Introducing: The Longines Legend Diver Goes Terracotta, Gray, And Green

We were all quite excited here at Fratello when Longines announced a new 39mm version of the Legend Diver last November. Not only did we love the new dimensions, but the omittance of the date was also met with applause here. With a denim-like blue and a black version on offer, something told us more colors might be on the horizon. So while this new release does not surprise us, we do appreciate the additional choices.

This is the 39mm Longines Legend Diver as we know it from last year, now with three more dial options. You have a choice of terracotta, green, and gray. Let’s have a closer look!

The historical context of the Longines Legend Diver

These three new dials aren’t just random additions to the comprehensive Longines collection. In fact, the Legend Diver’s historical counterpart celebrates its 65th birthday this year. So it is only logical that Longines would do something to mark the occasion. And what better way to celebrate than through a cheerfully colorful release?

The story started in 1959 when Longines introduced the reference 7042. The watch, with its distinct Super Compressor case, looked extremely similar to today’s Legend Diver. Unfortunately, the modern model is no longer an actual Super Compressor, but it follows the aesthetic. The two crowns, the internal rotating bezel, and the ice-scoop-shaped minute hand all debuted in the 1959 model. An updated model followed in 1963, and a third generation with a date window saw the light of day in 1974. The model went out of production shortly after.

In 2007, the 42mm original got a 42mm successor, reference L3.674.4.56.2. This model became quite collectible because a date complication was added only a year later. Enthusiasts preferred the no-date version, making the early ones highly desirable. Then, last year, Longines introduced a no-date 39mm version, which is the one that sees the new dial options added today.

Longines Legend Diver specs

Naturally, the specs remain the same as those of last year’s introduction. On the off chance you haven’t memorized them, let’s do a quick recap. This is a stainless steel dive watch with a crowd-pleasing 39mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 12.7mm thickness. Up top, we find a box-type sapphire crystal with several layers of antireflective coating on both sides. A crown at 4 o’clock controls the movement, while a second crown at 2 o’clock controls the internal rotating dive bezel. Longines rates the water resistance at 300 meters.

Inside ticks the Longines-exclusive ETA caliber L888.6. This 21-jewel automatic movement runs at 25,200 beats per hour. COSC certifies the encased caliber over a 12-day process. This is a more stringent test than usual as most chronometer calibers are tested before casing. That’s not all, though, as these dive watches are certified to meet the ISO 6425 standard, which is rare nowadays. You get a modern 72-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring for added magnetism resistance.

While last year’s models come on your choice of a bracelet or a leather strap (black dial) or blue NATO (blue dial), these new colors all come on the bracelet. This bracelet has a classic beads-of-rice design, emphasizing the vintage inspiration. It features solid female end links and a push-button deployant clasp. There are several holes micro-adjustment holes, but you will need a tool or properly sized pin to use them.

The new dial colors

So, what about these new colors? Let’s start with the gray dial. This is the most traditional of the three options. It isn’t uncommon to find vintage Super Compressors and skin divers with similar dial hues. It provides the Longines Legend Diver with a clean, slightly washed-out aesthetic. I mean that in a positive way as it is less contrasting and softer than the black version. I am glad to report that Longines steered clear of faux-patina lume, leaving all three new dials looking fresh and modern.

Next up, we have terracotta. This is a particularly interesting one because it subtly references the most classical of colored dials, the salmon dial. The hue is rustier and richer in browns than a typical salmon dial, so you won’t confuse it with one. Still, the similarity makes it feel somewhat familiar.

Lastly, there is the green dial, the most striking of the three. This is a vivid mid-green that leans ever so slightly toward the cool side. The green version makes the boldest statement, not least of all because it feels the most novel. This is not a color we typically associate with vintage watches, let alone Super Compressors. It breaks with tradition, but it does so with confidence.

Initial impressions of the new Longines Legend Diver colors

When I first saw an overview image of these three new dial colors, I wasn’t overly impressed. I figured I’d still pick the black or blue version. However, the combination of the three triggers some bias. Side by side, they seem a bit much. However, when viewed in isolation, these three colors all bring something neat to the table. And I think they work very well.

The Longines Legend Diver is a deceptively simple watch. Its design is clear and concise. This means it presents a great canvas to experiment with a bit of color. I like that Longines picked very particular and largely atypical hues. Another big plus for me is that the brand stuck with one color per watch. It is so tempting to add a second accent color or faux patina. However, it could have easily turned these watches gimmicky.

The 39mm Longines Legend Diver on the bracelet costs €3,800. All three new colors are available now from Longines. What do you think of them? Let us know in the comments below!