gmt-blog-bg-m-final.jpg

Longines - What is a GMT

What is a GMT Watch

A GMT watch shows the user two time zones at once.&nbsp;

Hydroconquest-GMT-43mm-Longines-750x860.jpg

Hydroconquest-GMT-43mm-Longines-750x860

For those dive enthusiasts who are looking for a watch that can go the distance (and depths), there are many watch options that may suit these needs.

Longines Legend Diver in green dial and steel bracelet L3.764.4.06.6 1920X1080 Blog.png

L3.782.4.96.6 Longines Hydroconquest watch on a hand

What Defines A Dive Watch?

The qualities of mechanical watches and how to preserve them.

Mechanical Movements

03-customer-service-watch-dismantling-movement-700x600.jpg

03-customer-service-watch-dismantling-movement-700x600

One of the most asked-about concepts in mechanical watches is power reserve. Essentially, power reserve is the amount of stored energy inside a mechanical watch (the amount of time it can continue to run for) before running out of power.

What is Power Reserve on a Watch?

Longines conquest heritage power reserve L1.648.4.78.2 1860X782 blog.png

Longines conquest heritage power reserve L1.648.4.78.2 1860X782 blog

Chronometer watches are highly accurate timepieces that have undergone a series of strict precision tests over a period of time in a host of different circumstances.

What is a Chronometer?

L2.821.4.11.6-record-large-blog.jpg

L2.821.4.11.6 Longines Record watch

The exact definition of a chronometer and a chronograph is set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Chronometer Certification

L3.810.4.53.0_DRface.jpg

L3.810.4.53.0_DRface

Here we take a look at the standard accuracy of automatic watches and of quartz watches, as well as at the factors that can affect accuracy in automatic watches.

L2.828.4.73.0-heritage-classic-blog.jpeg

L2.828.4.73.0 Heritage Classic watch

Accuracy of Automatic Watches

In watchmaking, we often hear the term PVD as it pertains to a color or coating, but it helps to understand exactly what PVD is.

Understanding PVD

L4.209.1.97.7-grande-classique-blog.jpeg

L4.209.1.97.7 La Grande Classique de Longines watch

With watch collecting on the rise, many novice watch lovers often wonder whether it’s best to own a quartz watch or an automatic mechanical watch. There is no right or wrong answer, but it's good to understand the difference.

Understanding Automatic and Quartz Movements

L2.773.4.78.6-master-collection-blog.jpeg

L2.773.4.78.6 The Longines Master Collection watch

What is a Swiss watch? The answer may appear simple, a watch made in Switzerland. However there are more factors to consider as it does not mean a watch was 100% made in Switzerland.

L3.781.4.96.6-hydroconquest-blog.jpeg

L3.781.4.96.6 Hydroconquest Longines watch

Defining “Swiss-Made” Watches

There are a host of types of calendar functions built into a watch—each of which operates slightly differently from one another, with some being simple and some being highly complex.

L2.910.4.78.3-longines-master-collection-blog.jpeg

L2.910.4.78.3 The Longines Master Collection watch

Different Types of Calendar Watches

This is considered the brain of the mechanical watch, and the place where time is measured. Along with the balance, it is the watch's regulating organ. Its quality determines the watch's accuracy.&nbsp;

The balance spring

Siliconbalance-spring-1024x972 3.jpg

balance-spring-lp

The Balance Spring

Diamonds are classified according to four criteria: cut, colour, clarity and carat.

About diamonds

diamonds-blog-card.jpg

diamonds-blog-card

Diamond watches

Swiss Super-LumiNova is a material that has similar properties to radium and tritium – except it is not radioactive, and it is more environmentally friendly.

Super Luminova

spirit-customer-service.jpg

spirit-customer-service

Used in watchmaking for decades, bronze is an ancient alloy which is frequently used in the nautical industry and in the world of scuba diving.

Bronze

l3.774.1.50.2-legend-diver-customer-service.jpeg

l3.774.1.50.2-legend-diver-customer-service

For anyone looking for a watch that blends style with durability as well as functionality, then titanium watches are the best option. These watches have sleek lightweight designs which make them perfect for people who love luxury and performance. What then makes titanium watches different from others? Let's discover the unique features that make them stand out.

Titanium watches: Renewing your watch collection with style and durability

L3.811.1.53.6_Spirit Titanium_Couche_16-9.jpg

L3.811.1.53.6_Spirit Titanium_Couche_16-9

Their high-end quality is a perfect match for the sporty elegance that characterises Longines' watches.

Rubber straps

L3.774.4.50.9_PUB.jpg

L3.774.4.50.9_PUB

Rubber Straps

Leather has had countless uses since time immemorial. Processing leather has always involved a variety of different crafts, most of which are still practised today.

Leather Straps

L4.795.4.58.0_PR.jpg

L4.795.4.58.0_PR

Technical ceramics, high-tech materials which start out in powder form, only melt at very high temperatures. They cannot, therefore, be turned to liquid to make them flow, like metals.

