While rectangular watches have appeared in the Longines lineup for over a century, today, the DolceVita collection is the sole line carrying the rectilinear gauntlet for the Swiss watchmaker. Launched in 1997, the DolceVita collection served as the impetus for Longines’ “elegance is an attitude” slogan, which is embodied in the watchmaker’s latest release.
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The new Longines Mini DolceVita collection reinterprets the design codes of the original collection, while drawing inspiration from an archival timepiece released in 1927. Each of the 11 timepieces in the collection measures 21.5mm x 29mm, with their proportions making them the squarest models in the DolceVita lineup yet. Each Mini DolceVita is kept ticking by the L178 quartz movement and is water resistant to 30 metres.
The archetypal references within the collection both feature a white dial with Roman numerals, a sunken small seconds subdial (either square or round), and striking blued hands. One takes on a dial layout not dissimilar to the ever-popular Cartier Tank, while the other carves its own path with a circular layout that contrasts the rectilinear case shape. Notably, the collection marks the introduction of a newly designed stainless steel bracelet; featuring five links arranged in a brick-like formation, it adds to the Art Deco aesthetic of the timepiece.
Six references have been adorned with diamonds, with four of these featuring dials rendered in striking hues of ivory white, mint green, serene blue, and blossom pink — each with a colour-matched leather strap. These colourful references carry the sleek, stylised forms and gilded details typical of Art Deco style. The inner section of each dial and subdial is executed in a silver shade with a guilloché pattern, while gilt Roman numerals and gilt hands lend an opulent, three-dimensional appeal.
Five references come without diamonds; in addition to being offered on the new stainless steel five-link bracelet, there’s the option for a black or red leather strap.
The Mini DolceVita collection is priced from $2650AUD to $6400AUD and is available via the Longines webstore.
Words by Esmé Duggan
