Hands-on review of the new Longines Legened Diver 39mm presented in 2023 with a lot of exclusive pictures. Price and tech specs
Paying homage to the iconic Super-Compressor from 1959, the Legend Diver quickly captivated enthusiasts with its timeless design and robust functionality.
Expanding upon the success of the 42 mm and 36 mm models, Longines has now unveiled the latest addition to the Legend Diver family: a new 39 mm variant.
But the new Legend Diver 39 mm does not merely bring a new case size to the range; rather, it represents a comprehensive makeover, of course, in the Longines way – embracing innovation while preserving heritage.
In fact, the new Legend Diver 39 mm marks an even more faithful return to the essence of the original 1959 model, ref. 7042, from which it draws its inspiration.
The original reference 7042 from 1959
At launch, Longines presented two versions of this model - with a black or blue dial - that we had the pleasure of testing and wearing for a few days. We are now delighted to share our pictures and impressions.
Offering water-resistance up to 30 bar (300 metres / 990 feet), the 39 mm x 12.70 mm stainless steel case is strongly characterised by the presence of its two screw-down crowns, which are hallmarks of the Legend Diver.
The crown at 4 o'clock can be used, after unscrewing, to wind the watch or set the time.
The second crown at 2 o'clock activates the internal bidirectional rotating bezel that makes it possible to measure dive time safely and effectively.
Since the crown must be unscrewed to operate any change, the bezel's position is protected from handling and accidental shocks that could disrupt its settings.
Its classic lines are well highlighted by the alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.
With its compact size and ergonomic profile, the new Legend Diver offers excellent wearability for most wrists, whether you opt for the strap or the bracelet (the wrist in our pictures measures 17.7 cm / 7 in).
The slim polished bezel leaves ample space to the dial, protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal enhancing the vintage look of the watch. A multi-layer anti-reflective coating is applied on both sides.
Available in black or blue lacquer, the dial has no date, a detail that most purists will appreciate.
The internal bidirectional rotating bezel, featuring a graduated 60-minute scale is located on the case flange and is capped at 12 o'clock with a luminescent triangle symbol.
The elongated indexes marking the hours are interspersed with Super-LumiNova squares while the raised Arabic numerals are accentuated by luminescent rectangles.
Finally, the new rhodium-plated and polished arrow-hands are also coated with Super-LumiNova, thus ensuring excellent readability of all the indications even in poor light conditions or underwater.
Featuring a silicon balance spring and operating at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour), the self-winding Calibre L888.6 is discreetly housed beneath the precisely angled screw-down case back, adorned with a diver, the symbol of the collection. The power reserve is 72 hours.
Silicon is impervious to magnetic attraction as well as highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Lighter and harder than steel, it reduces inertia and requires no lubricant.
The entire watch is chronometer-certified by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), an independent control body. During the certification process, the watch head, with the movement running in the case, is tested for 15 consecutive, uninterrupted days in different positions at three temperature levels to guarantee its precision.
In line with ISO 6425 certification for a diver's watch, the Legend Diver is also extremely resistant to shocks, magnetic fields, temperature fluctuations, condensation and corrosion.
For our review, we paired the black dial version with a comfortable leather strap secured to the wrist by a stainless steel pin buckle decorated with the winged hourglass symbol. The blue dial variant was matched with a brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet featuring a double-safety folding clasp. The lug width is 20 mm.
The following references are available:
- Ref. L3.764.4.50.0 Black dial, stainless steel bracelet - Euro 3,600 / US$ 3,200
- Ref. L3.764.4.50.6 Black dial, brown leather strap - Euro 3,600 / US$ 3,200
- Ref. L3.764.4.90.2 Blue dial, blue NATO strap - Euro 3,350 / US$ 3,000
- Ref. L3.764.4.90.6 Blue dial, stainless steel bracelet - Euro 3,600 / US$ 3,200
The new Legend Diver 39 mm seamlessly blends the charm of the past with the demands of contemporary watchmaking, making it a great addition to the Longines range. Its timeless design, ideal size, and steadfast reliability will certainly strengthen the success of this iconic model. longines.com
This is an amazing Longines. Perosnally, I would go with the black on a bracelet. I will try them soon.
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