Longines Legend Diver Review: Still The Best Vintage Dive Watch after 13 Years?

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Күн бұрын

In this video, I present a review of the Longines Legend Diver - a real veteran of the Longines catalogue. This Swiss-made super-compressor dive watch was one of the very first vintage-inspired watches on the market in 2007 and remains a popular choice. Today, I show you how it has changed over the years and whether it remains the stunning, exquisitely made watch which it once was.
*Correction : The L888 movement is based on the ETA 2892-2, not the ETA 2824-2.
Tell me what you think of this watch in the comment section below
#longines #longineslegenddiver #longinesavigationbigeye #watchchronicler
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Music:
Blue Danube (by Strauss) by Strauss
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Music provided by FreeMusic109 / freemusic109

Пікірлер: 118

@nachovalenti 4 жыл бұрын

Longines is one of my favourites watches brand. The case back are always beautiful. Thanks Armand and be safe.

@ArmandTheWatchGuy 4 жыл бұрын

+ Nacho Valenti: You're quite right: the caseback is stunning. I think that a nice caseback is an underrated thing in this industry and complicating it isn't always the answer.

@sergiogodoym4 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic piece! Thanks for this great review!

@rodsalvador3608 4 жыл бұрын

My god. I just started my collection with a Seiko 5 and a Mercer. Look forward to saving up for this beauty....

@trevorodonnell9365 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Armand another great watch review as always. Love this watch... And Longines, really considering the purchase... You may have persuaded me✌

@clo2715 4 жыл бұрын

I just got mine 2 months ago and I love it. Wear it on nato daily and if I need to dress it up I put the milanese bracelet back on. It's running +1 seconds a day.

@iainsutherland1113 4 жыл бұрын

I have to admit, I collect watches based on aesthetics, that’s what most important for me. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate a great movement but it’s not the be all and end all. With that in mind this watch was a no brainer, it’s absolutely beautiful and as our reviewer says, the quality is incredible at this price point. I do prefer the no date version but I’m not willing to pay over the odds for one. This has probably been my most worn watch for a while now, it a daily wear. There’s not many watches around that look so good on so many different straps. As far as it being a dive watch, mine has never been wet since I got it !

@ed4517 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. Cracking watch this. Had to get my Bigeye first. This one is next

@rockyescape8989 4 жыл бұрын

I am very fortunate to own both. They're both cracking watches. I also own the 1967 Longines diver. These holy trio are likely to stay forever in my collection.

@FirestormAA 4 жыл бұрын

I own this I dare say for it price,,, I couldn't this of other timepiece can come close in term of it build, feel & finishing. Live the weight it wear or my wrist. I own rolex & omega I hv compared the finishing with them. Really is seriously as good. I so happy that I able to grab hold one & I truly live it!!!!! Awesome review.

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

Nice Alvin .Congrats on owning a sweet watch, and what sounds like a sweet collection. Longines Quality is def up there with Omega but Swatch keeps them at the price point they are at because they have Omega. The quality is better than its price point. Not that they are cheap but they are cheaper than Omega. If Omega wasnt there I think that Longines would be competing with Rolex

@wimviaene4153 2 жыл бұрын

i love my Legend diver, one of my favourite pieces, along with my Seamaster 300 bleu wave dial

@feehan84 4 жыл бұрын

I got the 36mm version on the milanese. It’s incredible, so much so that I’ve sold nearly all my other watches (I can’t stand having watches that don’t get wrist time).

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

Bought this after trying on the BB58. Unimpressed by the latter, I bought the former without hesitation.

@EnochtWong 3 жыл бұрын

There is a clear misalignment of the dial markers with the bezel markers. The green triangle is clearly centered 6:24 I have this watch in the 36mm variation and it has the same problem. And in case anyone thinks its the glass distortion, its not. The misalignment is unfortunately still there when I'm looking straight down onto the dial. Then there's the crowns that are not quite at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. Sloppy work for a watch at this price point 😪 I still love it though 😅

@francsailex 3 жыл бұрын

I bought this around 2010 without the date, and I still love it. The strap that came with it didn't last too long, but it looked better with a Nato strap anyway. The bezel is misaligned on mine as well.

@muemue888 10 ай бұрын

same here. i wore mine till the strap broke off, that's how much i love this watch; despite the long lugs.

@javierperez5937 4 жыл бұрын

I bought mine just a month ago; this Watch give you an a high horology experience. It’s great for a suit, also with casual clothes. Amazing!

