The Legend Diver has been a staple part of the Longines catalogue since its release in 2007 paying homage to the original 1959 reference 7042 famous for its super compressor case. Since then the watch has for the most part stayed strikingly sympathetic to the original until 2023 when Longines updated the design. This included a new beads-of-rice bracelet, updated crowns more sympathetic to the original, an upgraded movement with 72 hours of reserve and COSC certification, and a suite of more contemporary colours for the dial. This new size made the design icon much more approachable in terms of size.
Longines has now released the new ‘Legend Diver 59’ returning to the 42mm diameter of the original. This new version favours a Milanese bracelet with a revised clasp integrating a push button micro adjustment underneath. In addition it comes in a presentation box along with a tropic rubber strap with a pin buckle closure, and a Longines spring bar tool.
Inside the same COSC certified L888.6 movement powers the watch bringing with it 72 hours (3 days) of power reserve. with its 300m water resistance, it has also undergone the full ISO 6425 Certification meaning that each watch is tested to 125% of its claimed depth.
We’re big fans of the Legend Diver having spent considerable time with the original 2007 no-date release as well as the no-date bronze that was released in November 2020. This new iteration combines the 42mm design proportions and updated crowns that are sympathetic to the original along with a COSC 72 hour updated movement. In our eyes this is the best of both worlds delivering an incredibly sympathetic aesthetic to the original in a watch that will stand up to modern lifestyle.
The New Legend Diver 59 is available now from Longines for £3550
Find out more at www.longines.com
