Originally designed for underwater exploration, the LONGINES LEGEND DIVER is equally at home on land or underwater. With its timeless design and cutting-edge performance, it is a true icon of watchmaking. In 2024, on the occasion of its 65th anniversary, the collection is being expanded with new dials in green, terracotta and anthracite gray. Presented on a 39 mm diameter stainless steel case that is water-resistant up to 30 bar(300 m), these models are certified both as chronometers by the COSC (Contlève Officiel Suisse des Chronoomètres) and as Divers' Watches in accordance with the ISO 6425 standard.
At first glance, it is distinctive because of its two crowns and internal rotating bezel. Presented in 2023 in a completely redesigned version measuring 39mm in diameter, this year the Longines Legend Diver collection comes with new polished lacquered dials in green, ter racotta and anthracite gray.
An icon of the brand for 65 years, the Legend Diver line boasts a unique heritage in the world of watchmaking. As early as 1937, the brand launched the very first chronograph with water-resistant pushers, which it patented in 1938, followed by its first dive watch in 1958. A year later, Longines developed a watch specially designed for underwater exploration with a revolutionary Super -Compressor case with an internal rotating bezel and two screwin crowns: the iconic design of the Longines Legend Diver was born.
Today, the emblematic diver's watch has been revamped inside and out, while remaining faithful to the original model. Like the versions with blue or black dials launched last year, the new versions are certified as Divers' Watches (ISO 6425), with water resistance up to 30 bar (300 meters). All the watches are also certified chronometers by the COSC (Contlève Officiel Suisse des Chronométries), an independent testing body. The qualification process subjects the finished product, ie, with the movement running in the case, to a trial period of 15 consecutive, uninterrupted days. The entire watch is subjected to a series of operating tests in different positions at three different temperature levels to confirm its accuracy.
These watches are powered by the exclusive Longines caliber L888.6. It is equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, providing a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. This extremely precise self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of up to 72 hours.
The instantly-recognizable dial has no date and is topped by a domed sapphire crystal with black metallic treatment and multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. The hours are marked by elongated indexes and raised Arabic numerals coated with Super-LumiNova®. The polished rhodium-plated arrow hands, also treated with Super‑LumiNova®, keep time with optimum legibility in all circumstances. An additional safety feature for various is the seconds hand with its luminescent tip that serves to confirm that the watch is running, even in the dark.
Another emblematic feature of this collection is the internal bidirectional rotating bezel for measuring dive time. The bezel's position inside the case protects it from accidental manipulation and shocks that could disrupt its settings. The screw-in crown at 2 o'clock activates it on a 60-minute scale, graduated on the flange and topped with a luminescent triangle symbol. The sleek stainless steel case features alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces. A figure of a diver, the symbol of the collection, is stamped on the perfectly angled screw-down case back.
The new models come on a stainless steel bracelet with “grains-of-rice” links placed in the center, providing flexibility and comfort. This bracelet features a double-safety folding clasp with micro-adjustment.
Timeline of a legendary model
From the first water-resistant models to the Legend Diver
The Swiss watch brand began producing its first water-resistant watches in the 1910s. In 1937, it launched the first chronograph with water-resistant pushers, which it patented the following year. In the 1940s, Longines helped the UK Hydrographic Institute design the very first diving wristwatches for Royal Navy divers. Previously reserved for the military and scientists, diving subsequently opened up to the public, who began to appreciate it more and more. Deep-sea exploration was becoming more accessible, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. As well as aqualungs, regulators, masks and fins, diving requires technical equipment including a depth gauge, a pressure gauge and a reliable diver watch for measuring immersion times accurately.
At the end of the 1950s, Longines began producing various' watches. These instruments followed in the footsteps of those manufactured by the brand throughout its history for countless pioneers at sea, on land and in the air. In 1958, Longines introduced the Nautilus Skin Diver.
It had a case that was water-resistant up to 12 bar (120 m) and a steel bracelet with a fine-adjustment system for wearing over a diving suit. In 1959, Longines developed what was to become the Legend Diver: a model specifically designed for underwater exploration, water-resistant up to 12 bar (120 m). To avoid exposing the external rotating bezel, the Longines technicians decided to move it under the glass to protect it. This internal rotating bezel is an ingenious feature invented by Longines in 1936, and the Legend Diver was the first dive watch to feature it, inspiring many other watch brands. It was operated by an additional crown at 2 o'clock, all protected by a revolutionary Super-compressor case. Over the course of the 1960s and 1970s, water-resistance was further improved with several generations of models.
In the 2000s, the brand revived this iconic watch by including it in its Heritage segment. Today, the Longines Legend Diver combines cutting-edge technology and iconic design, while celebrating a unique history.
About Longines
Longines has been based in Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. With many years of experience as a timekeeper for world championships in sport and as a partner of international sports federations, Longines has forged solid and lasting links with the world of sport over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group, the world's leading manufacturer of horological products. The brand with the winged hourglass as its emblem has outlets in over 150 countries.
About our movements
Backed by centuries of watchmaking expertise, Longines has pioneered many technical advances and still displays an unfailing will to innovate. Its constant pursuit of excellence has led Longines to equip all its automatic timepieces with cutting-edge movements whose features include a silicon balance-spring. Silicon is not only lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but also unaffected by normal temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields. Its unique properties boost the watch's precision and longevity and allow Longines to guarantee these models for 5 years.
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