With spring comes longer days, brighter evenings and a renewed sense of optimism. It also ushers in the time when horology’s biggest names unveil their releases for the year. And while technical complications and out-there aesthetics grab the headlines, after the dust has settled it is the collections that quietly shine that are what we will actually be wearing on our wrists in the upcoming months.

Longines’ new Elegant line is a case in point. Its pleasingly minimalist, pared-back look has a timeless sophistication, with carefully thought-through details that lend it a contemporary edge. Classic Roman numerals offer a classic counterpoint to the otherwise pure dial and steel case, while every element has been painstakingly configured to achieve the perfect visual balance, with the seconds counter shifted away from the central axis to breathe space into the design.

Yet despite its simple, stripped-back appearance, it takes advantage of the latest technologies both inside and out. The calibre L891.5 developed exclusively for Longines offers reliability and precision. This is due in part to its silicon balance spring, which is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and unaffected by temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields that would otherwise throw off the accuracy of a watch. In a testament to its longevity, it comes with a five-year warranty.

Meanwhile in a first for the watchmaker, the timepieces come presented on straps made from vegetable material. A more ethical alternative to traditional leather, it retains the same quality, supple feel and long-lasting properties. Here the exterior is made from an innovative material produced using recycled apple waste, while the interior is constructed from recycled corn rubber. The watch comes in 34.5mm and 39mm diameters, including a bi-colour version in steel and rose gold plate, in a selection of dials ranging from chic matt white to mother-of-pearl with diamonds. When it comes to both looking and feeling good, the Longines Elegant strikes the perfect balance.

From £1,530; longines.com