The Longines Legend Diver collection, since its inception in 2007, has presented a strong example of heritage revivals done right. Longines, a trendsetter in this regard, has always done a great job of digging into their rich archives to take beloved designs of the brand and reinterpret them with fresh and flavourful notes that speak to modern buyers. One standout element of recent Legend Divers are their lacquered gradient dials, giving a sporty reference a dressy and playful twist. For 2022, Longines has decided to expand the menu by introducing vivid burgundy, sand beige and ash grey gradient dials into the mix.The original 1959 diver from LonginesLongines Legend Diver 42mmFor the 2022 refresh of the collection, the real change-up here is the new dial colours. The stainless-steel case is still 42mm in diameter, 12.7mm thick, and 52.4mm lug-to-lug, with two screw-down crowns (one to operate the inner timing bezel and the other to adjust the time and date) and a depth rating of 300 metres. Inside, beneath a solid caseback, is the self-winding?Calibre L888.5 (ETA A31.L11) with an anti-magnetic silicon balance-spring and a “weekend-proof” 72 hours of power reserve.While there is much that remains familiar, two new gradient colourways for the 42mm collection, sand beige and ash grey (pictured above), bring new versatile and neutral tones into the staple collection.Longines Legend Diver 36mmWhen a brand releases two sizes of a particular watch model, typically more attention is paid to the larger size – the smaller, at times, is an afterthought. To date, the Longines Legend Diver 36mm was only available in black and white mother-of-pearl, so the more compact take on the classic diver had far less options to explore. Today, this is remedied, with three colours now debuting in the 36mm size. Like the 42mm, the 36mm will also be available in the new sand beige gradient configuration as well. But, exclusive to the size, Longines introduces a new vivid burgundy gradient dial to the 36mm collection. This rich glass of Bordeaux may be a day late for any Valentine’s festivities, but it’s a colour that is really distinct and would work well all year round.For those who like the Legend Diver, but find the 52.4mm lug-to-lug of the faithfully sized 42mm configuration too large, you’ll be glad to know the royal blue gradient dial, released last year only in the 42mm, has now also arrived in the 36mm collection as well.Longines Legend Diver pricing and availability:Longines Legend Diver 42mmBrandLonginesModelLegend DiverCase MaterialStainless SteelCase Dimensions42mm x 12.7mm x 52.4mmWater-Resistance300m, screw-down crownsNew DialsSand biege or ash grey gradient dialsStrapsSand biege fabric strap with buckle, ash grey NATO fabric strapMovementCalibre L888.5 (ETA A31.L11)Power Reserve72 hoursComplicationsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPrice$2,400 USDLongines Legend Diver 36mmBrandLonginesModelLegend DiverCase MaterialStainless SteelCase Dimensions36mm x 11.9mmWater-Resistance300m, screw-down crownsNew DialsVivid burgundy, sand biege, royal blue gradient dialsStrapsVivid burgundy or sand biege fabric strap with buckle, royal blue fabric look leather strap with buckleMovementCalibre L592 (ETA A20.L11)Power Reserve45 hoursComplicationsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPrice$2,400 USD
15.02.22