Longines Master Collection Salmon Dial L2.843.4.93.2 Dress Watch

Dress watches are something we don't write much about here at Strapcode. However, it does happen from time to time, and on this occasion, a special watch is in focus, the intriguing Longines Master Collection Small Seconds L2.843.4.93.2.

Want to know why this one in particular deserves a special treat? Do come along.

What defines a customary dress watch design?

Now, the golden rule about dress watches is: no complications there. Pun intended. It all narrows down to one encompassing feature: simplicity. It branches into three subfeatures: a minimalist dial, no distracting complications, and a thin profile, all of which ensure it easily fits any formal dress style and occasion.

This all seems easy to obtain. But how can one stand out from the competition, both in looks and value? Longines has a history of memorable dress watches, and, based on the impression their master collection small seconds watch has made since its introduction, Longines' design team answered this question successfully, again. Let's address each of those subfeatures individually and see what the Longines design team did to secure the winning appeal.

A classy way of emphasizing the case color and finish: Longines Master Collection Small Seconds Salmon Dial paired wth a Superfine Quick Release Polished Mesh Watch Strap

The epitome of a dress watch dial

As a rule, simplicity and utter readability are obligatory requirements of a genuine dress watch. The Small Seconds L2.843.4.93.2 achieves this by combining both traditional and trendy design elements. The first thing everyone notices about this dial is its salmon color, a shade that has been increasingly popular in dress watches over the past couple of years. Vertical brushing enhances the overall aesthetics, giving it a traditional, rustic appeal.

Salmon color all the way? A great choice: Longines Master Collection Small Seconds paired here with a Q.R. Tapered Leather Watch Strap with Chocolate Brown Stitching

Continuing the traditional, heritage note, Longines' decision to use Breguet-style numerals and to engrave them rounds out the utterly classic design, making the Longines Master Collection Small Seconds dial instantly memorable. Brequet's distinct, script-style Arabic numeral hour markers date back to 1790, having become a symbol of traditional elegance without losing even a fragment of their original purpose: to improve legibility and add a touch of class, originally to pocket watches. The effect created by Breguet numerals was promptly adopted by wristwatch designers as they took over the market.

Taupe Buttero Italian Calf Watch Strap is crafted using natural waxes and oils, resulting in a metal-free leather that not only looks great on Longines Master Collection Small Seconds but also ensures prolonged, comfortable wear.

In the case of the Longines Small Seconds watch, nothing was left to chance in the dial design. Hands' leaf design adds to the elegant, heritage appearance, and their deep black color, matched by the Breguet numerals, creates a stunning contrast with the salmon-colored dial. The numerals are laser engraved, deeply, incorporating V-shaped facets to recreate the effect of hand engraving. Not only is the overall design classy, but the readability is perfect as well.

The contrasting black color of hands and markers is one of the major design features of the Longines Master Collection L2.843.4.93.2. It is further enhanced by matching the watch with a Black Italian Handmade Hornback Alligator Watch Strap with Beige Stitching

The latter is completed by the clever design of the flange that encompasses the dial. It's slightly sloped and brushed horizontally, and every fifth dotted minute marker is slightly larger and a bit shinier. Highly diligent and useful execution.

Although dress watches usually do not include a seconds dial, the L2.843.4.93.2 does, a feature that deserves special mention. With a separate seconds subdial positioned between the 7 and 5 markers, it aids readability. And with such a simplified hand-and-marker design, circular guilloche, and two rings of tracks, this subdial largely contributes to the overall classic design. However, that's not only a design-oriented choice. It requires a completely different engineering/mechanical approach.

Black suede leather is another no-brainer when you want to emphasize the black contrast with the Longines Master Collection Small Seconds Salmon Dial. Here it is achieved by pairing the watch with a Black Italian Suede Leather Watch Strap featuring a Twin-Stitch Quick Release

Mechanics in Longines Small Seconds L2.843.4.93.2

The positioning of the seconds subdial required a different mechanism architecture. Longines' ETA movement of the latest generation, the L893.5, is the driving force behind the L2.843.4.93.2. It comes with a silicone hairspring that provides increased magnetic resistance and a 3-day power reserve. This modern feature mechanism is in a bit of contrast with the traditional-looking aesthetics of the Small Seconds, but the combo works flawlessly. L893.5's operation can be observed in close detail thanks to the transparent caseback.

Another elegant combination, an adequate setup for any formal occasion. Longines Master Collection Salmon Dial in pair with a Dark Brown Italian Suede Leather Watch Strap featuring a Twin-Stitch Quick Release

Another design accommodation was needed to properly house the mechanism. Displacement of the seconds dial requires an extra gear, increasing the watch's thickness. On the other hand, the overall size of the Small Seconds is more compact than that of its older brother, which features a centered seconds hand. Even though it may not appear so from all angles, the result is a smaller yet thicker case that sits comfortably on the vast majority of wrists, without taking too much away from the slim thickness of dress watches users are generally accustomed to.

With its interesting shade of black,  FKM32 Black Rubber Watch Strap emphasizes both the black details of the dial and the markers on the flange of the Longines Master Collection Salmon Dial

Where does the Longines Master Collection Small Seconds L2.843.4.93.2 sit in the sub-$2,500 range?

To shed some light on this particular price range, it's probably the most competitive one for dress watches. Probably the main reason for this is that it's on the borderline between entry- and mid-level luxury, where every detail matters, from finishing to dial design to the mechanism used. With all the features listed here, particularly the salmon-colored, Breguet-style dial, silicone hairspring, and 72-hour power reserve, the Longines Small Seconds is positioned among the top ten dress watches in this class. Another ace up its sleeve is that it pairs effortlessly and successfully with many replacement straps in various styles, materials, and designs.

A white rubber strap on a dress watch? Why not? We live in a modern age, plus it looks and feels great! Longines Master Collection L2.843.4.93.2 pairs unexpectedly well with an FKM39 White Deployment FKM Rubber Watch Strap with Beige Stitching

Final thoughts

Some may object to L2.843.4.93.2's slightly thicker case and the presence and position of a small seconds subdial, but the improved features of its mechanism, which are rarely, if ever, found in dress watches at that price point, put things back in perspective when value is concerned. If the aesthetics appeal to you, and the watch sits comfortably on your wrist, taking Small Seconds into serious consideration comes naturally.