Not too long ago I wrote about the newly introduced, and larger, Longines Legend Diver 59 with a 42mm case size. While there were some interesting tweaks to the dial, the overall concept was a letdown for me, which in turn sparked a greater appreciation for what I now believe is the optimal modern Legend Diver, the 39mm variant ref. L3.764.4.50.7 and all its wide array of available dial colors. Naturally, it was time to take a closer look at this watch, which has been sent to us by Gem Bijou watch store out of Toronto.
I want to state the obvious benefits of this model before we get underway with a more detailed analysis. For one, we already know that this version we have on hand has a smeller case size, with superior proportions when compared to the newly released 42mm version. This watch is going to wear better on wrist for 80% of people, mainly those with a wrist size under 7.5 inches. If you have a wrist size larger than 7.5 inches, the incentive grows for you to perhaps lean towards the newer 42mm “Legend Diver 59”.
Another massive design aspect that I find more appealing on the 39mm version is the lack of faux patina. This, in my opinion, gives the watch a more authentic “true to the original” style. Let the dial naturally patina on its own, we don’t need to force it with faux patina lume that’s currently being overused by a multitude of brands. Beyond that, style wise, the two variants are not that far off from each other.
The Legend Diver’s Aptitude
We’re all wear aware of the Legend Diver’s impressive heritage dating back to 1959, with the original Legend Diver that used a real super-compressor case. Times have changed, and the engineering that went into the production of a proper “pressure adaptive” super-compressor case is pretty much obsolete with the introduction of modern components and manufacturing tolerances. Although, the same can be said for literally anything in mechanical horology, so at the end of the day it’s unfortunate that Longines changed to a regular case construction for this watch.
The good news is, if you’re a proponent of accurate watch renditions from the past, this 39mm variant is fairly true to the original in all other aspects. The dial still has the highly legible, and handsomely displayed stick marker layout, which is an alternating configuration of long skinny markers for the minutes, and 5 minute segments. Mixed into this we have Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock locations, in what I feel is a very attractive, blocky, retro font. The hands also retain that very sporty chic look, with a nice wide lume filled presence. The seconds hand is extra long with a lumed arrow tip, the minutes hand comes to a sword shaped tip, and the hour hand is the special one, retaining the Legend Diver’s iconic wide arrow tip shape.
Zooming out for just a moment, the Legend Diver 39 is such a great reinterpretation of the original vintage release. It’s so good that I’d come out and say not many watches can come close to its faithfulness to original production watches. Even icons like the Submariner have changed significantly more in design and appearance over the years than this Legend Diver has – but then again that’s why there’s so many loyal Longines lovers, they’re experts at developing collector driven reissues. Just take a look at their Heritage Sector Dial we reviewed back in 2020 for proof of this.
Proportions and Tactile Feel
It feels outstanding on wrist, there’s just no other way to put it. For a dive watch packing 300 meters of water resistance, to look as good as it does, and to feel so classy but sporty at the same time, I’m impressed. It has a 39mm case, but what sets this watch apart is in the details, such as its stout lug to lug distance of 46.9mm, lug width of 20mm, and case thickness of 12.7mm which includes the domed boxed sapphire crystal.
For a dive watch, the lugs are very small and skinny, with an excellent curvature flowing with the end-links of the bracelet. It hugs and contours my 6.5 inch wrist effortlessly, and seems to pair well with any casual clothes, but really pops with a slick smart casual outfit, especially with the beads of rice bracelet allowing the watch to flow from an active diving session into an evening dinner by the sea.
Of course, the real differentiator of this diver is its dual “compressor-style” crowns. This once functional aspect is now stylized and engrained into the heritage of the watch. If it weren’t for the JLC Polaris, this would be Longines’ brand giveaway, in the same way the fluted bezel would be for Rolex. Both crowns are screw down, with the top crown controlling the rotation of the inner bezel, which by the way is buttery smooth to operate, and the bottom crown simply sets the time, hacking seconds enabled.
Movement
The movement powering this watch is the L888.6, which is an ETA based automatic movement that been modified for Longines. It offers a substantial 72 hours of power reserve, with an unusual beat rate of 3.5 Hz or 25,200 vibrations per hour. Staying under 4 Hz but above 3 Hz reduces friction and energy consumption, while still maintaining a visually smooth rotation of the seconds hand. It’s also COSC certified with an ensured accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds per day.
Final Thoughts
I want to take this watch diving, instead of “diving with this watch” – if that makes any sense? The Legend Diver is sports watch motivation at its finest, and at an attractive price point of $3850.00 USD to boot. All facts considered I believe this to be one of the best ever dive watches at its price point, blending an incredible and interesting heritage, with quality craftsmanship, and a design language that truly has not changed much since its inception.
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