Longines Spirit 26.5 (L2.196.4.23.6)

The tastes of the 1920s are considered to be among the most important stylistic trends created in the 20th century. Their creative freedom and imagination helped to perpetuate a unique style within the Art Deco movement which exerted a marked influence even in watchmkaing during the 1920s. As it does each year, Longines has sought inspiration in this artistic trend for creating elegant ladies' timepieces and is now presenting three new watches in the distinctive 1920s style: Les Elegantes de Longines.
The 1920s saw an artistic revolution with the emergence of the Art Deco movement whose influence spread to many areas of life. But it was also the period of a minor revolution for women: in the 1920s women gradually shrugged off convention and took their fate in their own hands. Corsets were thrown out, waists were liberated, women gained their freedom. Echoing these changes, fashion was also influenced by Art Deco and took on a new beauty made up of chic lifestyles, elegance and vivacity.

The early years of the 20th century also brought with them a major revolution in the world of watchmaking. The advent of the wristwatch and the development of smaller and more reliable movements enabled the watchmakers of the period to exploit their creative talents to the full. Watches, which until then had been relegated to the depths of men's waistcoat pockets, began to be worn on the wrist. But the craftsmen at Longines were soon turning their creative skills to ladies' models, lending the Art Deco style a new expression in elegant and charming timepieces for women. With shaped cases in white gold set with precious stones or playfully decorated - a true in-depth exploration of the exuberant fashion of the time - the jewelled watches created by Longines in the first 30 years of the 20th century soon became immensely popular among the female population.
In 2002 Longines decided to revive the beautiful creations of the 1920s. The models produced at that time were reviewed and reissued. The result was the Les Elegantes de Longines collection, which was an immediate hit among amateur (female) collectors of exceptional pieces. Since then, each spring, new models that are delicate, fine examples of the Art Deco spirit are added to this timeless, elegant collection.

This year Longines has created three new models inspired by the exuberance of the 1920s to make up its 2010 edition of Les Elegantes de Longines. The first is a rectangular watch in yellow gold, set on an elegant strap in black satin. The second, a delicate piece in rose gold, has a tonneau-shaped case that fits snugly on to a bordeaux satin strap. And the third is a graceful white gold model with an almond-shaped case and a white satin strap. The cases of all three models have been hand-engraved in the Art Deco style and set with 24 to 42 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds that add a final sparkle. The Arabic numerals add a delicate charm to the silvered dials and blued hands.
True to its traditions, the famous Swiss watch manufacturer has selected an authentic hand-wound movement dating from the 1970s for this elegant collection - the Longines L805 calibre, set with 17 rubies and beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. This precious trio has been produced in a limited series of ten pieces only.

Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World's leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.

Once again Longines has created three watches that have been inspired by the boldness of the 1920s and 1930s. The cases of these watches, crafted in 18-carat yellow, rose or white gold, have been hand-engraved throughout with decorative motifs from the Art Deco period. Moreover, they are enhanced by the brilliant sparkle of 24 to 42 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds. The movement they house is a manually wound model dating from the 1970s, namely the L805. This exquisite trio has been produced in a limited series of ten pieces each.

Les Elegantes de Longines have been inspired by the 1920s and 1930s. These elegant models bear the mark of the rich aesthetic refinement of the period, as can be seen in this 18-carat yellow gold rectangular watch mounted on a sleek black satin strap. Enhanced with 34 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds (0.309 carats), the case houses a manually wound movement, the L805, with 17 jewels and beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. With a silvered dial featuring 12 Arabic numerals and its hand-engraved motifs, this model celebrates the daring creations of the 1920s. Limited edition of 10 pieces.
18-carat yellow gold rectangular case, hand-engraved throughout and set with Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, mounted on an elegant black satin strap.

Once again Longines has created timepieces that have been inspired by the 1920s and 1930s. These elegant watches bear the mark of the rich aesthetic refinement of the period, as can be seen in this 18-carat rose gold tonneau-shaped model mounted on a sleek bordeaux satin strap. Enhanced with 24 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds (0.166 carats), the case houses a manually wound movement, the L805, with 17 jewels and beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. With a silvered dial featuring 12 Arabic numerals and its hand-engraved motifs, this model celebrates the daring designs of the 1920s. Limited edition of 10 pieces.
18-carat rose gold tonneau-shaped case, hand-engraved throughout and set with Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, mounted on an elegant bordeaux satin strap.

Les Elegantes de Longines have been inspired by the 1920s and 1930s. These elegant watches bear the mark of the rich aesthetic refinement of the period, as can be seen in this 18-carat white gold almond-shaped model mounted on a sleek white satin strap. Enhanced with 42 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds (0.353 carats), the case houses a manually wound movement, the L805, with 17 jewels and beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. With a silvered dial featuring 12 Arabic numerals and its hand-engraved motifs, this model celebrates the daring creations of the 1920s. Limited edition of 10 pieces.
18-carat white gold almond-shaped case, hand-engraved throughout and set with Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, mounted on an elegant white satin strap.