Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse

Longines, established in Saint-Imier in 1832, has consistently maintained a production output that adheres to traditional watchmaking values while integrating modern industrial capabilities. The brand often looks to specific cultural moments or historical markers to release special editions that deviate from their standard catalog. The latest addition to the Master Collection, the Year of the Horse Edition (reference L2.919.4.09.2), serves as a dedicated horological tribute to the upcoming lunar new year. This release is not merely a dial color change but involves a specific partnership with the Peon Art Museum to integrate celebrated Chinese art directly into the watch's mechanical architecture.



The Master Collection has long served as the vessel for the brand’s more complicated and traditional offerings, often housing calendars, chronographs, and moonphase displays. This specific model utilizes the classic moonphase layout but reinterprets the aesthetic through the lens of the Chinese Zodiac. The choice of the Horse is particularly relevant for this Swiss manufacturer, given its centuries-old association with equestrian sports, timing, and racing. This shared heritage provides a logical foundation for the release, rather than it being an arbitrary thematic choice.



The case of the Year of the Horse edition is constructed from stainless steel and measures 42mm in diameter. This size places it on the larger side of traditional dress watches, offering a substantial presence on the wrist without venturing into oversized territory. The case geometry features fully polished surfaces that emphasize the round profile. The bezel is relatively thin, allowing the dial to dominate the visual field, which is a critical design choice given the emphasis on the dial color and texture in this specific reference. The lugs are spaced 21mm apart and curve gently downward, creating a lug-to-lug distance of 49.70mm. This dimension ensures that while the watch has a broad diameter, the footprint on the wrist remains manageable for a variety of wrist sizes.



At 11.20mm thick, the case profile is moderate. It is substantial enough to feel robust but slim enough to slide under a shirt cuff, adhering to the requirements of a dress-oriented timepiece. The case is topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring that the view of the dial remains unobstructed by wear over time. The water resistance is rated at 3 bar, or approximately 30 meters. This rating indicates that the watch is designed for daily wear in dry environments and can withstand splashes, but it is not intended for swimming or significant water exposure, which is standard for a watch in this category fitted with a leather strap.



The dial is the most immediately striking component of this reference. It features a sunray red gradient finish. The color transitions from a vibrant, illuminated red in the center to a darker, almost black shade at the periphery. This gradient effect, often referred to as "fumé," adds depth and dimensionality to the face of the watch. The red hue was selected to evoke the ambiance of a sunrise, symbolizing the start of a new day and, by extension, the new year. The sunray finish means the dial captures and reflects light differently depending on the angle of incidence, creating a dynamic visual experience that changes as the wearer moves their wrist.



Contrasting against the deep red background are gilt applied indexes. These gold-tone markers are elongated and faceted, catching the light and providing a warm counterpoint to the cool steel of the case. The handset is also gilt and leaf-shaped, tapering to a fine point. The use of gold tones against red is a classic color combination in Chinese culture, often associated with good fortune and prosperity. The legibility is maintained through the high contrast between the polished hands and the darker sections of the dial.



Located at the 6 o'clock position is the moonphase display, a complication that tracks the lunar cycle. The aperture reveals a blue disc with a golden moon and stars, framed by a circular date track. A small hand indicates the current date, integrating two useful functions into a single sub-dial. This layout preserves the symmetry of the main dial while adding technical complexity. The integration of the moonphase is particularly appropriate for a watch celebrating the Lunar New Year, tying the mechanical function of the watch directly to the calendar system it celebrates.



Turning the watch over reveals the transparent case back, which offers a view of the self-winding mechanical movement. However, the view is partially obscured by the most significant artistic element of this limited edition. The oscillating weight, or rotor, features a meticulously engraved motif of a galloping horse. This image is derived from the famous painting "Galloping Horse" by Peon Xu. The engraving captures the muscular definition and forward momentum of the animal, translating ink wash techniques into metal relief.



Peon Xu was a pivotal figure in modern Chinese art, known for revolutionizing traditional techniques by incorporating Western realism. His depictions of horses are celebrated for capturing the spirit and vitality of the animal rather than just a static likeness. For this project, the manufacturer partnered with the Peon Art Museum to ensure the reproduction remained faithful to the original work. The rotor is gilt, providing a gold canvas for the engraving, which contrasts with the silver tones of the movement plates and bridges beneath it.



Accompanying the image on the rotor is calligraphy by Qingping Xu, the artist’s son. The characters “????” are inscribed, combining the concepts of a galloping horse with the idea of gaining momentum or seizing a favorable position. This addition layers personal and cultural significance onto the mechanical component, turning the movement into a canvas for narrative art. The rotor acts as a kinetic sculpture; as it spins to wind the mainspring, the horse appears to be in motion, reinforcing the themes of speed and energy associated with the Year of the Horse.



The movement driving this timepiece is the Caliber L899.5. This is a self-winding mechanical engine that beats at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. It is a modern caliber that benefits from the industrial resources of the Swatch Group, specifically in its use of advanced materials. The movement is equipped with a monocrystalline silicon balance-spring. Silicon is a material chosen for its antimagnetic properties, resistance to corrosion, and thermal stability. These characteristics ensure that the watch maintains consistent timekeeping accuracy even when exposed to the magnetic fields generated by modern electronics or fluctuations in temperature.



