There is something about field watches. Perhaps it’s the rugged quality inherent to its construction, which reminds us of a time when men could be counted on to be individuals of daring and action. Or maybe it’s how the designs of these watches were informed by a form-follows-function philosophy. Whatever the reason, field watches have long been popular. And we’ve no doubt Longines’ new Heritage Military 1938 would be too.
A limited-edition manual-winding timepiece
Longines’ latest field watch has a production limit of only 1,938 numbered pieces. The hand-wound Calibre L507, based on the ETA 6498/1, powers the watch. At 18,000 vibrations per hour, Calibre L507 recalls vintage field watches that beat at lower frequencies compared to contemporary movements. Its 46-hour power reserve is another vintage slant, along with a small seconds hand that’s period-correct to boot.
A matte black dial with contrasting cream-coloured Arabic numeral indices sits within a 43-millimetre steel case. The Super-Luminova coated hands and indices also promote legibility under low-light conditions.
No frills, just the essentials
True to its field watch design, the Longines Heritage Military 1938 indicates just the time, without superfluous complications to clutter the dial. The brand signature, deliberately sized to prevent unnecessary distraction, takes a backseat to the generously proportioned numerals.
Other vintage-flavoured appointments include an anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal (instead of the acrylic typical of that era), a bevelled bezel, baton hands, a railway track chapter ring, and a “sea urchin-shaped” crown. The no-frills patinated charcoal grey leather strap completes the visual presentation of the Longines Heritage Military 1938. The timepiece also includes a second cognac-coloured NATO-style leather strap as a tasteful alternative.
Another Modern classic
The Heritage Military 1938 joins the ranks of other notable Longines models like the Legend Diver and the Heritage Classic. It’s the latest proof of the brand’s commitment to offering contemporary takes on important archival designs for the modern audience, and yet another clear demonstration of its rich heritage.