ReviewOf Myths, Auspicious Hues, And Endless Possibility: Introducing The Longines Flagship Heritage Year Of The Dragon Watch

The dragon is certainly more inspiring than any of the 11 other animals in the Chinese zodiac. There’s only so much that a brand can do to can do to glamorise a pig or a rat to feature it on a watch. But with the dragon, it’s different, the possibilities endless. To mark the start of the Chinese new year on February 10 this year, a number of brands released their dragon-inspired timepieces, some with the dragon prominently displayed on the dial, while others more understated in their reference to the mystical creature. The Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon timepiece is a fantastic, modest yet bold tribute to the Chinese zodiac, with a moon-phase indicator on a fumé dial in red, and a tattooed caseback. This is the first time that Longines have joined the dragon bandwagon, and their interpretation is a timeless one that doubles up as a dress watch even when the dragon retires and the snake takes the reins in 2025.

Flagship Heritage As A Timeless Canvas

As vintage inspiration goes, the Flagship Heritage line forms the perfect backdrop for Longines’ expression of the Chinese zodiac. With its roots in the 1950s, the Flagship Heritage collection is known for its timelessless and understated elegance. The red fumé dial that darkens around the periphery, is a nod to prosperity, as denoted by the colour in Chinese culture. Gold accents for the slim hour markers—elongated at nine, 12 and three—and dauphine-shaped timekeeping hands filled with Super-LumiNova enhance the red of the dial, standing out boldly against the darkened edges. A moon-phase indicator at six is indicative of the lunar calendar that the zodiac is based on.

With its roots in the 1950s, the Flagship Heritage collection is known for its timelessless and understated elegance. The red fume dial is a nod to prosperity

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Gold accents for the slim hour markers and dauphine hands filled with Super-LumiNova enhance the red of the dial, standing out boldly against the darkened edges

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A moon-phase indicator at six is indicative of the lunar calendar that the zodiac is based on

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The minute track in gold highlights the shades on the dial. This is interrupted by a red sub-dial at six that houses a moon and stars in gold against a blue backdrop. Odd number markings decorate the periphery of the sub-dial, with a gilded hand that points to the date. Overall, the finishes on the dial—the sunray brushing that darkens to a rich burgundy on the outside, and the circular gaining on the sub-dial—are enhanced by gilded accents all around the dial. Incidentally, this is the first time Longines have created a red dial for their Flagship Heritage line, and what a beautiful impact it has, even discounting the Chinese inspiration. Even sans the dragon, the timepiece comes across as an elegant dress watch that will last beyond the year of the dragon in 2024, 2036, 2048, and so on.

Flagship Heritage And The Year Of The Dragon

The 38.5mm stainless steel case of the Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon watch features a mix of polished finishes on the bezel and lugs, and brushed surfaces on the case profile. These finishes enhance the dressiness of the timepiece. With its height of 11.9mm, the watch fits easily under a formal cuff.

The Dragon reference on this timepiece is subtly and artistically tattooed on the caseback. Chinese artist Zinan Lim, known for his fusion of traditional Chinese art with graffiti, designed the dragon on the caseback, which could easily be mistaken for a peach blossom for its flowing lines and curves. Also engraved on the steel caseback are the words ‘year of the dragon’ and the number among the limited 888-piece run.

The 38.5mm steel case of the Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon watch features a mix of polished and brushed finishes, enhancing the elegance of the watch

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The Dragon reference on this timepiece is subtly and artistically tattooed on the caseback. Chinese artist Zinan Lim designed the dragon on the caseback

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Inside the commemorative caseback, powering the watch, is the mechanical self-winding Longines calibre L899.5, offering enhanced anti-magnetism, courtesy of a silicon balance spring. With timekeeping, date and moon-phase functions, the watch offers a cool power reserve of 72 hours.

With its beautiful and timeless red gradient dial, gold highlights, and moon phase and date indications, the Longines Flagship Heritage Year of the Dragon watch is much more than just a tribute to the Chinese zodiac. Its inherent elegance and artistic expression on the caseback make this a timepiece that will prove auspicious to anyone who wears it, regardless of whether they’re born in the year of the dragon or the year of the pig.