Longines Legend Diver 59: In-Depth Review

Before diving into the review of the new Longines Legend Diver 59 model, it's important to recall the key task of watchmaking that has remained relevant for over a century:

the creation of wristwatches capable of resisting water penetration while remaining a reliable tool in extreme conditions that typically destroy ordinary mechanisms. Longines has been actively involved in addressing this challenge since the 1910s. Over time, the brand has refined water resistance technologies, collaborating, for example, with the British Hydrographic Institute to develop the first specialized diver's watches for the British Navy.

In 1959, Longines introduced a model that later became legendary - the Legend Diver. These watches were specifically designed for underwater exploration and featured a revolutionary Super-Compressor case and an internal rotating diver's bezel protected under sapphire glass. The system was based on a development by Longines technical specialists from 1936. Today, after decades of technical innovations, the Longines Legend Diver returns, combining advanced technologies with the brand's classic design.

Case

At first glance, the Longines Legend Diver 59 may seem like an ordinary stainless steel diver's watch with a vintage design, but its understated appearance should not be misleading. Unlike modern models with enlarged sizes optimized for office wear, the new version of the Legend Diver is a serious tool styled under the brand's heritage. The main feature of the case is the internal bidirectional rotating bezel, controlled by the upper screw-down crown. This not only protects the bezel from accidental rotation during dives but also visually reduces the watch's size as the bezel is placed inside the dial under the glass.

The case diameter is 42 mm, with a thickness of 12.85 mm, which is fairly large by modern standards but justified by its functionality. The case is designed in the style of the classic Super-Compressor watches from the 60s-70s, which were innovative at the time. Today, Longines uses more modern methods to ensure water resistance, and although the technical water resistance of the Legend Diver 59 is rated at 300 meters, the method of achieving it is what's important. The case thickness includes a convex sapphire crystal, making the watch comfortable on the wrist and not feeling bulky.

The model is certified according to the ISO 6425 standard as professional diver's watches. For most users, these numbers and abbreviations may seem insignificant, but upon closer study, it becomes clear that the Legend Diver meets stringent requirements. To obtain the ISO 6425 certificate, the watch must have a water resistance of at least 100 meters, a unidirectional timing device, be readable at 25 m light in the dark, and pass many other tests that are now taken for granted.

To confirm water resistance, the watch undergoes tests at a depth 25% greater than declared, meaning the Legend Diver is tested at 375 meters. Additionally, the watch is subjected to sharp temperature changes - immersion in water at 40°C, then 5°C, and back to 40°C to verify resistance to thermal shock. Rigorous tests for shock resistance, magnetic influence, condensation, static pressure, and checks of accuracy, function operation, and bezel during full immersion for about 50 hours are also conducted. Thus, the Legend Diver 59 significantly surpasses ordinary diver's watches in terms of reliability.

Dial

The feature of the internal rotating bezel lies in its harmonious integration with the dial, unlike most diver models where the bezel is located on top of the case. This is achieved through the same black grained surface texture, giving the dial a pronounced vintage character. The dial layout has hardly changed since the original Super-Compressor model was released in 1959 and subsequent Legend Diver versions.

The main focus is on maximum readability - there are no applied hour markers or unnecessary details. Everything not required to meet ISO standards is absent. The dial features a combination of white and yellow Super-LumiNova markings, glowing green and blue in the dark, ensuring excellent visibility and compliance with professional diving requirements. Overall, the dial design successfully combines modern style with respect for traditions, including retro-style fonts for the "Automatic" inscription and the Longines logo.

Movement

Under the engraved, screw-down stainless steel case back lies the Longines L888.6 automatic movement, based on ETA and exclusive to the brand. This is a relatively simple three-hand caliber, which, like the case, meets strict requirements for accuracy and reliability. The movement is COSC-certified and exceeds the ISO 764 standard for anti-magnetic properties by 10 times thanks to the silicon balance spring. The model is ideal for everyday use, with a power reserve of 72 hours and a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz).

Strap

Over the years, the Legend Diver has been released in various versions with different straps and bracelets. The new Legend Diver 59 version emphasizes the vintage style and is inspired by the currently popular bracelet. The watch comes with a Milanese stainless steel bracelet with a double folding safety clasp and a micro-adjustment system, which is rare for Milanese bracelets. The set also includes a black rubber strap with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, suitable for a more casual and active style.

Final Assessment

Many articles have been written about diver's watches over the years, and often water resistance is perceived merely as a number on the dial. Many believe that the 200-meter mark guarantees complete water resistance, but in practice, this is not always the case. Many models receive water resistance only based on case tests or are considered divers merely due to the presence of a rotating bezel. Certifications like ISO 6425 are very difficult to obtain - they require a high level of design, development, testing, and engineering thought. That's why having such a certificate for the Legend Diver 59 is significant.

These watches have a rich history of professional diving, and the ISO 6425 certificate confirms that by definition, they are professional diver's watches capable of withstanding the toughest tests. Besides functionality, the Legend Diver 59 has an expressive vintage style and understated elegance. Its diver's bezel does not shout its purpose, which attracts classic watch enthusiasts. Moreover, the model's price is favorably positioned against competitors, making it an attractive choice.

Price and Availability of Longines Legend Diver 59

The Longines Legend Diver 59 is already available in Longines boutiques and from official retailers.