RDL
113
Current...sad story
Sep 01, 2014,13:17 PM
Yes, current state no comparison. JLC very much at the top of their game (Duometre etc), and Longines a cheap shopping mall brand. I am purely referring to the period of 1945-1965.
I also agree on complications. I think one can summarize Longines focus on the mere "precision time measurement", with focus on chronometers, observatory movements, marine chronometers, timing of sports events (cal 262), and therefore also chronographs (the quintessential complication for precision timing). So, if you look at Longines, and that's what I like and respect so much, is this relentless and consistent focus on what is for me the essence of watches - precision in time measurement. Even when they tried to fight quartz at the end with high beat movements 36.000 bph) and experimental designs such as form calibers or cybernetic ultra quartz movements. It was always about improving accuracy.
JLC range of complications clearly more focused on the "luxury complications" like repeaters, perpetual calendars etc stemming from pocket watch era and heritage of LeCoultre.