Longines has kicked off 2024 with a pair of new GMT watches sporting gold cases and a chunky price tag. Called the Longines Master Collection GMT, the watch is available with a case made from yellow or rose gold, with each variant limited to 500 pieces worldwide.
This timepiece unusually blends the GMT and dress watch genres into one, mixing the functionality of a second hour hand (to keep track of another time zone) and the refined smartness of a gold dress watch. It also mixes Roman and Arabic numerals, with the former used to tell the time of the wearer’s time zone, and the latter used to read a second time zone on a 24-hour scale.
As with all such watches, the second hour hand is intended to stay on GMT. However, it's often more convenient to set this to your home time zone, then adjust only the primary hour hand to your local time zone when travelling. Such a watch can also be used to keep track of colleagues or family in a different time zone to your own.
The 40mm, 18K gold case features an exhibition case back for viewing the automatic Longines calibre L844.5 movement, made by ETA and with a power reserve of 72 hours. An unguarded, screw down crown sits at the six o’clock position while the frosted silver dial is protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is a fairly modest 30 metres, but this clearly isn't intended as a sport watch.
A date window is found at the six o’clock position and both versions of the watch are supplied with an anthracite-grey alligator leather strap with soft-touch finish and a buckle made from the same gold as the case.
At £14,200 this is considerably more expensive than other contemporary Longines watches. It is also somewhat pricey for a GMT, but I like how Longines is experimenting by bringing a GMT function to a gold dress watch. I’m also curious to see if this is a sign of Longines heading up-market, and I’m keen to see what else the brand has in store for 2024.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.
-
Astell&Kern's new hi-res audio player is smaller and lighter, but no less incredible
The SP3000M is "the finest Hi-Fi portable audio player available today", its maker claims
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Brooks Running’s classic support shoe just got a plush upgrade
Adrenaline GTS 24 drops with softer cushioning and enhanced support
By Matt Kollat Published
-
Frederique Constant gives its Classic Worldtimer a forest green upgrade
Frederique Constant expands its Worldtimer line with forest green colourway
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Zenith x Porter PILOT chronograph watch is a triumph in khaki
Zenith partners with PORTER on two limited edition khaki PILOT watches
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Porsche Design watch is the perfect match for your new 911 GT3
GT3 or Touring? Porsche Design has a new watch for you
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Ulysse Nardin gives its Freak watch a stunning navy upgrade
I still can’t tell the time on Ulysse Nardin’s new Freak watch – but I love the navy colourway
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
A Week on the Wrist with the Swatch 2Q – the stealth best Bond watch
Now pay attention OO-watch wearers...
By Roland Moore-Colyer Published
-
This unique Louis Moinet watch is a replica of the Aztec Sun Stone
This unique watch has a dial made of laser-etched meteorite
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Hands-on with the Richard Mille RM 65-01 Chronograph McLaren W1
We try out the new £340,000 watch from Richard Mille
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Watches expert reveals the best styles to achieve the ‘Old Money’ aesthetic
5 ‘Old Money’ watch styles you need to know about
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published