@stu632 4 жыл бұрын

It's lovely and I have one but it is nowhere near haute horology :)

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

@@silverghost4206 I own this, I love it. I can tell you that it is nowhere near haute horology in terms of build, quality and finish. Nowhere near.

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

@@silverghost4206 what do you mean “my opinion”? Haute horology is a clear term with an objective definition. Haute is haute - we can find some understandable disagreement at the higher level brands, and we could play the game where everything is subjective, but at the end of the day in a hobby where watches can go up to tens of thousands and significantly more, and start being considered luxury (and entry-level at that!) at approximately the 5k mark, a 2k watch is most definitely not haute horology. Perhaps you mistakenly believe that there is no correlation between price and haute horology, but then you’d obviously be wrong: it would be naive to think that anyone producing a watch which has the makings of haute horology, usually selling at high prices (and making use of precious materials and fine craftsmanship which is just as costly) would then sell you the watch for less than a Rolex.

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

And especially not a brand like Longines with history and heritage! There are independent watch makers that sell pieces for extremely high prices... and Longines would sell a piece of haute horology for only 2k... why exactly?

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

And in any case the piece in question is clearly a tool watch, since it is a diver after all.

@markusf6964 4 жыл бұрын

Great Video. The LLD was one of the first ones. I would argue that the Seiko SRP777 is a great reissue of a vintage diver (Seiko 6309). In my opinion the best modern version of a vintage diver is the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Coaxial. It modernizes the CK2918 and makes it a real dive watch with a usable bezel, lumed hands, interesting dial and a Master Coaxial movement.

@ArmandTheWatchGuy 4 жыл бұрын

+ Markus F: I couldn't agree more. The SRP777 is a lovely piece but what I like most is that it isn't trying too hard. It's just reusing a brilliant design rather than trying to make a 'vintage' point of it. The Seamaster is brilliant too and might just be the cleanest design from Omega in recent years. Even so, I reckon that the aged lume and lack of date made it less appealing to average buyers than to enthusiasts.

@JimIBobIJones 2 жыл бұрын

The SRP777 is a bit of a botch IMHO. The dial is too loud, modern and really clashes with the aesthetics of the "Captain Willard", and doesn't look or feel like a vintage diver at all IMHO. The Limited edition (SLA033) and "unlimited" Prospex Reissues of the Willard are much nicer. The Prospex version is also incredibly overpriced for a 6R Seiko movement watch - especially when you consider all of the microbrand "Homages" to the Willard with Seiko movements. The SLA033 is much more expensive, but justifies its price given that it is built to "marinemaster" specs and comes with the 8L movement (which is a less decorated grand seiko movement) and marinemaster level of build quality. Shame its as rare as hens teeth.

@RichardsModellingAdventures 4 жыл бұрын

I love this watch. If I hadn't already picked up a new Omega Seamaster this watch would have been high on my choice for a dive watch. Longines could well have been my one brand of choice for a 3 watch collection to the point where I almost regret going down the Omega route.

@user-rm2lz1pq4e 2 жыл бұрын

Debated on getting a Omega Seamaster as I had the Brosnan quartz one before but decided to get a 3 watch Longines collection instead, this LLD is on its way. That's also after looking at the Tudor 1926, even the newer brown or blue dialed LLD but decided on the this one, the Milanese bracelet seems so perfect for a 60's vintage vibe.

@mehmetaliertan 10 ай бұрын

And now i am between omega seamaster or legend diver i think i am close to legend diver because i use it always underwater. But i would expect better lume on legend diver. But for me it feels better on wrist.

@ronaldbrands7318 3 жыл бұрын

Whats the realistic difference between 28800 bph and the newer beatrate except for the higher powerreserve?

@Youcantleavethisempty01 4 жыл бұрын

As an owner of the 36mm Oris Divers Sixty Five, you make a convincing case for the Longines as a superior heritage model. Proportionally speaking, I still prefer the Oris as its secret weapon, the svelt taper to the 17mm bracelet, proves it's the bolder and more courageous design than the Longines. Again, just an opinion. Really, I wish both the Oris and Longines had white colored lume as the heritage designs are beautiful enough and don't need the faux-tina to hold its value.

@TheTownWatch 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! This is a beautiful piece but I think the Alpina Seastrong Heritage Diver outshines this watch. I just purchased the Alpina recently and it’s fit and finish is superb, at least on the same level as the Longines. I’d love to see someone do a comparison video of these two watches side by side!

