Longines  La Grande Classique  Watches

Longines La Grande Classique: A Symbol of Classic Elegance

First introduced in the early 1990s, the Longines La Grande Classique family of dress watches has enjoyed long-lasting success. This is especially thanks to its timeless style and classic designs. Nowadays, this range of Longines watches that both men and women adore come in different versions, sizes, materials, and movements. Every single timepiece in this collection boasts the same charm and elegance as that of the original.

Known for its very slim profile and eye-catching yet simple dials, this range is perfect for those who know how to appreciate the true craftsmanship of watchmaking. Some models come in white mother-of-pearl, black, blue, brown, silver, or gold dials. There are even ones with sunray, lacquer, and flinqué patterns on the dials. Some models even feature diamonds on the dial. Regardless of the model you choose, this collection guarantees you an elegant dress watch both for everyday wear or for the most important milestones in your life.

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Longines La Grande Classique Watches

How much is a Longines La Grande Classique watch?

Despite being a Swiss luxury watch brand, watches from the Longines La Grande Classique collection are all competitively priced. But just how much does a Longines watch in this collection cost? Featuring some of the most affordable luxury timepieces, the current lineup’s price point starts at $1,100 USD and goes as high as $3,575 USD. Not a bad deal for owning a simple yet elegant dress watch that features sophisticated designs and outstanding craftsmanship, embodying the long-standing value of the brand. 

Prices for the Longines La Grande Classique Automatic Watches

The La Grande Classique features a wide range of automatic watches. One of the best-selling models is the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49084516. This automatic watch comes in a 36mm case made from stainless steel material. It features a sapphire crystal that’s virtually scratch-proof; the transparent caseback is also made of sapphire crystal. The sunray black features painted Roman numeral hour markers and silvered polished hour and minute hands. Powering this Longines automatic watch is the caliber L591, a self-winding mechanical movement that beats at 4 Hz per hour. It also has a 45-hour power reserve. So, how much is a Longines watch with this reference? The La Grande Classique Ref. L49084516 features a Longines price tag of $1,650 USD.

Another best seller is the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49184946. Similar to the ref. L49084516, this Longines automatic timepiece also features a price tag of approximately $1,650 USD. It features a stunning sunray blue dial with silver-painted Roman numeral hour markings and polished hour and minute hands. Powering this timepiece is the caliber L591, which you can see through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback.

The Longines La Grande Classique ref. L49084512 is another popular automatic watch in this collection. It comes in a 36mm round, silver stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This Longines watch features a black dial with a sunray pattern. The silvered hands and Roman numerals perfectly offset the glossy black dial, ensuring the ultimate eligibility. The automatic movement of this timepiece can be seen through the transparent sapphire crystal caseback. So, how much is a Longines watch in this model? The Ref. L49084512 comes with a Longines price tag of $1,650 USD. 

Now, for those who may want something a little more striking on their wrist. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49182117 is a timepiece that is encased in a stunning stainless steel case with a yellow PVD coating. Featuring a 38mm round case, the Ref. L49182117 is surely one of the best Longines watches men will love wearing on their wrists. It comes with alternating stainless steel and yellow PVD coating bracelet and a triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism. The bright white dial features black hands and painted Roman numerals, a perfect contrast that ensures excellent eligibility. So, how much is this stunning Longines automatic watch? The Longines La Grande Classique ref. L49182117 will set you back around $1,800 USD.

Prices for the Longines La Grande Classique Quartz Watches

For those who prefer the accuracy and reliability of quartz movements, the La Grande Classique collection also has a wide variation of quartz watches. If you’re new to the world of horology, quartz movements tend to be more accurate than the mechanical counterpart. On top of that, they are also more affordable than mechanical watches. So, if you’re in the market for the best quartz watch, Longines offers just what you need.

One of the best-selling models in this catalog is the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45124870. This timepiece comes in a round stainless steel set with 44 Top Wesselton IF-VVS diamonds. Its mother-of-pearl dial is complemented by hour and minute hands in black. Instead of the traditional hour markers, this Longines La Grande Classique ladies’ watch features 12 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamonds. The white alligator skin strap is a perfect element to tie in the overall elegance that this quartz watch exudes. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45124870 will set you back an estimate of $1,475.00 USD.

Meanwhile, the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L42094516 is the perfect embodiment of “simple is more”. This quartz watch comes in a petite 24mm case made from stainless steel. It features a glossy sunray black dial with silvered polished hands and painted Roman numeral hour markers. Powering this Longines La Grande Classique ladies’ watch is the caliber L209 that features hours and minutes functions. Priced at only $1,100 USD, the Ref. L42094516 is one of the cheapest Longines watches in this collection.

