Longines demonstrates its brand heritage’s richness in 2025 through two striking new releases with effortless elegance and cutting-edge innovation. On one end of the spectrum is the expanded Mini DolceVita collection, where timeless sophistication takes centre stage in delicate bi-material timepieces that blend stainless steel with rose or yellow gold. On the other end is a bold leap into technical territory with the Ultra-Chron Carbon, as the brand’s way of introducing carbon into its case construction for the first time.
For the latter, Longines pushes its storied legacy in high-frequency watchmaking into bold new territory with the Ultra-Chron Carbon. Inspired by the brand’s iconic 1968 Ultra-Chron Diver, this latest evolution introduces carbon in a Longines case. Carbon, known for its remarkable strength and lightweight characteristics, is extensively utilised in advanced sectors like aeronautics, a domain with which Longines has maintained a close relationship for more than a hundred years. And here, it lends the Ultra-Chron Carbon robustness and distinctive visual flair.
The case, measuring 43 mm in diameter, is made from layers of unidirectional carbon fibre and epoxy resin, which are moulded, subjected to high temperatures, compressed under significant pressure, and subsequently cold-cut. This process results in the Ultra-Chron case’s distinctive cushio n shape and reduces total weight to under 80 grams.
Beneath the sandblasted anthracite dial lies the exclusive calibre L836.6, a self-winding movement that beats at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour, or 5Hz, which is certified as a chronometer by TIMELAB. Moreover, Super-LumiNova on the hands and indexes ensures readability in all conditions, while a titanium bezel and a screw-down crown elevate the watch’s tool-watch credibility. Finished with a black technical fabric strap and delivered in a sleek presentation box, this new and innovative edition offers a heritage-driven and entirely modern timepiece.
On the other hand, the newly expanded Mini DolceVita collection reaffirms Longines’ mastery of refined watchmaking with a feminine twist, offering a captivating expression of timeless elegance in a more intimate format. Inspired by a rectangular model first introduced in 1927, an expansion of the Longines DolceVita family, the Mini DolceVita’s latest iterations bring an elevated aesthetic through bi-material constructions, where stainless steel is elegantly paired with 18-carat yellow or rose gold, available in a number of attractive versions, with or without brilliant-cut diamond accents.
Each model is thoughtfully proportioned, housed in a compact 21.50 x 29.00 mm rectangular case that flatters the wrist with graceful subtlety, with the L178-calibre quartz movement at the heart of each piece. Appearance-wise, the silver flinqué dials, adorned with blue-painted Roman numerals and blued-steel hands, are enhanced by a delicate guilloché effect that plays with light, adding texture and sophistication.
More importantly, a small second sub-dial at 6 o’clock provides a balanced and practical design element, echoing the quiet charm of traditional dress watches. The bi-material bracelets, assembled in an alternating pattern of steel and gold links, reflect the same meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a comfortable fit and a seamless continuation of the watch’s visual harmony. With its exquisite blend of materials, classic proportions, and timeless design, these new Mini DolceVita models embody Longines’ philosophy that “Elegance is an attitude.”
Overall, the Mini DolceVita and Ultra-Chron Carbon encapsulate Longines’s broad, enduring appeal—where elegance and innovation coexist and thrive in harmony. With the Mini DolceVita, the brand leans into its legacy of refined design, offering a balance of vintage charm with contemporary craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the highly innovative Ultra-Chron Carbon asserts Longines’ technical mastery and pioneering spirit, reinforcing its long-held position as a frontrunner in high-frequency precision.
The contrast between the two collections highlights the brand’s remarkable versatility—one that speaks as fluently in the language of soft sophistication as it does in bold performance. Whether you’re drawn to the shimmer of gold and diamonds, or the stealthy silhouette of forged carbon, Longines continues to bridge heritage with innovation—proving that the brand with the winged hourglass logo still flies confidently through every era.
