Behind the Longines Master Collection Chrono Moonphase
- Gents Hair Styles
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
Behind the Longines Master Collection Chrono Moonphase
When people talk about Swiss watchmaking, too often the conversation centers on six- or seven-figure names. But let’s cut through the hype: the Longines Master Collection Chrono Moonphase, reference L2.673.4.78.3, stands as a rare case where real mechanical sophistication meets a surprisingly accessible price — and that deserves respect.
At first glance, it may look like a classic dress chronograph, but dig deeper and you find something far richer. This isn’t just a chronograph — it's a full calendar: day, month, date, 24-hour indicator and a moon-phase display. And it’s all powered by a self-winding mechanical movement that punches way above its weight.
Size & Build: Compact Yet Purposeful
The case measures a modest 40.00 mm in diameter, making it wearable for a wide variety of wrists without feeling oversized. It’s 14.30 mm thick, which is not slim, but understandable once you consider all the mechanical complexity packed inside. Lug‑to‑lug comes in around 46.7 mm, giving it a balanced presence on the wrist. The stainless-steel case has a polished finish, and sapphire crystal on top and on the exhibition case back lets you admire the movement. Water resistance is modest — 3 bar (30 m).
Movement & Mechanics: A Masterpiece of Value
Under the hood, this watch is driven by Caliber L687, Longines’s modified version of the ETA/Valjoux 7751 platform. This is no basic movement: Longines adds its own finishes and a column‑wheel mechanism to control the chronograph. Column‑wheel chronographs are typically found in much more expensive watches because they are more sophisticated to produce and control.
The L687 beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz) and delivers an impressive power reserve of up to 66 hours.
In terms of complications, you get:
Central chronograph seconds hand
30-minute counter at 12 o’clock
12-hour counter (with integrated moon-phase) at 6 o’clock
Day and month windows (at 12 o’clock)
Date indicated by a half-moon–tipped central hand
24-hour subdial / small seconds at 9 o’clock
Moon-phase display at 6 o’clock
That level of mechanical complication is rare at this price. Some might argue that it's not a perpetual calendar — and they are correct: unlike true perpetual models, this doesn’t automatically account for leap years. But if you compare it to what perpetual calendar watches cost, the value of this Longines is undeniable.
Dial & Aesthetics: Elegant, Legible, Timeless
The dial of the L2.673.4.78.3 is a silver “barleycorn” pattern — a textured finish that mimics guilloché without breaking the bank. The Arabic numerals are painted in black, creating a clear contrast and easy legibility. The hands are blued steel, including the small hands on subdials, which gives a refined, classic feel.
The moon-phase disc is deep blue, and when you track the phases you feel a real connection to traditional mechanical watchmaking. Adjusting the date and calendar isn’t overly complicated, but it requires the right technique — a sign that this is not a cheap quartz novelty but a thoughtfully engineered piece.
Craftsmanship vs. Price: Why It’s Controversially Brilliant
Here’s where things get a little controversial — because not everyone is ready to admit it: Longines is delivering serious mechanical sophistication at a relative bargain.
Many brands reserve column-wheel chronographs or full calendar + moon-phase complications for their higher-tier or limited-edition lines. But Longines, being a brand with deep heritage and modern manufacturing efficiency, is pushing that expertise down into more “affordable luxury.” The price, in many retail contexts, hovers well below what you'd expect for this level of mechanical complexity.
Critics might scoff, saying “it’s not in-house” or “it’s just a modified ETA,” but dismissing it on purely “in-house vs. base movement” grounds misses the point: it's the execution, finishing, and value proposition that counts — and Longines nails it here.
Drawbacks & Real Talk
Of course, this watch isn’t perfect — and any honest review has to address that:
Thickness & Wearability: At 14.3 mm thick, it's not a slim dress piece. Some wrists may find it chunky.
Water Resistance: 30 m is really only splash-resistant; don’t expect to swim with it.
Manual Setting: Because it's not a perpetual calendar, you’ll need to manually adjust for months with fewer than 31 days.
Service Considerations: All those complications mean servicing could be more expensive than a simple three-hand watch.
But for many enthusiasts, those are trade-offs worth making. You're getting real mechanical complexity and long-term value, not just a pretty face.
Final Verdict: A Horological Underdog Champion
If you’re someone who values mechanical mastery, honest value, and a classic look — and doesn’t feel the need to show off by paying 5- or 6-figure sums — the Longines Master Collection Chrono Moonphase L2.673.4.78.3 is a real gem.
It’s not flashy in the way of haute horlogerie, but that’s exactly the point. It whispers refinement, not shouts it. It’s a statement that true craftsmanship doesn’t always require breaking the bank. For a mechanical watch with column‑wheel chronograph, full date/calendar, moon phase, 66‑hour reserve, and sapphire case back — this is one of the most compelling offerings in its class.
Comments