Another petite Longines La Grande Classique ladies’ watch is the Ref. L45230876. This timepiece measures only 29mm in diameter with the case only 4.50mm in thickness. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45230876 features a round stainless steel with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on a stainless steel bracelet. Set with 44 Top Wesselton IF-VVS diamonds, the bezel of this timepiece is surely dazzling with grace and elegance. Meanwhile, the 12 diamonds on the white mother-of-pearl dial also add another layer of extravagance to this quartz watch. Ticking away inside the Ref. L45230876 is the caliber L420 with hour and minute functions. Priced at $3,575 USD, this watch is one of the most expensive Longines watches in the La Grande Classique catalog.

Prices for the Longines La Grande Classique Watches with Unique Cases and Dials 

If you’re in the market for something a little less orthodox, this family of watches also features numerous models that aren't your typical timepiece. This could mean a unique dial, a striking case, or even just an unusual pairing of materials. 

Priced at $1,600 USD, the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45121677 is a striking timepiece that features a unique brown dial with a sunray pattern. The pink hour and minute hands perfectly complement the color of the dial, as well as the 12 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamonds for hour markers. Ticking away inside this 29mm Longines La Grande Classique ladies’ watch is the caliber L420, a reliable quartz movement. This Longines quartz timepiece is housed in a stainless steel case with red PVD coating on a stainless steel bracelet, also with red PVD coating.

The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L47091882 is another popular model in this collection. It’s housed in a 33mm stainless steel case with red PVD coating on a black alligator-skin strap. This Longines quartz watch features a white mother-of-pearl dial with 12 diamond hour markers. So, how much is a Longines watch with the reference L47091882? This timepiece comes with a Longines price tag of $1,650 USD.

If you’re looking for one of the best Longines watches, the Longines La Grande Classique ref. L49084712 may just be what you’re looking for. This mid-size watch measures about 36mm in diameter and is only 7.60mm in thickness. Ticking inside this Longines watch is the caliber L591, an automatic, self-winding movement that beats at 4 Hz per hour and comes with a 45-hour power reserve. You can admire this Longines automatic movement through the transparent sapphire crystal case back. And while it may come with the traditional black hands and hour markers, it features a visually stunning flinqué dial in silver. So, how much will this Longines automatic watch cost you? Similar to the Ref. L47091882, the rRef. L49084712 also comes with a Longines price tag of $1,650 USD.

Another popular model is the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49082122. This Longines automatic watch comes in a 36mm stainless steel case with a yellow PVD case on a black alligator strap. It features a white dial with black hour and minute hands, as well as painted stick-style hour markers. At the heart of this Longines watch is the caliber L591, which you can admire through the transparent case back. The overall simplicity of this watch is perfect for both men and women looking for an understated watch. The Ref. L49082122 will set you back an estimated $2,425 USD.

The Latest 2021 Longines La Grande Classique Models

In 2021, Longines expanded its La Grande Classique collection by introducing two new models. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45124870 is a stunning 29mm quartz watch that’s housed in a gray stainless steel case on a white leather strap that perfectly ties in the grace and elegance of the case. On top of that, the white mother-of-pearl dial of this Longines quartz watch adds another layer of sophistication that’s enhanced, thanks to the 12 diamond hour markers.

Meanwhile, they also rolled out a new Longines automatic watch alongside the Ref. L45124870. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49184112 is a midsize watch that measures around 38mm in diameter. It features a white dial with painted black Roman numeral hour markings and hands. Powering this Longines watch is the caliber L591, a self-winding movement that has hours and minutes functions. This Longines automatic movement has a frequency of 4 Hz per hour and boasts a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. You can admire the caliber L591 through the watch’s transparent sapphire crystal caseback. To tie in the complete look of pure classism and elegance of the ref. L49184112 is the black leather strap.

The brand new Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L45124870 will set you back around $1,475 USD. The Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L49184112, on the other hand, features a Longines price point of approximately $1,727 USD.

The Longines La Grande Classique's History and Design Details

Introduced to the world of horology in 1992, the Longines La Grande Classique collection is the embodiment of tradition, elegance, and performance. All of which the winged hourglass brand is known for. Its slim profile and wide selection of models make it a perfect range of watches for everyone. A symbol of simplicity and sophistication, the La Grande Classique is truly a range of Longines watches men and women can appreciate.

Moreover, this family of timepieces does not present any advanced complications. It sticks to the bare necessity of timekeeping, with only a few rare models boasting additional functions like a date display window. Nevertheless, this just further manifests how much the collection values timeless beauty and precision in timekeeping.

