BASELWORLD 2017: The Longines RailRoad Pocket Watch

BASELWORLD 2017: The Longines RailRoad Pocket Watch

More than a century ago already, the Swiss watchmaking brand Longines brought its name and experience to the adventure of the railroad. Delving into the rich heritage of its long history, it presents The Longines RailRoad Pocket Watch, a steel pocket watch inspired by the “railroad” models produced at the time of the railway’s expansion. This timepiece’s simple yet distinctive design, produced in a numbered and limited series of 250 pieces, is designed for those for whom the train is more than just a mode of transportation, in the same way that a watch is more than an instrument to tell time: it is a true adventure consisting of movement, precision and tradition.

The railroad’s expansion gave the notion of time an altogether different dimension. Never before had the challenge of punctuality been so essential, precision being the basic condition to the proper working order of the railroads for obvious questions of safety and reliability. With its widely recognized expertise in timekeeping, Longines naturally equipped staff members of some of the world’s largest railroad companies, from Romania to Serbia, Persia, Italy, Chili, Canada, the United States, Turkey, and China. The measurement of time spread out across the world: that is a fitting reminder of the winded hourglass brand’s vocation.

The Longines RailRoad Pocket Watch draws its inspiration from the essence of pieces produced between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It stylishly combines the functional sobriety and technicality specific to the brand. Like the endless panorama beheld by the traveller, a bottom-facing glass offers a spectacular view of part of the mechanical system – the balance and the three bridges – that drive this pocket watch. A spectacle enhanced by a finely wrought engraving, similar to those that decorated the RailRoad watches at the time.

The entire epic of the railroads fills the imagination of he or she that holds The Longines RailRoad Pocket Watch in their hand. Its steel case, measuring 49.5 mm in diameter, holds the manual-winding L513.2 calibre, developed exclusively for Longines. In the functional spirit of railroad requirements, its white lacquered and polished dial is adorned with eleven large Roman numerals of contrasting design, ensuring perfect visibility. More relevant than ever, a railway-style minute track gives time through bluish-steel hands. A second counter at six o’clock completes its time-telling features. A steel chain is finishing this exclusive model.