Longines Watches Review: Truly Affordable Luxury Timepieces?

Whether you want a sporty or dressier watch, Longines basically has you covered in the $500 to $5,000 range.

I always bring this up whenever I get the chance to speak on podcasts: people generally see Longines as a classy brand that really shined in the US from the 1930s to the 1950s. 

While it was eventually overtaken in popularity by Omega and Rolex, Longines still carries a lot of respect due to its strong history.

That’s why Longines is often a favorite among older generations. At MyGiftStop, we frequently see people picking Longines watches as retirement gifts.

Whether you're an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, this guide will help you decide if Longines is the right brand for you and if their watches truly live up to their reputation.

One lovable thing about buying a watch from the Longines brand is that there’s numerous options to meet the various tastes of watch lovers.  

In the rest of this guide, we’ll narrowly look into the collections of this Swiss brand, their price ranges, and pros and cons. 

First things first; what’s the Longines watch reputation like?

Longines has been in the watchmaking business for around two centuries (started in 1832) 

Over the years, Longines has hit some pretty impressive milestones. In 1878, it introduced its first chronograph movement, which changed the way we kept time in sports.  

• The brand also played a key role in aviation, designing pilot watches that became essential tools for early aviators. 

• These innovations not only showed off Longines’ technical expertise but also earned it a reputation as a brand always ahead of the curve.

Today, Longines is part of the Swatch Group, one of the biggest watchmaking companies in the world.  

This partnership helps Longines maintain its high-quality standards while benefiting from shared resources.  

Currently, they remain on the lips of many watch enthusiasts, especially because many of their collections appeal to both traditional lovers and modern collectors… and don't cost a fortune as many other luxury watches would. 

Longines has up to 15 different production lines. However, we focus on some of the popular ones.  

Collections like Master, Hydroconquest, Conquest VHP, Spirit, and even Presence have etched Longines in the watch legend map. Let’s look at these collections in more detail. 

Alt: Longines Master Chronograph Watch with Brown Leather Strap  

The Longines Master Collection is perfect for anyone who loves a classic, elegant design but also wants modern features.  

Some standout models include the Master Moonphase, which adds a touch of charm with its moon phase display, and the Master Chronograph, a great pick if you like a sporty edge with a polished look.  

There’s also the Master Power Reserve, which shows how much energy is left in the watch. 

Prices range from $1,500 to $4,500, making these watches a solid choice for affordable luxury. 

They hold their own against big names like Tag Heuer Carrera, Omega De Ville, and Tissot Le Locle.

Alt: Longines HydroConquest Watch 

The HydroConquest is the ultimate sporty watch in the Longines lineup. Its deep-green stainless-steel design takes inspiration from iconic dive watches like the Rolex Submariner but offers it at a fraction of the price (around $1,400). 

With a durable rubber strap and impressive performance, this high-quality timepiece is built to handle anything from underwater adventures to rough terrain.  

This is why many people like this collection as a reliable companion for any activity.

Alt: Longines Conquest V.H.P. Date Display with Black Rubber Strap 

The Longines Conquest collection stands out for its blend of elegance, sportiness, and reliability.  

These watches are designed for those who love an active lifestyle but want a stylish, versatile timepiece. They feature durable materials, water resistance (up to 300 m in some models), and precision movements. 

The collection includes models like the Conquest V.H.P. (Very High Precision), Conquest Classic, and Conquest Sport. Prices typically range from $500 to $2,500, making it accessible within the luxury watch market.

Alt: Longines Men's Flagship Automatic Watch L47744276 

The Longines Flagship collection is also popular, ideal for those who appreciate traditional, sophisticated style. 

Examples of models include the Longines Flagship Automatic, Flagship Heritage, and Flagship Power Reserve. The price range for these watches typically starts from around $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the model and features. 

In terms of luxury, the Flagship collection compares to other premium watches like the Omega De Ville or the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control. 

SOME ELEGANT LONGINES WATCH MODELS INCLUDE: 

• Longines La Grande Classique

• Longines Presence

• Longines Primaluna

• Longines Elegant

• Longines Record

Other collections like Heritage, DolceVita, Equestrian, Symphonette, and Evidenza also make waves and meet the needs of various watch lovers in the market. 

When you consider the material used in creating its various models, quality control, and price, the unique selling point of Longines watches becomes obvious.  

Longines uses high-grade stainless steel for its watch cases, ensuring that the watches are durable and stylish. For their more luxurious models, Longines incorporates 18k gold. 

