Couple Time

Women who have been eyeing the Longines vintage-inspired timepiece on their men’s wrist can now buy their own version. The classic watchmaking company has rolled out, for the first time, a retro-style model for both sexes. The Heritage 1918 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 38.5mm, the latter bearing a row of 60 diamonds totalling one carat for the gem-loving female. Both watches are powered for up to 42 hours by the self-winding Calibre L615.

The design of the Heritage 1918 was inspired by bracelet chronographs – specifically, an aviator-style monopusher chronograph from the Longines museum. Although the modern remake does not come with the stopwatch function, it exudes all the charm of a bygone era. Its Art Nouveau style case is a throwback to early 20th century timepieces, many of which were transitioning from the pocket to the wrist. Elaborate looped lugs give the Heritage 1918 an aristocratic air but the rest of the watch clearly takes cues from aviation. The oversized numerals and hands, and the oversized onion crown, illustrate this.

For chronological consistency, the white lacquer polished dial bears the vintage Longines logo, instead of the company’s modern winged hourglass motif. The retro aesthetic is completed with honey-coloured Arabic numerals, and hour and minute hands; blued steel outlines; and the black Cheminde-Fer minutes track. Held together by honey-coloured alligator leather straps, the Heritage 1918 makes for a conversation piece that lends subtle character to any outfit.