@ckm-mkc Жыл бұрын

I agree, was about the write this. The presentation box and the additional bracelet are also much better than the Longines at 1/2 the price. Swiss made with movements based on a Stelita SW200 (an updated ETA 2824), similar retro domed AR coated crystal and solid casebacks. Bezel is not misaligned on the Alpina - they have been making watches since 1883 and invented the concept of "sports watch" in 1938.

@RyanF91W 4 жыл бұрын

I wish the bezel markers lined up with the dial better

@dobriantonov625 4 жыл бұрын

The lume is very authentic to the most successful LLD from the 60s. If you look at chrono24 offerings there are plenty of them and all of them have the same lume style. The one you are reffering to, although I think it is the first LLD is not the only one from those times.

@SagaSynthetics 2 жыл бұрын

Is the L888 not built upon the ETA A31.L01 modified version of the ETA 2892A2 movement? Little bit of calibreception there.

@andersjensen1499 4 жыл бұрын

I did wear my today - but on my brown leather strap

@FT-ho6cb 4 жыл бұрын

Great watch, I just wish it had a longer minutes hand, and no date. The intro music 👍

@tomasnovak6926 3 жыл бұрын

I was given the original Longines 7150-1 (Super Compressor) by my grandma. It’s been in my family for years (belonged to my great uncle). It’s beautiful, never polished. But it’s too much for a daily wear. I was looking to buy this LLD as a daily driver, but my oh my, have they messed it up real good with the date window...it was totally unnecessary. Superb video and nice shots :)

@carlseddon2392 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought one yesterday it has the date and I presume the new movement from goldsmith's

@jesperhagerup9466 2 жыл бұрын

Helson Hammerhead 42 vs. this Longines - whats the difference, please :-)

@mstelios4259 4 жыл бұрын

Is it just me or does the bezel always look misaligned to the dial on these?

@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts 4 жыл бұрын

Big fan of Longines...

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

very underrated brand ! I love them too

@nickhart958 4 жыл бұрын

Great vid! I thought the L888 was based on the 2892 though?

@algorithm007ify 3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is based on the 2892.

@tiagodpc 4 жыл бұрын

I have a Legend Diver (purchased 2017) and I love this watch. However, recently it simply stopped working (normal when don´t wear it for a few days) and won´t work even after I wind it and wind it and wind it (not normal at all)!! Unfortunately it´s past the 2-year guaranty both from the shop and from Longines. I am afraid of getting a bill costing me another watch. Has this ever happened to any of you guys, and is there anything you can suggest? Thanks!

@alessandrocerioli2151 4 жыл бұрын

You need to have it serviced...simple! Any reputable watchmaker can do it.

@DrWesterdahl 10 ай бұрын

Longines by far is my favorite watch brand. Because they are more affordable than other brands, I am able to afford several different Longines watch styles. I am a Scuba Diver and have the Longines HydroConquest watch in my collection. I do like the style of the Longines Legend Diver watch, but as an environmental diver, I have a problem with the design of the Diver image on the caseback of the watch. I have submitted my suggestion for change to Longines management (have not heard back). I would like to see the harpoon removed from the diver image or possibly the redesign of the diver. I think with the concerns today of the destruction of our ocean's reefs, by in part due to the overfishing and killing of marine life, that the image of the diver on the watch should be one of a diver not coming to enter the underwater world as a warrior or hunter, but as an explorer to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world and to be peaceful and in harmony with all the marine life. I think this would be appealing to many environmentally-conscious Scuba and Skin Divers. Also, I noticed that Longines is doing a lot of marketing and promotion of this watch to women. I think a more peaceful looking diver image (it is nice that the diver image could be either a male or female, and also the diver is wearing a Longines dive watch) would also make the Legend Diver watch more feminine to a woman's wrist, compared to a hunting diver, ready to hunt and kill fish.

@TechnoLawyer 4 жыл бұрын

I have had that EXACT same thought about the inner timing bezel on my Rado Capt Cook Mk2. What is the point of a timing bezel on a dive watch that can't be used under water? Of course, I only use mine for desk diving (and lately only for hiding inside my house Coronavirus confinement diving).

