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Simple, Yet Timeless Elegance Of Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph

July 03, 2024 4 min read

Simple, Yet Timeless Elegance Of Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph

That many horology purists would argue against reissues of successful models whose production ceased long ago is a safe bet. And there's strong reasoning for that. On the other hand, a vast majority of others look positively at the fact that many original watches that are impossible to find are being reinterpreted and, as such, re-released. One of those welcomed with its fans' open arms is the new and improved Longines Heritage 1938 chronograph.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

The all-masculine nature of Longines Heritage 1938 Chronograph can be tamed with a proper choice of strap, thus creating a completely new vibe. Paired with Sandblasted Navy Blue 19mm MiLTAT Nubuck Leather Watch Strap

 

The original inspiration behind the design of the Heritage 1938 chronograph

The name and the visual appearance clearly identify the roots of the inspiration behind the design of the 1938 chronograph. It's the famous Longines Heritage 1938. The year featured in its title marks the date of its release. The times just before the turmoil that was about to happen and leave eternal consequences on the entire world.

Although it came a bit earlier and is classified as an interwar watch by Longines, the Heritage 1938 watch has features characteristic of WWII watches. Such as dominant Arabic numerals on a black dial and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. Its minimalistic open-style dial with long hands rounds up the "officers watch" style list of design elements.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Utter black elegance of Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph and  FKM Chaffle Black Rubber watch strap

Now, were those big shoes hard to fill? Yes, by all means. But the Longines design team was up to the task again and passed with flying colors.

 

What does the Heritage 1938 chronograph bring to the table?

Longines Heritage 1938 reissue series consists of three models. One comes with three hands, one's a 24-hour model, and our featured chronograph completes the series. It's easily distinguishable from its brethren thanks to the chronograph complication.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Sporty casual, yet magically elegant, Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3 with a FKM Military Green 19mm rubber watch strap

Consequently, the chronograph is the most complicated watch in the Heritage Military 1938 trio, and it's rightfully deemed as the crown of the collection. Even though the dial features two additional subdials, the 30 minute counter sub-dial at 3 o'clock and the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o'clock overall simplicity of design still honors the original and is easily identifiable. Another important segment in doing justice to predecessors when crafting a reissue series.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

19mm QR 316L Stainless Steel with Brushed and Polished V-Clasp Watch strap as a natural symbiotic continuation of the stainless steel case of the Longines Heritage L2.790.4.53.3

Another novelty compared to the original from 1938 is the date display. It is neatly positioned at 6 o'clock to maintain the minimalistic appeal of the dial. Its gentle design is further preserved with simple but effective white-on-black dial coloring, easy-to-read indications, and a logo.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Ultimate elegance, all the way through: Longines Military 1938 Chronograph ideally complemented by a stunning Q.R. 19mm Dark Brown CrocoCalf (Croco Grain) Semi-Curved Watch Band enriched by Beige Stitching.

The dominant 42mm case adds to the overall masculinity of the watch, again honoring the original in style and ambiance. On the other hand, it sits nicely on the wrist and can be worn at all times.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Although hefty by nature, the Longines Military 1938 Chronograph sits nicely on any wrist and is easy to wear, especially when paired with a QR 316L Stainless Steel Super-JUB II  19mm Watch Strap

Other specs are as follows:

  • Longines caliber L705.2 self-winding automatic movement
  • 25 jewels and 46h power reserve
  • scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal glass
  • 19mm lug width
  • closed back
  • 30m water resistance
  • polished stainless steel bezel
  • Silver tone luminescent hands & hour markers
  • push & pull crown
  • 3-year warranty
Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Longines 1938 Chronograph is perfect for sporty, elegant occasions in so many utterances. This time, paired with a Q.R. 19mm Blue Tapered Leather Watch Strap with a Discrete Red Stitching

Given the history behind its origins and appearance in general, Longines 1938 is a symbol of masculinity per se. However, there is much more to it than meets the eye in the first place. It has a true chameleon potential, which can be fully fulfilled with a proper choice of watch straps.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

The Longines 1938 Chronograph is a chameleon of styles. Here, it's paired with a Q.R. 19mm Blackish Brown Leather Italian Handmade Watch Strap in a universally elegant combo that fits every occasion.

Overall, the Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph has great potential to become a go-to watch for all those who wish to have a universal watch to wear at all times, as long as they desire. All thanks to pristine craftsmanship, chameleon-like nature, and genuine good looks.

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Chronograph L2.790.4.53.3

Another example of the soft elegance potential Longines Heritage 1938 Chronograph displays when paired with a right strap. Here, in combo with a Q.R. 19mm Grey Suede Leather Watch Strap with Beige Stitching.

 

Written by S.K., images by Toni

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