In the 1910s Longines first started to make rectangular watches. Only after a decade, in 1920, these rectangular watches started to get massive popularity in the market, which went on for another decade. Amidst this, the brand also created a model in 1927 that inspired the Dolce Vita collection 70 years after its launch in 1997. Two years later, the brand had its slogan, “Elegance is an attitude”, and this watch was one of those models representing it. Under the flagship, the model once again gained popularity in 2015.
The model from 1927 Now, with an aim to expand the collection to more watch enthusiasts, Longines has presented the Dolce Vita in a smaller size for those with slender wrists. The new model is now 21.50mm x 29.00mm, and aptly called the Mini DolceVita. There are eleven references, on six of which 38 IF-VVS Top Wesselton diamonds dazzle along the vertical edges of the rectangular stainless steel model, carrying forward the ethos of its slogan. Longines Ambassador of Elegance Jennifer Lawrence made headlines with her presence at the star-studded launch of the collection in New York City on September 22.
The collection comes in two versions, one with a Cosmo circular dial or a Roman rectangular dial that forms the seven references, and the other four references are coloured timepieces. All of the timepieces are powered by Quartz L178 and have hours, minutes, and small seconds at 6 o’clock as functions.
In the Cosmo circular dial, the background and the inner circle are silver sunray-finished, while the hour track with painted Roman numerals and the small seconds subdial are in white matt. The Roman rectangular is a silvered coloured dial decorated with a flinqué pattern that has a guilloche effect. The small seconds subdial is square-shaped and the Roman numerals are painted in the hour track. Flanking the case of this model is the same stainless steel bracelet with an additional black alligator strap. There’s a second Cosmo circular dial watch with a silver sandblasted finish. All of these models come with a 198-link stainless steel bracelet with an additional black alligator strap. The Roman rectangular-dialed case can also be worn with a red alligator strap.
The other four coloured references come in different shades - ivory white, mint green, blossom pink, and serene blue. The dials are Roman rectangular with the outer square in colour and the inner square decorated with a guilloche effect. The gilt Roman numerals and the gilt 2N hands create a 3D effect. Their cases are flanked with alligator straps in the shade matching the outer square.
All the references are water resistant up to 30 metres.
Images: Courtesy Longines