Longines Master Collection - Classic Christmas Gifts

Longines Master Collection is aimed at both exploiting and enhancing that reputation for quality. The models that have come through since it launched five years ago have clear links to great watches past, but they also feature design elements (whether internal or external) that are undeniably modern. In short, they live up to their description of being 'modern classics'.

Since the successful 2005 launch of the basic model in stainless steel, and in response to the line’s subsequent popularity, Longines has gradually been building up the Master Collection. It has added models in pink and yellow gold or with black or white mother-of-pearl faces and in a range of sizes for both men and women. There are even models with diamond-festooned bezels!

The watchmaker's current evolutionary peak, though, is represented by the ‘retrograde.' [Longines brand ambassador - bollywood actress and former Miss World Aishwarya - is pictured above at the launch of Longines Master Collection Retrograde Watch.]

First unveiled in 2007, Longines Master Collection Retrograde comes in stainless steel or rose gold, in 41mm or 44mm sizes and has four retrograde functions – day, date, seconds and a second time zone. It also includes elements of ancient and modern - a specially designed new movement lurking behind a dial decorated with old-style arabic numerals and blue hands – that describe a brand both looking forward and aware of its past.