The power reserve of the L899.5 is approximately 72 hours. This "weekend-proof" duration allows the wearer to take the watch off on Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without it having stopped. This is a practical feature for a mechanical watch, reducing the need for constant winding and resetting of the moonphase and date complications. The movement is finished with perlage on the mainplate and bridges, visible through the sections of the case back not covered by the commemorative rotor. The combination of traditional finishing and high-tech silicon components represents the brand's philosophy of respecting heritage while utilizing contemporary engineering.



The Year of the Horse edition is fitted with a black alligator leather strap. The strap has a distinct texture and a soft sheen that complements the dressy nature of the watch. It is secured to the wrist with a triple safety folding clasp made of stainless steel. The clasp features a push-piece opening mechanism, which prevents accidental deployment while making it easy to remove the watch intentionally. The use of a folding clasp also extends the life of the leather strap by reducing the bending and pulling associated with traditional pin buckles.



The total weight of the watch head and strap is 92.0 grams. This weight provides a sense of substance without being overly heavy or fatiguing during extended wear. The balance of the watch on the wrist is aided by the curved lugs and the suppleness of the alligator leather, which conforms to the wrist shape over time. The 21mm lug width is proportional to the 42mm case, ensuring the watch looks balanced and not "top-heavy."



The connection between this Swiss brand and the equestrian world is not a marketing fabrication but a historical reality. Since the late 19th century, the company has produced timers for horse races and has served as the official partner for numerous prestigious equestrian events globally. This specific watch bridges that corporate history with the cultural significance of the horse in the Chinese Zodiac. The horse is viewed as a symbol of power, freedom, and an unyielding pioneering spirit. By utilizing the artwork of Peon Xu, the watch taps into a specific artistic lineage that values these traits.



The "Galloping Horse" motif is significant because it represents more than just the animal; it represents a fusion of styles. Peon Xu’s work is renowned for blending the bold, expressive strokes of Chinese ink painting with the anatomical precision of Western art. This mirrors the watch itself, which blends the expressive, culturally specific aesthetics of the dial and rotor with the precise, Western engineering of the Swiss movement. The collaboration with the Peon Art Museum and the artist's family ensures that this fusion is respectful and authentic.



The limitation of the production run to 2,026 pieces is a direct reference to the next Year of the Horse in the Zodiac cycle. This creates a built-in exclusivity for the model. Each piece is individually numbered, with the case back engraving "One of 2026" confirming its status within the limited series. While mass-produced watches are the norm for large brands, these numbered editions offer collectors a specific variant that stands apart from the standard production models.



The functionality of the watch is centered around the L899.5 caliber's reliability. The inclusion of a silicon balance spring allows the manufacturer to offer a 5-year guarantee on the watch. This warranty period is indicative of the confidence in the movement's long-term performance and the durability of the silicon components. The reduction in service intervals and the resistance to common environmental hazards like magnetism make the watch a practical choice for daily wear, despite its refined appearance.



Visually, the watch presents a strong contrast between the warm red and gold tones of the dial and the cool, sterile steel of the case. This contrast makes the watch highly visible on the wrist. The red dial is not a flat color but possesses a deep luminosity due to the sunray brushing. In low light, the dial can appear almost burgundy or black, while in direct sunlight, it flashes a vivid scarlet. This chameleon-like quality keeps the visual experience engaging over time.



The applied indexes are cut to reflect light from multiple directions, ensuring legibility even in dim conditions where the lume might otherwise be required. The lack of luminous material on the hands or markers is consistent with the dress watch aesthetic, prioritizing sharp, clean lines over utility in total darkness. The moonphase disc adds a splash of blue to the lower half of the dial, breaking up the red expanse and adding a point of visual interest that invites closer inspection.



This timepiece is priced at $3,400.00. It is available through authorized retailers and the brand’s boutiques. Given the limited production run of 2,026 pieces worldwide, availability will be restricted compared to the standard Master Collection models. The price point reflects the inclusion of the complicated moonphase movement, the silicon technology, the limited nature of the release, and the licensing and artistic collaboration involved in the Peon Xu rotor design. For those interested in a timepiece that merges serious Swiss mechanical specifications with a distinct cultural artistic tribute, this release offers a compelling package.



Case: Stainless steel round case; 42.00 mm diameter; 11.20 mm thickness; 49.70 mm lug-to-lug distance; 21 mm lug width; 92.0 g total weight; scratch-resistant sapphire crystal front; transparent sapphire crystal case back; water-resistant to 3 bar.

Movement: Caliber L899.5 self-winding mechanical movement; 25,200 vibrations per hour; power reserve up to 72 hours; monocrystalline silicon balance-spring; functions include hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase display, and date indicated by small hand at 6 o'clock; special gilt rotor.

Dial: Sunray red gradient color; applied gilt indexes; gilt hands; moonphase aperture at 6 o'clock.

Strap: Black alligator leather strap; triple safety folding clasp with push-piece opening mechanism.

Price: $3,400.00

Reference Number: L2.919.4.09.2

Notes: Limited edition of 2,026 pieces worldwide celebrating the Year of the Horse. The rotor features a custom engraving of the "Galloping Horse" painting by renowned Chinese artist Peon Xu and calligraphy by his son Qingping Xu.