Understated Elegance: Longines Unveils A New Collection That Defines Quiet Luxury

Fashion fiends, take note: women’s timepieces are making their way back in smaller cases, with a versatility that transcends dress codes and personal styles. Think of them as the dependable white shirt that goes with everything or that you build your look on.

And Longines’ new Mini DolceVita collection does just that. Based on the original DolceVita series from 1997, the Mini DolceVita has a slimmer profile at 21.5mm x 29mm and comes in 11 references. Six of them feature diamonds flanking each side of the case, resulting in a timepiece that’s both discreet and classy, perfect for a dinner date or making a bold impression in a statement look.

CONTEMPORARY FLAIR

With its sleek profile and understated glamour, Longines’ new Mini DolceVita collection is the embodiment of sophistication. It’s no surprise actress Jennifer Lawrence is a fan and also the brand’s newest Ambassador of Elegance, joining the likes of Suzy Bae and Lin Chi-ling.

The star of the new collection is the Ref. L5.200.0.75.6 with its sunray dial and painted Roman numerals complementing classic blued steel hands. Thirty-eight Top Wesselton diamonds totalling 0.456 carats grace either side of the case, while an anti-reflective sapphire crystal offers scratch resistance and high readability at the same time. A newly designed bracelet with 198 links adds to the lustre and comfort of the timepiece.

If you’re that high-achieving multi-tasker who’s ever ready to go straight from your meetings to a play at the Esplanade, this timepiece is the effortless style icon you need on your wrist.

CLASSIC CHIC

Keeping up with fashion trends may involve a considerable amount of work, so you want a watch that will adapt seamlessly to your ever-evolving wardrobe. The Ref. L5.200.4.75.2, with its chic black alligator leather strap, pairs easily with whatever your ensemble of the day is.

Not a fan of the safe monochrome aesthetic? The Longines interchangeable system lets you swap out the strap faster than you can say “Paris Fashion Week”.

LADY IN RED

Every fashion blogger worth their salt knows sometimes it’s best to pare down your outfit to let your accessories pop. Enter the Ref. L5.200.4.71.5 with its crimson alligator leather strap and silver flinque-decorated dial.

While the previous two models channel a modern vibe, the Ref. L5.200.4.71.5 is business in the front, party in the strap. On the one hand, traditional Roman numerals, a patterned flinque-decorated dial and railroad minute track call to mind popular timepieces from the 18th century. In contrast, the bright red strap says you’re serious but are also up for a bit of fun.

A HERITAGE OF ELEGANCE

Established in the Swiss village of Saint-Imier in 1832, Longines has always had the spirit of innovation, precision and elegance in mind. In the 1910s, it started producing rectangular watches, which experienced immense popularity in the next two decades.

As the rise of rectangular timepieces continued, Longines produced the watch (pictured below) that would go on to inspire the DolceVita collection 70 years later in 1997.

Following a refresh of the DolceVita line in 2015, Longines launched the Mini DolceVita this year, marrying the heritage of the brand with contemporary updates, including the highly accurate quartz movement, L178.

Longines CEO Matthias Breschan explains elegance allows the brand to break from traditional aesthetic codes while revealing multiple facets of its personality. “It is an opportunity to continually reinvent ourselves, based on our desires and moods, whether serious or playful, but always in keeping with our own tastes and values,” he says.

And just like the new Mini DolceVita collection has shown, elegance is truly what you make of it.

Head to your nearest Longines boutique to try on the Mini DolceVita or visit this website to explore the collection.