They also use sapphire crystal for the faces, which resists scratches and keeps the watches looking good for years.  

Each piece complements the watch's design and purpose, whether a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet. 

Also, each watch is tested for water resistance, movement accuracy, and durability to ensure that it's beautiful and built to last and perform flawlessly.

Longines watches cost between $500 and $5,000, depending on the model. 

For example, models like the 43mm Conquest or the men's 41mm and 39mm HydroConquest Quartz are great picks, with the HydroConquest costing about $200 more than the Conquest.  

These models use quartz movements powered by batteries, which helps keep costs down—unlike other higher luxury brands that don’t make quartz watches. 

On the higher end, Longines also offers mechanical watches for those looking for something more traditional. 

Meanwhile, their vintage models, like the Art Deco designs or the iconic 13ZN chronographs, can fetch five-figure prices at auctions due to their rarity and historical significance.

Some watch experts might say it doesn’t really matter. If you look closely at Longines’ official website descriptions, you’ll see they often mention that their watches can be unisex, even though some are promoted more toward women than men.

In the end, it’s all about the design and size. If it fits you well and you love how it looks, then it’s made for you. 

For instance, the 36mm model is clearly aimed at women and is marketed as a ladies' watch. But that doesn’t mean guys with smaller wrists can’t enjoy it, too. 

On the other hand, the 42mm version is much bigger and designed with men in mind, thanks to its larger dimensions.

So, what are the best Longines watches for men?

The top choice has to be from the Longines Master Collection. It is a timeless favorite for men who appreciate elegance and craftsmanship. 

For the adventurous, the HydroConquest is a standout dive watch. It combines bold, sporty aesthetics with exceptional water resistance, making it perfect for both underwater exploration and casual wear.

You can also consider the Conquest V.H.P. It appeals to men who value technology. This quartz watch offers unmatched accuracy and modern styling. 

Longines models from the DolceVita collection exude sophistication with their rectangular cases and graceful designs, offering luxury for any occasion.  

For women who prefer a bolder, contemporary style, the Symphonette collection stands out with its unique oval-shaped cases and intricate detailing.  

It’s perfect for those who want a watch that’s both functional and fashionable.  

Meanwhile, the Elegant Collection lives up to its name with its slim profiles and classic dials. It’s a great choice if you’re a woman that appreciates timeless simplicity.

Before buying a Longines watch, no matter the model, take note of these pros and cons: 

PROS 

• Longines watches are known for their accuracy, especially the quartz models like the Conquest V.H.P. 41mm.

• They are relatively affordable

• There’s a wide variety of models to choose from.

• Longines offers watches in many different case shapes, giving you more options.

• They have a selection of special and limited-edition watches.

• The brand provides quartz models, which are more accurate and require less maintenance than mechanical watches.

CONS 

• They don’t make as many super-expensive models (if that’s what you’re after).

Longines is an excellent brand that offers superb value for money.  

Ever since I got my HydroConquest, I’ve worn it almost daily for a year. I also own a few watches from Seiko, Tissot, and Hamilton, but none of them come close to Longines in terms of movement accuracy, finishing, and how comfortable it feels on the wrist.  

Of course, Longines isn’t positioned as a more luxurious brand than Omega—that’s just how the Swatch Group wants it. 

This ties back to my original point: whether you’re looking for a sporty or elegant watch, Longines offers fantastic options in the $500 to $6,000 range. 

Meanwhile, it’s always safer to buy Longines watches from an authorized dealer. You can find a wide range of original Longines watch collections on MyGiftStop. 

Longines offers high-quality watches with excellent craftsmanship, but they are more affordable than Rolex or Omega. Longines is an excellent choice for a luxury feel without the hefty price tag.

To get the best prices on Longines watches, check authorized retailers such as MyGiftStop, especially during seasonal sales, where we offer discounts on orders. 

The Longines HydroConquest and Master Collections are among the most popular choices, loved for their sporty design and water resistance. 

Yes, Longines is a luxury watch brand, but it sits in the more affordable segment of luxury watches. It doesn’t have the price of ultra-premium brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe.

Yes, Longines watches are perfect for everyday wear. Collections like the Conquest and Spirit are great for casual and active lifestyles.

With proper care and maintenance, Longines watches can last for decades, if not a lifetime. Regular servicing every 4-5 years ensures their longevity and keeps them running accurately.