Watches would have never made the jump to our wrists were it not for World War I. A watch in your pocket wasn’t exactly the easiest way to check the time when you essentially needed both hands on your weapon. Thus the wristwatch provided a practical solution at the time for being strappable to the wrist with bits of leather. It was a brainwave that caught on, as wristwatches quickly replaced pocketwatches after the war.
Longines set the benchmark for military timepieces in the ’40s with the original Longines Heritage Military COSD. A powerful yet sober statement of precision, the watch complied with the requirements imposed back in the day for a soldier’s watch – a legible 24-hour counter that contrasted with the 12-hour numerals as well as simple and solid construction for the cases.
Originally designed for British paratroopers, the new Longines Heritage Military COSD uses a military green NATO strap, a fail-safe and functional way to secure the watch. The strap has seen a recent return to the wrists of watch lovers, due to the casual fashion factor as well as the relative ease of swapping out the strap for different colours. The original Longines Heritage Military COSD may have seen use on British paratroopers but the updated and new version is perhaps, better suited for the British dandy.
The watch is available in two variants – one with an opaline dial (opposite page) and one in a matte black dial – the Longines Heritage Military COSD has the aesthetics of vintage military watches combined with modern horology on the inside. The opaline dial variant sees a chapter-ring with black arabic numerals and a contrasting red 24-hour scale while the matte black dial sees white arabic numerals instead. The hands of the opaline dialled timepiece use blued steel instead of the rhodium-plated ones on the matte black dial. The railway-track minute ring around the face of the watches further emphasises the military aesthetic of the watch.
Longines has fitted the timepiece with the self-winding l619.2 calibre that boasts a great 42 hours of power reserve to see you through most weekends and is based on the ever-reliable ETA 2892/A2 movement.
At a contemporary size of 40mm, the watch is perfect for daily use thanks to its masculine and rugged looks.
Longines boutiques can be found at Marina Square and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands