A quick look at our Longines article archives and you can see that virtually every timepiece we have covered from the Swiss watchmaker over the past five years has been in the heritage collection, or otherwise vintage inspired. A company with such a rich history should tap into past designs for ideas, and Longines has perpetuated this concept more than any other company.

Introducing the latest retro timepiece, the Heritage 1945. Unveiled at Baselworld 2017 in March, the new watch is presented in a 40 mm stainless steel case, up from the original 38 mm. Either size would be fine I think, amongst hardcore collectors and new watch enthusiasts alike.

One unique element that was maintained from the 1945 version is the vertically brushed coppery dial, which has a luxurious texture and is curved like the original. Contrasting the straight brushing is an unusually petite small seconds subdial, with a snailed finish, again, like its predecessor.

Blued steel leaf-shaped hands point to the hours and minutes, while a blued steel baton-shaped hand indicates the seconds.

Printed black Arabic numerals for the even hours and silvery cabochons for the odd hours, a black printed minutes/seconds chapter ring, and a small Longines logo, complete the simplistic and elegant throwback design.
Under the dial, there was originally a manual winding movement, caliber 12.86Z, and now it is equipped with a modern automatic caliber L609.3. The movement (ETA 2895/2) runs at 4Hz, has 27 jewels, and a 42-hour power reserve.

Completing the theme is an aged look beige leather strap, with a nubuck finish, and steel buckle. The retail price is approximately $2,000. (Ref. L2.813.4.66.0-2)