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Opinions on Longines Master Collection Moonphase Chronograph

35K views 42 replies 30 participants last post by  Bogdar  
#1 · (Edited)
Longines has never been a brand that was top of my wishlist but they have a rich history and the Avigation Big Eye which a couple of the forum members own has previously caught my eye. I recently stumbled upon their 40mm (also available in 42mm) Master Collection complication watches, specifically the two models pictured below. Like many of you the Patek 5270P is a bit of a pipe dream for me as is an ALS 1815 Grand Complication. I especially love the double date windows under the 12-hour marker. But honestly neither of them really suit my everyday dad-of-two, keyboard warrior lifestyle. But I often think about how it would be nice to have that ONE elegant complications timepiece to pull out for the right moments (rare these days of course). Certainly a statement piece to wear to a board meeting or public speaking engagement whenever those happen in-person in the future.

Photos courtesy Instagram watch accounts

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Well I'll be darned. With a price range of $1,500-$4,000 (pre-owned to new) these look like some pretty stunningly executed timepieces for what they offer. I understand that that there are 3 main things you pay for with the higher end watches: the movement, the quality and attention-to-detail in the hand-finishing and the name on the front of the watch. But if you're going for value for money and are comfortable with workhorse-like movements (I own several ETA and 1 very lovely Valjoux) boy these are tempting.

I am not about to pull the trigger on either but I would LOVE the perspective of those that know these watches well. Specifically what are some reasons not to buy one of these? Second how do they wear? I hear they not very tall watches to the L2L is excellent for a 6.5-er like me. And lastly, would you go with the more vintage/traditional looking printed dial or the more modern dark blue?

Cheers!
 
#11 ·
The dial layout looks unbalanced to me. I have an omega speedmaster day date with the same layout and that's unbalanced too
It is just one man's opinion. But these are a little busy for me.
I've seen it in the metal and considered it, it's really nice looking. But, it's a bit busy. It's a very nice watch, and Longines has the heritage chops.
Three people in a row that find the dial a bit busy and/or unbalanced. Now that I think about it that's spot on. It is not the end of the world at this price point but it is an important point to dwell on. And honestly that's why this is a Longines and not a Patek. I mean look how well executed this "busy" dial is!
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The Longines is a great example of a watch I would need to try on several times before getting comfortable. I am now even more curious about how I would react to it in person. Would I be blown away or disappointed? I remember completely obsessing over the newest iteration of the Railmaster before being complete deflated when I tried it in person. I did not like it one bit. May have to head to Shreve next week. They sell Longines.

Insta: @officine_scrivano
 
#10 ·
I've put them on before, and they fit great. Thick, yes, if you're used to thin or quartz watches. If you're used to thick automatics, they feel right at home. The gator strap is thinner than you'd expect (I think it's because of the flatter edges on the leather).

I've never seen the simpler moonphase in person, but that one looks really good too.
 
#16 ·
I've handled one in a shop. If you like that sort of very busy dial, its a lovely watch. I've seen at least one "in the wild" and it seems to wear very nicely and it certainly looks classy. Definitely go with the classic textured white dial. Looks like a million bucks, for sure.

Baume & Mericer makes a Clifton using the same movement with a similar dial, although I think the Longines is better looking. There may be other options as well.
 
#18 ·
I have owned the retrograde model with Roman numerals for several years now and it is a stunning watch. 9 complications and exquisite in every aspect. White dial on leather. It is not an every day wear for me but when I do wear it, it never fails to get a comment or question. It is more impressive in person than in the pics. I believe Longines is one of the best value in watches period.
 
#20 ·
If you are going to go for a complete calendar/chronograph, this is, by far, the best bang for the money, a used one in great shape is around USD 4000, the dial is nicely balanced, applied numeral, much thinner case than 7751 based watch and the movement is of exceptional quality. Anything better than this is going to cost way more than ten grand.
15583703
 
#21 ·
If you are going to go for a complete calendar/chronograph, this is, by far, the best bang for the money, a used one in great shape is around USD 4000, the dial is nicely balanced, applied numeral, much thinner case than 7751 based watch and the movement is of exceptional quality. Anything better than this is going to cost way more than ten grand.
View attachment 15583703
That is a nice looking watch. Another brand I would love to own one day but has never been top of mind for me since I own multiple Speedies already.

Insta: @officine_scrivano
 
#22 · (Edited)
I've seen the barleycorn dial in person and it's very nice. I believe the current versions use a column-wheel chronograph movement. The older versions use the basic Eta version.

I had a version from Epos. I really liked all the complications at first but got tired of trying to read the pointer date and keep it set. So I sold it. But I'm a big Longines fan. If you want this combination, it's hard to beat this model.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
 
#30 ·
Not the biggest fan of watches with that movement. I get it, it has a ton of complications, but every single one of them looks more busy than they should. Also, I'm really annoyed the 24 hour subdial is just an hour and not a GMT. It's also a relatively thick watch.

But for what it's worth, I do consider the Longines one of the better executions of the movement (I don't remember the name). If you're liking a busy moonphase from Longines, you should look at the L2.739.4.71.3
 
#33 ·
Longines has never been a brand that was top of my wishlist but they have a rich history and the Avigation Big Eye which a couple of the forum members own has previously caught my eye. I recently stumbled upon their 40mm (also available in 42mm) Master Collection complication watches, specifically the two models pictured below. Like many of you the Patek 5270P is a bit of a pipe dream for me as is an ALS 1815 Grand Complication. I especially love the double date windows under the 12-hour marker. But honestly neither of them really suit my everyday dad-of-two, keyboard warrior lifestyle. But I often think about how it would be nice to have that ONE elegant complications timepiece to pull out for the right moments (rare these days of course). Certainly a statement piece to wear to a board meeting or public speaking engagement whenever those happen in-person in the future.

Photos courtesy Instagram watch accounts

Well I'll be darned. With a price range of $1,500-$4,000 (pre-owned to new) these look like some pretty stunningly executed timepieces for what they offer. I understand that that there are 3 main things you pay for with the higher end watches: the movement, the quality and attention-to-detail in the hand-finishing and the name on the front of the watch. But if you're going for value for money and are comfortable with workhorse-like movements (I own several ETA and 1 very lovely Valjoux) boy these are tempting.

I am not about to pull the trigger on either but I would LOVE the perspective of those that know these watches well. Specifically what are some reasons not to buy one of these? Second how do they wear? I hear they not very tall watches to the L2L is excellent for a 6.5-er like me. And lastly, would you go with the more vintage/traditional looking printed dial or the more modern dark blue?

Cheers!
Have always loved the 40mm white dial version...just too many other watches I want more....well would wear more so I've never bought one. '
Great discounts out there on them from Joma, Authentic and other evil grey market sellers if you do buy...

15585385
 
#34 ·
I like multi complication watches with moon phases but I learned that it is best to wear it everyday or purchase a watch winder. Otherwise when you let it sit and want to wear it you better make some time to set all the date functions and the moon phase. I own a watch with all the same functionality and it is a hassle when you let the power reserve run down and you really want to wear it but you do not have time to set the complications because you are running late.
 
#35 ·
I have so many 3 handers with no date that this is so alien to me. I struggled the first time I handled a watch where you could pull out the crown to set the date, set the time and wind it - 3 settings. So this would take some adjustment and to be honest I would definitely want the watch winder. I cannot imagine having to set it manually like I do with my Speedy regularly.

The idea is a complications watch seems to already be less appealing to me. Maybe I'm just a simple 3 hand guy and should stay as such.

Insta: @officine_scrivano