On Holden’s list, Almost Favorites
Longines Legend Diver Date 42
The Longines Legend Diver Date 42 (L3.774.4.50.2) is a dive watch from Longines: a 42 mm stainless steel case, 12.7 mm thick, with an automatic L888 movement and 300 m water resistance.
Its lug-to-lug length is unknown, so wrist fit can only be judged from the 42 mm case width.
The research has no sourced US price for it.
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Longines |
| Reference | L3.774.4.50.2 (as recorded; base ref L3.774.4.50 verified, strap-suffix.2 not independently confirmed) |
| Category | Diver |
| Production | Current |
| Case and size [1][2][3] | |
| Case diameter | 42 mm |
| Lug to lug | Unknown |
| Thickness | 12.7 mm |
| Lug width | 22 mm |
| Case material | Stainless steel, polished |
| Crystal | Sapphire, AR-coated on the underside (official snippet) |
| Water resistance | 300 m (30 bar) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [1][2] | |
| Movement | L888 (current generation L888.5-spec: 72 h; earlier L888 quoted 64–65 h), automatic |
| Power reserve | Up to 72 h (official page snippet); ~65 h quoted by PrestigeTime for earlier production — see conflicts |
| Accuracy | No chronometer certification |
| Bracelet [2][3] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Recorded.2 = leather (unverified); citable options: steel mesh with push-button clasp (.6), black fabric strap (.0), black rubber (.9) |
| Clasp | Mesh: push-button folding clasp (PrestigeTime); straps: buckle |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][2] | |
| List price (US) | Unknown |
| Street price (US) | Unknown |
| Used price (US) | Unknown |
| Warranty | Unknown |
Will it fit?
The research didn’t find a sourced lug-to-lug length for this watch, so the fit can’t be estimated here. If you can measure one, try it in the wrist-fit tool.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- Genuine Longines heritage design (1959/60 skin-diver super-compressor) — its own icon, not an homage [1][2]
- 300 m WR with the internal bezel protected from knocks [1]
- 12.7 mm thickness is slim for a 300 m diver ([3] snippet)
Weaknesses
- 42 mm with a reputation for long lug span — unverified lug-to-lug here, must be tried
- Internal bezel requires unscrewing a crown to rotate — slower than an external bezel in use
- No COSC; polished case shows wear faster than brushed
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.2 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 8.7 |
| Value at a realistic price | 8.4 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.5 |
| Movement and engineering | 7.7 |
| Wearability and proportions | 7.2 |
| Versatility and durability | 7.9 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 7.8 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other diver watches on his list.
- Tudor Pelagos LHD 25610TNL-0001
- Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver SLGB023
- Rolex Submariner 124060
- Traser P67 Diver Blue 109375
- Squale 1545 Grey 1545GG.AC
Sources
- Longines Legend Diver Automatic 42 mm, Black lacquered (L3.774.4.50.0) — official product page longines.com · read August 26, 2026
- Longines Legend Diver Automatic Review prestigetime.com · read August 26, 2026
- Longines Legend Diver 42mm Ref. L3.774.4.50.0 Watch Review watchreviewblog.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.