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

is it because you would set the time for how much air you have right before you jump in the water? iv never been diving but thats what I assumed

@wimviaene4153 2 жыл бұрын

there is a solid gold 18 k version of this watch apparently , never seen one

@janjacdr1 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic buy

@edmundchiang 3 жыл бұрын

janjacdr1 I’ve a Oris diver 65 36mm too. Nut I feel it looks really small, with its dial’s diameter 28-29mm excluding the bezel. This 28-29 is about the same as my vintage Omega seasmaster 33-34mm which looks larger than diver 65 looks. It’s seems that the LLD 36mm looks larger than the Diver 65.

@IndroneelMukerji 4 жыл бұрын

Digressing, but are there any brands which DO NOT source components, movements and systems from China with the following attributes? 1. Between 36-39 mm case diameter 2. Leather strap 3. Mechanical movement - in-house preferred but intensely tested ETA/Sellita will do as well 4. Sapphire case, anti-reflective coating 5. Stainless steel 6. Waterproof to 100 m 7. Priced between $1000-2000 Thank you.

@davidc5191 4 жыл бұрын

"possibly the most beautiful boxed domed sapphire crystal in existence." Take a look at the amazing curved boxed domed sapphire crystal on the Bulova Precisionist Grammy Award watch. The stock photos don't capture the curvature of the crystal that results in distortions (but good) of the dial when viewed edge on.

@eyeontime6136 4 жыл бұрын

I love this watch since you reviewed it in one of your previous reviews. It seems like a strap monster. I only wish the hand set was angular as it feels more premium to me. Wish the price was in the 1k range, I would love to own my first Longines.

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

Check out the hydroconquest. I absolutely love mine and the automatic ones can be found on the grey market for around 900, for less on the used market

@yoinkhaha 4 жыл бұрын

Armand we're comin' for that Watermelon you have!! We're comin.

@LeoBond 3 жыл бұрын

If they would re-release the no date version, I'd be all over it!

@apangurra2775 3 жыл бұрын

They have the Bronze version, it's no-date. 😉

@LeoBond 3 жыл бұрын

@@apangurra2775 Yeah it looks great! I like bronze watches, but for this I really want the steel version. The fact that they did the bronze with no date is what made me wonder if they might reissue the steel no-date version again.

@apangurra2775 3 жыл бұрын

@@LeoBond Hmm, maybe, I'm also waiting for it. I didn't buy it in 2007-2008 and I'm regretting it now.

@LeoBond 3 жыл бұрын

@@apangurra2775 I didn't catch the watch bug until maybe 2015 or so, so I missed out too. I think it's a good sign that they did the bronze as a no date, but can't get my hopes up too much.

@snoworder 4 жыл бұрын

did not know there is 36mm version, would be ideal for me, I have not seen any super compressors under 40mm

@ArmandTheWatchGuy 4 жыл бұрын

+ snoworder: It's an interesting point, I think. The 36mm version is clearly aimed at an enthusiast's market based upon recent trends. For this reason, I have my doubts as to whether it will stay in the range for long due to far more demand for the full-size variant. In any case, it's a real rarity on the market.

@dobriantonov625 4 жыл бұрын

The l888 is 2892-A2 not 2824.

@ref6122 4 жыл бұрын

Instead of making a variation in 36 mm l wish they did one in 39.

@TruckeeDoggo 4 жыл бұрын

Robert, you've concisely captured the sentiment of 99.999999999% of the people out there. 39mm or even 40mm it would be an amazing piece

@alekseyyulchuraev1207 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I also made a review on the latest version of the Longines Legend Diver on my youtube channel, but this review is also great

@gianpakasa 4 жыл бұрын

I still don't understand why I never bought it..

@Jabber-ig3iw 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely watch but why didn’t you align the bezel before filming?

@tortugabob 4 жыл бұрын

If it was only 39mm in diameter.

@arnoldtm31 3 жыл бұрын

The original was 42mm as well..

@Jabber-ig3iw 3 жыл бұрын

If it was 39mm it would be too small.

@tortugabob 2 жыл бұрын

My girly wrist holding a hammer would crush your harry balls.

@BetaBuxDelux 11 ай бұрын

@@Jabber-ig3iwExactly

@jeremyrice3719 4 жыл бұрын

It’s a great watch, but a date window at 3 is always a deal killer for me and I’m simply not a fan of the arrow-like hour hand. I much prefer the Oris 65 - the one with the Arabic numerals that they weirdly discontinued in favor of those awful dot indices (I know I’m in the minority there).

@tatsohanz 3 жыл бұрын

With a sellita mvt?

