Watch Reviews 4U - The Longines 1832 Black Dial 40mm l4.826.4.52.0 watch
The Longines 1832 Black Dial l4.826.4.52.0 -
Celebrating 190 years of watch building excellence
The Longines 1832 model celebrates 190 years of Longines watchmaking. Available in either moon phase, annual calendar or a plainer non-complication model, the dial colour options are either black or a dark cream colour.
This Moonphase version features a date dial
around the Moonphase window
The 1832 has a stainless steel case and the design is quite modernist in appearance which I like, it is sort of 'retro vintage' with elements of modernity but also some quite obvious reference to the classic Longines watches of the past.
The dial is quite uncluttered and looks very business like with the dagger shaped hands harking back to the vintage era of the Longines Silveriness and Silver Arrow of the late 1950's.
The minimalist version less moon phase and annual calendar -
I think this looks very striking and attractive and none of the
symmetry of the design is lost with the simpler layout.
The moon phase window might draw the eye away from the dial -
with both types being 40mm sized, nothing is really lost in choosing the
simpler dial version and is what I would go for.
The exhibition glass back case shows the beautiful movement off to perfection
Inside the stainless steel case is a nicely finished ETA automatic movement, as you can see here it really looks first class. The back case is engraved with the 1832 name and the usual waterproof depth marking, seal and model numbers as you find on this level of watch.
Whether you wear it for work, formal or leisure, this watch fits all occasions.
The 40mm diameter case is modernistic and vintage at the same time.
The straighter lugs share the modernist Bauhaus aesthetic of the watch
dial design and layout and I think the design works well.
The 20mm wide strap is a simple buckle and pin type -
most comparable in the Longines price bracket similar to this have
the deployment clasp type straps which are around 4 times more expensive.
The dial is pure form and function in one package
the black version really shows the contrast perfectly.
At around £1950.00 GBP for this watch with the Moonphase and Date ring complication, some might think it highly priced for what it is, but a number of Master Collection watches have been in the same price bracket, new. The simplest one is around £1400 GBP new I have seen. Some might think the lug design is too full and angular, but I like the design, think the Swiss railway clock and you can see the sense in the similarity.
The criticism of a cheaper clasp strap may be valid at this ticket price, but if you are harking back to vintage influences of the late 1950's Silvergines and Silver Arrow watches, they were appointed in this similar mode of plain leather strap with a buckle, or a 'fixo-flex' metal bracelet if that was your preference. I have a vintage Silvergines with the original metal bracelet.
So what is my impression? Personally I like this watch, the Moonphase looks the one to have for those looking for the bigger visual impact, but for something more old school vintage, the plain one with small date window really appeals, as it has the symmetry of design, unbroken by the moonphase window drawing the eye to it.
With all the 3 versions sharing a case size of 40mm, you lose nothing on size overall. The silver dial furniture on the black dial is very sharp and striking and perhaps modernist, it is a style I particularly like and seeing the plainer design dials, I am drawn to that one in black if one comes up at the right price!
Although this watch may have its detractors, I like the design, it harks back to a postwar Longines watch but has the larger case size of 40mm over the 32-25mm of those older watches typically had.
40mm is about the smallest size I would go and having a few of this size from Longines I find them a good size on the wrist and not overpowering and not undersized. I think the 1832 is an understated piece and in the plain black dial version, certainly is my preference.
