WORDS
Joanne Glasbey
Longines is known for the elegance of its timepieces, so it’s not surprising that its designers were inspired by the Art Deco period in the creation of the Evidenza collection for women in 2003. The collection has recently been updated with some new automatic models in the range.
As far back as 1911, the watchmaker was demonstrating its style creds by introducing a tonneau-shaped watch, a daring decision to depart from the regular watch design of the times. In the middle of the 1920s, when the sleek, geometric cues of Art Deco dominated, the company created a barrel-shaped watch with the simple lines and neat curves that reflected the streamlined aesthetic codes of the era. The contemporary version features a similar barrel-shape with new dials in sea green and silver, evoking the spray of the ocean. The signature detailing lies in the matt centre surrounded by sunray finish, a sophisticated background for the slender, elongated Roman numerals. Available with leather straps in green and blue, or a supple steel bracelet with security folding clasp, they make graceful, Deco-inspired timepieces with modern flourishes.

Another range with a new addition is the characterful Master Collection, expanded to include a piece that is as feminine as it is technical. The 34mm automatic watch now has a moonphase display, with date ring, placed at six o’clock on the subtle mother-of-pearl dial decorated with discreet diamond hour markers. Also available with a blue sunray dial, it features the silver ’barleycorn’ pattern, a signature of the Longines Master Collection, and painted Arabic numerals. The automatic movement, with a power reserve of around 72 hours, can be seen through the sapphire glass on the back of the watch, and the five-year warranty for this model offers proof of reliability. The leather strap comes in brown, taupe, red or blue, and is also available with a stainless steel bracelet. This new piece will tell you whether the moon’s waxing or waning, beautifully.
Evidenza automatic from £1,570, Master Collection women’s moonphase from £2,230; longines.com