Longines XL

The Longines XL 1953: A giant from the long meadows.

At a time when men’s watches were typically modest in size, the Longines XL, with its 37.5 mm case, was an impressive presence. This 1953 model embodies the vision of Ernest Francillon, who built his factory in 1867 in Les Longines, which literally means “the long meadows.”.  The watch is a tribute to the precision and aesthetics for which the brand has been known for decades.

The design of this watch is the result of a collective team of master watchmakers obsessed with the “Golden Ratio.” This translates into a perfect visual balance that is immediately noticeable:
The dial: A beautiful cream-colored dial that gives the whole a warm, luxurious feel.
Gold details: The dial features applied arrowhead indices and Arabic numerals, which contrast beautifully with the steel case. Small seconds: At the 6 o’clock position is a recessed sub-dial for the small seconds hand, powered by the manually wound Caliber 27.0.
Winged hourglass: Below the twelve, the oldest registered trademark in the watchmaking world, an hourglass, symbolizes the fleeting nature of time. The logo has remained unchanged since its official registration in 1889.

In the 1950s, the period from which this watch originates, the design of Longines watches was not attributed to a single “star designer,” as with the later Gérald Genta models, but was the result of a collective in-house team of master watchmakers and aesthetes. For this model, the designers drew strong inspiration from aviation pioneers like Charles Lindbergh. This resulted in a dial that is highly functional and legible, yet simultaneously a symbol of intellectual elegance. The combination of the robust steel case and the elegant gold hands makes this watch a rare blend of power and refinement.

At Amsterdam Watch Company at Reestraat 3, this rare XL model awaits a new owner. Paired with a rugged brown leather strap, this watch makes a powerful statement of understated luxury that has effortlessly stood the test of time. In our store, which feels like a timeless watch museum, the magic of this piece of history from 1953 truly comes to life.