the trio of watches revisits the enchanting Art Deco influence of the Roaring Twenties with a charm as dazzling as it is irresistible.
Combining the talents of watchmakers, jewellers, and goldsmiths, the pieces presented this year stand out through the harmonious reinterpretation of their architecture. The three elegant models are available in stylised rectangle, oval, or tonneau shapes, which echo the Art Deco movement and continue Longines’ illustrious history as a pioneer in designing and making specially shaped watches since the 1910s.
Set in 18 carat white gold, the gemstones emphasize the pure lines of the case of each model, with the 0.456 to 0.529 carat twinkling under the sparkling brilliance of 48 to 64 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds. Entirely engraved by hand, flower-shaped designs exquisitely ornament the case, paying homage to the style of the early 20th century. Both the delicate calligraphy of the Arabic numerals and the geometric rigour of the Roman numerals marry naturally with the contours of the luminous rhodium-plated dial. While the blued hands circle around the minute track dial, the immaculate white satin strap with buckle angelically wraps around the wrist like a ribbon.
To complete the charm of the collection, a hand-wound manufactured mechanical movement dating from the 1970s keeps time at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The Longines L805 calibre with its 28-hour power reserve exemplifies the heritage and craftsmanship of the brand.
Each of the three Les Elégantes de Longines models is being released, following tradition, in a limited edition of 20 pieces. Each one encapsulates a chapter of watchmaking history, a history inseparable from that of the Longines maison in Saint-Imier: in taking part in the advent of the wrist watch in 1905 and in embracing the miniaturisation and perfection of the movements, the brand very soon became famous for ladies' jewellery watches that faithfully reflected the female personality and the liberated woman. With Les Elégantes de Longines collection, the Longines maison in Saint-Imier has revived the spirit of Art Deco and has immortalised the very essence of elegance.
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