Longines Legend Diver

Inspired by the 1960s

In a nutshell, the Longines Legend Diver is a high-quality, 1960s-style luxury diving watch with an affordable price tag. When Longines introduced its first stainless steel version with a black dial in 2007, the brand had no idea that it was about to set a new market trend. After the huge success of this watch, retro-style timepieces sprang up like mushrooms. The Longines Legend Diver will appeal to aficionados of the style-setting watch designs of yesteryear, combining the charm of an era when watches learned to swim with the qualities of a modern, everyday timepiece.

The watch features a Super Compressor case and an internal bezel operated by a second crown on the right side of the case. These features date back to the diving ref. 7042, which Longines first introduced in the early 1960s. Like the first reissue in 2007, this original had no date function. Today, many versions of the Legend Diver are equipped with a date display.

Along with the classic model with a black dial, Longines also offers stainless steel versions with colored dials. A model with a bronze case is also available. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of black watches, this collection has something for you as well. Since 2024, you can choose from case diameters of 36, 39, and 42 mm, so there's a model to fit virtually any wrist.

One thing all Legend Divers have in common is an automatic movement. The 42 and 39-mm versions are powered by the caliber L888, while the caliber L592 sets the pace in the smaller variant. Both calibers are produced exclusively for Longines by the Swiss movement manufacturer ETA. All Legend Diver models are water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft).

Reasons to Buy a Longines Legend Diver

• 60s design with modern technology
• Outstanding value for money
• Available in stainless steel or bronze
• Great unisex watches
• Available with different dial colors

Price Overview: Longines Legend Diver

How much does a Longines Legend Diver cost?

A watch from the ladies’ collection, priced at around 2,200 USD, is the most affordable entry into the world of the Legend Diver. For this level of investment, you can call a ref. L3.374.4.80.0 with a mother-of-pearl dial and white leather strap your own. The classic men’s version of the diving watch with a black dial and a rubber strap (ref. L3.774.4.50.9) will set you back about 2,600 USD. The black-coated stainless steel ref. L3.774.2.50.9 is available for the same price. If you’d prefer a bronze case, expect to shell out around 2,700 USD for ref. L3.774.1.50.2. As of the fall of 2024, the 39-mm versions are the most expensive models. Worn on a stainless steel bracelet, these watches changes hands for roughly 3,700 USD, regardless of the dial color.

Legend Diver With A 42-mm Case

Ref. L3.774.4.50.9 is closest to the original Legend Diver launched by Longines in 2007, but unlike the latter, it has a date display at 3 o’clock. Thanks to its low balance frequency of 25,200 vph, the automatic caliber L888 inside offers a 72-hour power reserve.

You can pair this watch with a stainless steel Milanese bracelet or a rubber or leather strap. Regardless of the option you choose, this watch will set you back about 2,600 USD new.

New Colors for the Legend Diver

If you’d prefer a little more color on your wrist, check out refs. L3.774.4.90.2 and L3.774.4.60.2. The former has a blue dial, the latter, a brown dial. The straps of these two references match the dials. The price for both versions is around 2,400 USD in unworn condition.

If you’d prefer a Legend Diver made of bronze, take a look at ref. L3.774.1.50.2. This model has a green dial with hands and hour markers that match the color of the case. The watch is held securely on the wrist by a brown leather strap. The price point for this timepiece is approximately 2,700 USD in mint condition.

The ref. L3.774.2.50.9 is entirely black, and even comes on a black Milanese bracelet. You can expect prices for new models to be around 2,200 USD.

Legend Diver 39: A Throwback to the 1960s

In 2023 and 2024, Longines introduced new stainless steel versions of the Legend Diver with a case diameter of 39 mm. The size is the same as that of the original model introduced in the 1960s. The dials come in black, green, blue, or blue and terracotta. Depending on the model and reference, the watches come with a “Beads of Rice” stainless steel bracelet or a NATO or leather strap. The Legend Diver 39 is powered by the caliber L888.

One example of this model is ref. L3.764.4.5.07. This timepiece features a black dial and stainless steel bracelet, and changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 3,300 USD. Variants with a color dial are a few hundred dollars more expensive.

Legend Diver Ladies and Unisex Models

Ladies and unisex models of the Legend Diver measure 36 mm in diameter. The dials come in black, red, blue, or beige, and there are also two versions with a light mother-of-pearl dial. The caliber L529 with a power reserve of 45 hours sets the pace in the watches. The ref. L3.374.4.80.6 has a mother-of-pearl dial and is fitted with a Milanese bracelet. This model will set you back about 2,600 USD.

The ref. L3.374.4.50.6 has a black dial and a Milanese bracelet. The price here is identical. If you’d prefer a red dial with a matching synthetic strap, check out ref. L3.374.4.40.2. The price point for this model is around 2,500 USD – roughly comparable to the price of other models.

FAQs

How water-resistant is the Longines Legend Diver?

All Longines Legend Diver models are water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft), which makes them suitable for scuba diving.

What are the sizes of the Longines Legend Diver?

As of late 2024, the Longines Legend Diver is available in sizes of 36, 39, and 42 mm.

What movement powers the Longines Legend Diver?

The 42 and 39-mm versions of the Longines Legend Diver are powered by the caliber L888, while the smaller 36-mm variant is equipped with the caliber L592. Produced exclusively for Longines, both calibers are based on movements from the Swiss movement manufacturer ETA.