Andrew McUtchen
It was only a matter of time. And if you were a betting man, you'd have safely bet that it would be right on a year that Longines would double down on the Record Collection and offer it in gold. The benefits are immediate, giving the otherwise conservative new range a whole snap, crackle and colour pop, care of rose gold and navy blue alchemy, as well as two-tone variants.Vital statisticsThe watches in the Record Collection, certified as chronometers by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), thanks to engineering upgrades such as a silicon balance, combine classic elegance with excellence. Longines talk about the Record being a bridge between the brand's tradition and innovation; however, it's more accurate to say that the movement is now just on a par with more expensive brands and its accuracy and quality is guaranteed within -4/+6?a day. It's not particularly innovative, but it is particularly good value at this price point, which is a brand quality we find ourselves repeating ad nauseam.The Record Collection features two sized calibers housed inside four sizes of models (26, 30, 38.5 and 40mm) and comes in a variety of dials. Like the debut range, the stainless steel and rose gold or 18-carat rose gold case features a transparent back. Some models also offer a version inlaid with diamonds. The watch is available with a stainless steel bracelet with a rose gold cap, or with a black, brown or blue alligator strap matched to the dial and equipped with a security folding clasp.Initial thoughtsWhile watch journalists like us applauded the overall point' of the Record Collection, which was to bring COSC-Certified mechanical watchmaking to the people, it's completely understandable that on its release the crowd went more mild than wild. It's a conservative, tried-and-tested design unlikely to set worlds, or wrists, on fire. However, what a difference a dial colour and a little bit of rose gold makes. This is one of the more handsome watches of Basel so far. We can't wait to shoot it in the next day or two.
21.03.18