Longines La Grande Classique

The many watches in the Longines La Grande Classique collection are perhaps best described as timeless, elegant, and simple. Most models have streamlined designs with nothing more than the bare essentials (i.e., two hands for telling the time). Watches with a seconds hand or date are few and far between. It is also possible to find La Grande Classique timepieces with a barrel-shaped case; however, the majority have a round, thin, stainless steel case. Some versions feature a gold PVD coating and diamonds. While the women's models are exclusively quartz-powered, you will come across a few 36-mm unisex and men's watches with an automatic caliber.

Longines equips smaller quartz watches with the caliber L209, while the larger versions (29 mm and above) use the L420. Both are based on movements from ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse. ETA, like Longines, is a member of the Swatch Group and provides movements to countless renowned watch manufacturers.

ETA also provides the movement for mechanical La Grande Classique watches, namely the A20.L01. Longines refers to this movement as the caliber L591. It has a balance frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour (A/h) and a 40-hour power reserve.

A distinctive feature of La Grande Classique timepieces is their lack of traditional lugs. Instead, they have two small bridges attached to the round case – one at 12 and one at 6 o'clock. Some older models feature standard lugs, but current La Grand Classique timepieces exclusively feature bridges.

Are you looking for an affordable dress watch made by one of the oldest Swiss brands? La Grande Classique timepieces combine traditional, elegant design with precise quartz and automatic calibers, all at unbeatable prices.

Some variants of the La Grande Classique make fantastic unisex watches. The 36-mm reference number L4.755.4.71.2 is particularly well suited to more delicate wrists. A silver flinqué dial gives this stainless steel timepiece a classic look. This is further emphasized by its black alligator leather strap and the use of Roman numeral hour indices. The quartz caliber L420 quartz ticks away inside the case. You can purchase this stainless steel watch for around 860 USD. There's also a version with a rose gold PVD coating. Longines lists this timepiece under the reference number L4.755.1.91.2.

The ref. L4.908.4.72.2 features a silver dial with thin line indices and two narrow baton hands. This La Grande Classique stands out from the rest of the collection thanks to its mechanical movement, the L592. A sapphire crystal case back offers a view of the movement at work. At 36 mm in diameter, this model is a great choice for men and women alike. Thanks to its automatic movement, this version costs slightly more than its quartz counterparts. Mint-condition pieces demand about 1,200 USD.

The Longines La Grande Classique ref. L4.755.1.91.2 has a 36-mm case with rose gold plating. Its white dial is stamped with black Roman numerals. The quartz Longines caliber L420 powers its hour and minute hands. Longines mounts the final watch on a black alligator leather strap with a pin buckle clasp. Prices for new models sit around 930 USD on Chrono24. If you like Roman numerals, but prefer automatic watches, you may enjoy the ref. L4.908.4.94.2. This version has a 36-mm stainless steel case, which houses the caliber L591. It comes with a blue sunburst dial and matching blue alligator leather strap. This La Grande Classique requires an investment of roughly 1,200 USD.