Ceramic

L3.784.4.56.9_additional_1.jpg

L3.784.4.56.9_additional_1

Synthetic material used for the crystal that protects the watch dial and/or its mechanism.&nbsp;

Sapphire

BEACH_STILL_HYDROCONQUEST_L3.781.4.56.6_131A1703_ANTINOMIA.jpg

BEACH_STILL_HYDROCONQUEST_L3.781.4.56.6_131A1703_ANTINOMIA

Sapphire crystal watch

Fine gold in its pure state (24 karats) is a highly malleable metal that is not easy to finish (polish). It must therefore be alloyed with other metals to enhance its properties and enable its transformation for use in jewellery and watchmaking.

Gold & Gold cap

gold-watches-blog-card.jpg

gold-watches-blog-card

Gold & Gold Cap

Long sought after for decoration, marquetry and jewellery making, mother of pearl comes from the interior coating of certain mollusc shells.

Mother of pearl

L2.386.3.87.7_additional_1.jpg

L2.386.3.87.7_additional_1

Mother of Pearl

Water resistant watches have become an essential accessory for both men and women who lead active lifestyles or simply appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a durable timepiece.

Longines Legend Diver in green dial and steel bracelet L3.76.44.06.6 1920X1080_.png

Longines Legend Diver in green dial and steel bracelet L3.76.44.06.6 1920X1080_

Water resistant watches

An <a target="_self" href="/suggestions/movement/automatic-watches">automatic watch</a> is a self-winding watch. The automatic watch movement uses the motion of the wearer’s wrist to power itself. If worn regularly, the wearer does not have to wind the watch.&nbsp;

Longines spirit Flyback in black dial and steel bracelet L3.821.4.53.6 Desktop.png

Longines spirit Flyback in black dial and steel bracelet L3.821.4.53.6 Desktop

What is an Automatic Watch & How does it work?

Automatic watches are crafted to wind themselves through the natural movement of your wrist, yet various factors can halt their operation.

Fallback blog mobile.jpg

Fallback blog mobile

Automatic watch not working: causes and solutions

In the world of horology, understanding the watch bezel is essential. Despite its understated presence, the bezel plays a critical role in both the functionality and aesthetics of a timepiece. This comprehensive guide explores its definition, purpose, types, and usage. Whether on a robust diver or a refined dress watch, the bezel reflects remarkable craftsmanship and practical innovation.

What is a watch bezel? A comprehensive guide

Refreshing the look of your watch can be as simple as learning how to change its strap. Whether you’re switching to a classic leather band, a sporty rubber strap, or a refined metal bracelet, changing the strap yourself allows for customization while preserving your timepiece’s integrity. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from understanding different types of straps to the essential tools and techniques. With just a few steps, you can give your watch a fresh appearance that suits your style and every occasion.

How to change the strap on your watch

Collector's watches: timepieces that combine legacy and investment

Regular cleaning is more than cosmetic; it preserves gasket integrity, protects finishes and keeps the movement running as designed. Follow this workshop-grade routine to refresh your Longines timepiece safely at home—whether it wears stainless steel, titanium, leather or rubber.

How to clean a watch?

This guide explains Longines bracelet architectures and walks you through each technique so you can achieve a perfectly balanced fit.

How to remove links from a watch?

Whether you wear a hand‑wound heritage piece, an automatic with a transparent case‑back, or a high‑precision quartz companion, the principles below will keep your timepiece accurate and in peak condition.

How to set a watch – the connoisseur’s guide

From classic analog watches to contemporary chronographs, the choice and manner of wearing your watch can significantly influence your appearance. Here's an expert guide on how to wear a watch elegantly and correctly.

How to wear a watch?

In this guide, we'll explore what a mechanical watch is, offer step-by-step instructions on winding your watch effectively, and share essential care tips to keep your treasured timepiece in excellent condition.

How to wind a mechanical watch?

An automatic watch is a marvel of engineering, seamlessly blending craftsmanship and precision mechanics. Unlike quartz watches that rely on batteries, automatic timepieces harness the natural motion of your wrist to keep ticking. Here's your definitive guide.

How to wind an automatic watch?

This guide delves into the world of watch movements, covering manual, automatic, and quartz types, and tracing their evolution. Discover the intricacies of these mechanisms and learn how to maintain your valued timepiece.

Exploring the varied movements of watches

In this guide, we will delve into the core aspects of how to read a watch dial, explore the various types available, and discuss the key features that enhance the timekeeping experience. Whether you are a novice or an experienced collector, mastering how to read a watch dial will enrich your understanding and appreciation of horology.

How to read a watch dial: a comprehensive guide

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to select a watch based on your wrist size, featuring classical, mechanical, and automatic watch categories.

How to choose a watch according to your wrist size?

From selecting the ideal method to maintaining favorable conditions, these insights help you protect your collection and keep each watch ready for every occasion—at home or while traveling.

How to store a watch: essential tips for your timepieces

For watch aficionados, automatic watches represent a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, admired for their precision and craftsmanship.

What is an automatic watch?

Traditionally, wristwatches are worn on the non-dominant hand, meaning if you're right-handed, your watch typically sits on your left wrist, and vice versa. But why is this the norm, and are there reasons to consider switching?

What is a GMT Watch

Discover more articles