The history of the Longines Flagship
The Longines Flagship was launched in 1957 and is one of the very first collections to which the House of the Winged Hourglass – in business since 1832 – gave a name. The word refers in English to the flagship, the vessel that flies the fleet commander’s flag at sea. From its launch, every model in the range featured an 18-carat gold medallion on its caseback, engraved with a caravel under full sail against a hand-painted blue enamel sea. The 26 mm Flagship adopts this name in a ladies’ version, with a transparent case back replacing the medallion to reveal the movement. This Longines Flagship 26 automatic bears the reference L4.274.4.96.6; it is the version with a blue sunburst dial featuring Arabic numerals, which preceded the current Flagship Classic of the same diameter.
Case, calibre and strap of this Flagship
The 26 mm round steel case features a polished stepped bezel and short lugs that extend the line of the strap. The crown bears the Longines winged hourglass. Beneath a sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective coating, the blue sunburst dial features applied Arabic numerals at 12, 9 and 6 o’clock, applied baton hour markers and a metal-rimmed date window at 3 o’clock. The silver-toned baton hands and the slender central seconds hand stand out clearly against the blue background. The transparent case back, engraved with ‘Flagship’, reveals the self-winding L595.2 calibre, based on the ETA 2000/1 movement, with 20 jewels and a 40-hour power reserve. It is water-resistant to 3 bar, or 30 metres. The steel bracelet with polished links fastens with a Longines-signed double folding clasp. At 26 mm, the watch remains discreet on a slender wrist and slips effortlessly under a sleeve.
Why this Longines watch
This version with Arabic numerals is no longer featured in the brand’s catalogue, which now offers its 26 mm Flagship Classic with index markers only. This second-hand piece therefore offers a chance to own this blue dial featuring three numerals, which is easier to read than a dial with hour markers. It combines an automatic mechanical movement, a sapphire crystal case back and a metal bracelet integrated into the case design, all within a classic ladies’ watch format. When worn regularly, it winds itself automatically thanks to its oscillating weight and requires no battery. Its understated design is equally suited to office wear and evening wear.
Contents and condition
This Flagship is supplied on its own, without a Longines box or papers, in a black presentation case and a white The Swiss Collector outer box. Its strap is adjusted to fit a 14 cm wrist and comes with no spare links, so it is suitable for a wrist of this size. The watch has just been polished. The case, bezel and strap have been repolished and show no defects visible to the naked eye, nor do the dial and sapphire crystal. Having been inspected by our experts, it is ready to wear upon receipt.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and in-store collection, or fully secure international delivery.
*As new – a new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No defects visible to the naked eye.