@jeremyrice3719 3 жыл бұрын

Selita movements are reliable with reasonable service costs. For the most part I’m only willing to pay for an in-house movement if that movement adds to the watch. No Etta or Selita is going to fit in the ultra thin Octo Finissmo. That movement helps make the watch spectacular.

@tungstentickler 4 жыл бұрын

L888 is a variation of the 2892. Not 2824

@ArmandTheWatchGuy 4 жыл бұрын

+tungstentickler: Absolutely correct! The amendment is in the description.

@antsfur 4 жыл бұрын

Nice watch but I dont like the gold paint on the dial and would like to see more lume as you do. I like the rest though especially the case back.

@daniel_anthony_k 7 ай бұрын

Why would someone adjust the dive bezel when underwater? This defeats its entire purpose.

@stevefox8605 4 жыл бұрын

Like it, but ruined with a stupid pointless (on a diver) date.. Prefer my srp777 & CW C65 tho. Cheers, stay healthy 👍🏻

@imranchowdhury4972 4 жыл бұрын

The misaligned chaptering of the bezel and indexes are massively visible. It is even worst than new Seiko Alpinist!!!

@icas80 4 жыл бұрын

Nothing vintage about a 52mm lug to lug :) The 36mm is nice.

@Jabber-ig3iw 3 жыл бұрын

Except the watch it’s based on was these dimensions so it is heritage.

@verykeen2please 4 жыл бұрын

lovely watch, but i just don't get the need for a date

@ArmandTheWatchGuy 4 жыл бұрын

+verykeen2please: Thank you for your comment and I can definitely understand the sentiment. Personally, I love having a date and I like the care taken with this one. Even so, it would be nice to see Longines offer both variants.

@AhmadFatayerji 4 жыл бұрын

That's why the non-date version goes for way above retail and are very sought after.

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

I think it would have looked better without a date but in most daily applications its useful. However, since its a vintage inspired watch it should have been kept off to give it a more tool watch look. Either way this is my favorite watch from Longines.

@firestormlivingsolutions 4 жыл бұрын

perhaps you want to scuba across the pacific?

@matthewrussell8590 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely watch, just a tad too big for me unfortunately

@robworthington7431 4 жыл бұрын

He mentioned there's a 36mm version

@matthewrussell8590 4 жыл бұрын

@@robworthington7431 oooh, so he did 👍

@dpioli Жыл бұрын

The only downside is the long and not curved LTL. It could have been 50mm LTL

@kanemillard3315 4 жыл бұрын

Great watch but I would prefer the rado captain cook.

@1977JohnBoy 4 жыл бұрын

i dont really get why everyone suddenly hyping this watch up, is everyone getting commission or something?

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

I think its just a really cool watch. Iv seen it hyped up for awhile and I also think its Longines best watch

@1977JohnBoy 4 жыл бұрын

@@WatchUnwind i know but its like the rado captain cook, they suddenly get all the vids, just makes me wonder how a certain few become the chosen ones, when there is so many great watches that dont get a mention.

@WatchUnwind 4 жыл бұрын

@@1977JohnBoy thats a good point , I have no idea. Maybe one starts it off then other imitate, or like you said their could be paid, or the company could reach out to lend the watch without paying. Im not sure, I just made my own channel though so if I ever get to that point I can give you the real inside scoop

@alessandrocerioli2151 4 жыл бұрын

It has been hyped since 2007, at that time once per year Longines made a reissue and then they discontinued. The LLD was meant to be produced for just one year.

@Reel-Justice 4 жыл бұрын

6:23 chapter ring doesn't align perfectly.

@EnochtWong 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah there is a clear misalignment of the dial markers with the bezel markers. The green triangle is clearly centered. I have this watch in the 36mm variation and it has the same problem. And in case anyone thinks its the glass distortion, its not. The misalignment is unfortunately still there when I'm looking straight down onto the dial. Then there's the crowns that are not quite at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. Sloppy work for a watch at this price point 😪

@Make_SPQR_Great_Again 3 жыл бұрын

lug to lug too big like is this for giants?

@astrazenica7783 4 жыл бұрын

Beauty, I'd be loathed to dive with it tho. And those crowns look vulnerable to damage let alone the other faults. Let's face it, it's a fashion piece and nothing wrong with that

@kencur9690 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I’m getting another diver just because of this reason. Yeah, it’s too good and too “fragile” to be a real tool watch. Not to mention that many had an issue with the case not being airtight and letting dust in...