In living up to its name, the Master Collection is one of the finest assemblies of watches out there and I don’t just mean from Longines. It’s essentially the watchmaker’s greatest hits which, given their history, is like a Queen compilation album. Better yet, they’re pretty damn affordable, too.

The latest addition to this well-priced pantheon is the new Moonphase, a complication that, while useless for anyone but a down-on-his-luck professional diver, is useless. That doesn’t stop it being one of the prettiest Longines in a while though.

The Master Collection Moonphase is all about clean, elegant symmetry. The titular complication is set at 6 o’clock, resplendent in gold and night sky blue. The rest of the dial on the other hand is minimal aside from a lovely spot of barleycorn guilloche.

Well, strictly the dial comes in three different variations: silvered barleycorn, black barleycorn and blue sunray. For the purposes of the clean, minimal look though it’s all about the silver. All three dials are available in two case sizes: 40mm and 42mm, both stainless steel, with the 40mm version also available with diamond hour markers. Why you’d want that I’m not sure, but to each their own.

Powering the whole thing is the Longines L899 calibre automatic movement which, like most entry-level Swatch Group pieces, is based on an ETA – specifically the ETA A31.L91, if numbers rock your boat. It’s an upgrade from run-of-the-mill ETAs, with a 64-hour power reserve.

So what’s a visually great, mechanically sound moonphase going to cost you? Well, considering this is Longines, it’s obviously not going to break the bank, but at £1,710, there’ll be plenty of change left over. The diamond hour markers version is a little pricier at £1,980, but that’s the price of flamboyancy.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Longines Master Collection Moonphase

Case/Dial: 40mm or 42mm, stainless steel

Water Resistance: 30m (3 bar)

Movement: Caliber L899, automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, second, moon phase and date

Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)

Power Reserve: 64h

Strap: Alligator leather strap or steel bracelet

Price: The 40mm Longines Master Moonphase (ref. L2.909.4.XX.X) is priced at £1,710, the 42mm model (ref. L2.919.4.XX.X) is priced at £1,760, while the diamond marker model (ref. L2.909.4.XX.X) is slightly more expensive at £1,980; available at Longines boutiques and retailers

More details at longines.co.uk