Photography: Vasilis Kouroupis

Editor: Katerina Theocharis

Timeless style never looked so timely!

We may have moved beyond the Victorian taboo on public displays of a timepiece where a true gentleman’s concerns were not supposed to include the passage of time. On the other hand, actor Peter O’ Toole may have carried things a bit too far. When queried as to why he sported a watch on both wrists, he replied “Life is too short to risk wasting precious seconds glancing at the wrong wrist”.

Today’s dapper gents of course carry their own agenda when it comes to wrist decor, and fine watchmaking is really a case of serious investment making. From Italy’s own “Duke of Windsor” Mr. Gianni Agnelli to contemporary sporting icons like Mr. Aksel Lund Svindal and Andre Agassi, the 1832 established house of Longines has been leaving little room for anything than the most timeless wrist-pieces. In view of the festive season upon us, It’s A Man’s Class has rounded up the most perpetual and style-oriented timepieces that will have you overcome the vagaries of the calendar and will -forgive us- make you tick!

The Classic Gent

Men are creatures of habit and a great watch is not just for Christmas, rather a staple for the single and double-breasted suit lovers. As the driving force behind well-tailored style, a classic timepiece like the Automatic Longines L2.821.4.11.2  in the Record collection, combines classic elegance and excellence. Pristine self-winding mechanical movement beating at 25’200 vibrations per hour combined to the contrast of the functional stainless steel with the more luxurious-feeling brown crocodile strap has your take on the smartly stocked, classic style on the first pedestal.

THE SPORTSMAN

The stainless scratch resistant sapphire crystal of the Longines L3.716.4.76.6 Conquest V.H.P with a triple safety folding clasp and  41mm diameter is perfect for an athletic wrist. Its look and sturdiness are versatile enough for a day at work and a training session in the gym, thus giving the wearer comfort and aplomb to effect a natural stylishness.

THE ENTREPRENEUR

Launched in 2005 The Longines Master Collection personifies the elegance and attitude of a contemporary big-time operator. The L2.673.4.78.3 comes with an alligator strap -just perfect for full-piece waistcoated suiting- and sun/moon-phase display turning its classic, silver barleycorn dial into something entirely more interesting, and an absolute go-to for those who lavish to invest in everything exceptional.

THE SMART DRESSER

George Frazier, Esquire magazine’s legendary fashion columnist in the 60s, pretty much summed up the pecking style of a man in the phrase “Wanna know if a guy is well-dressed? Look down and then look at his watch”. In fact, one theory muses that any man who respects quality timepieces is likely to achieve success because he understands the value of working with his hands. Longines L2.793.4.92.6 from the Master Collection perfectly illustrates subtle smart and bespeaks male elegance.

THE AVIATOR

Meditative, atmospheric, aviation adventures can be as attention grabbing and awe-inspiring as the explorer himself. With a flair that’s rare in the higher echelons, the Longines Aviation BigEye L2.816.4.53.2 column wheeled chronograph provides 54 hours of power reserve and serves to have you distinguished no matter what heights you soar. Its pared-back, nifty design means it is hardly a show-off yet an elegant statement-maker.

THE DIVER

One of the most alluring horological complications by far, water-resistant timepieces require every technical sensibility you need from a luxury timepiece when going headfirst. Longines HydroConquest L3.781.4.96.9 will have you forget the complications and circumnavigate the depths, manufactured extraordinarily labour-intensive, ticking practically forever as it provides 64 hours of power reserve. You won’t fail to engage the eye either with its sunray blue dial rubber strap and silver polished finish.

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