The fact that the La Grande Classique line of Longines timepieces doesn’t present any advanced complications doesn’t mean they cannot offer the wearer a visual spectacle. These timepieces come in different sizes, styles, and movements. The Longines quartz watches in this collection start at a petite 24mm. This size increases to 29mm, 33mm, 36mm, and finally, the comfortable midsize diameter of 37mm. Meanwhile, automatic watches are available in 36mm and 38mm. The round cases of these timepieces can come in pure stainless steel or have a yellow or pink PVD coating. Meanwhile, there are also models that come with diamond-set bezels with the 24mm watches featuring 36 diamonds and the 29mm watches are adorned with 44 diamonds.

These cases lay on either a leather strap with a buckle or stainless steel bracelet. The bracelets boast a triple folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism, which ensures that it won’t accidentally open. Thus, this guarantees that the watch will sit comfortably and securely on your wrist.

In terms of dials, they are all crisp and legible. There’s an array of options that will surely suit your personal style and preferences. You can opt for the sophistication of the white mother-of-pearl dial, or the traditional white or black or silver dial. There are even some dials that feature the vibrant colors of gold, brown, and even blue. Some models even feature lacquer or flinqué patterns on the dials that enhance the visual aesthetics of the watch, while still retaining its eligibility.

For those who enjoy the wonders of an automatic movement, you’ll be glad to know that there are Longines watches in this collection that feature a transparent caseback. This element allows you to glance at the charm of mechanical movements. Longines goes to great lengths to make its calibers an integral part of its watches, both for design and performance purposes. 

4 Reasons to Buy a Longines La Grande Classique Watch

Longines has been in the Haute Horlogerie industry since 1832. With that said, it’s a brand that certainly offers something unique to its clients. One of its best collections is the Longines La Grande Classique family, launched in 1992. This collection certainly has become a pillar for this winged hourglass brand. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should invest in a La Grande Classique watch, here are a few more reasons why you definitely should.

1. This collection offers some of the most affordable and accessible watches in the whole Longines catalog. Despite boasting relatively cheap prices, this collection still offers well-made watches. Thus, you get good value for your money.

2. Longines timepieces are made from high-quality materials. The La Grande Classique collection features mainly stainless steel watches, which are generally more robust and durable.

3. It has a wide selection of designs. No matter what your personal style is, there’s surely something in this collection that can suit your style. 

4. This family of timepieces also features numerous case sizes. Ranging from 24mm to 38mm in diameter, this line will certainly have something that will suit your wrists.

Famous Patrons of the Longines La Grande Classique Collection

1. Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet is one of the few actresses who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony award. On top of that, she has also received several other accolades that have cemented her as one of the world’s best-known and loved figures. In 2010, this English actress became the Ambassador of Elegance for Longines. Since then, we’ve seen her sporting several timepieces from the brand, including pieces from the La Grande Classique collection.

2. Ingeborga Dapkunaite

Renowned for her natural sophistication and style, Ingeborga Dapkunaite is the perfect figure to represent the Longines brand. This Lithuanian film and theater actress first became the brand’s Ambassador of Elegance in 2005. Dapkunaite has been photographed wearing the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L42094876 and the Longines La Grande Classique ref. L45230876. Both watches feature a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond hour markings.

3. Zhao Liying

Another actress serving as the brand’s Ambassador of Elegance is Chinese film and television star Zhao Liying. Subsequently, Liying has been spotted wearing Longines timepieces on her wrist during numerous red carpet events. She wore a diamond-set La Grande Classique model during the Grand Opening of the Longines’ boutique in Lanzhou City, China, back in 2020. A fitting choice for the queen of TV ratings!

4. June Komalarajun

This former Thai Idol girl group member turned actress is a fan favorite. This is especially thanks to her stunning visuals and poised demeanor. After leaving the Idol world back in 2020, we now see this former BNK48 member on television screens and on the glossy pages of magazines. Most recently, we’ve seen her wearing several Longines timepieces during her photoshoot for the L’Officiel Thailand April issue in 2021. The 22-year-old wore the Longines La Grande Classique ref. L43410806, a petite 24mm Longines quartz wristwatch that features a diamond-set bezel and hour markers.

Longines La Grande Classique: The Emblem of Timeless Style

There’s no denying that the Longines La Grande Classique is a collection that certainly embodies sophistication and elegance. Each timepiece in this range of Longines timepieces reflects the brand’s dedication to both aesthetic and technical innovations. When purchasing a Longines La Grande Classique ladies’ watch, you are investing in a classic timepiece that will never go out of fashion. No matter the occasion, these slim, sophisticated timepieces are true understated beauties.