I don't want to offend any Longines owners and/or fans on this sub, but this happens to me with (almost) all their releases/watches. I see a new watch on their IG, watch videos from a few reviewers, and get all hyped. Then I go to my local AD and see the models in person and they just look... Clunky, Dull? I don't know how to describe it.
My wife wholeheartedly agrees with me, I hyped her up about the Zulu Time GMT in 39mm with a green dial to the point where she told me to go buy it. So we went to see them, wallet ready and her first words where "these are it??". The details of the Spirit Zulu Time GMT stand out so well in photos and videos, and in person it just seems dull.
And this doesn't happen for all brands, for example I think Grand Seikos look waaaaay better in person than in photos, the complete opposite case. Or Rolexes, APs, Langes, and even Tags in my opinion look just as good in person than in photos.
The only Longines watch I've actually liked in person is the Bronce Legend Diver. But other than that they all look... different. I don't want to say "cheap", but kind of(?).
Complete turn off from pictures and reviews to actually holding the watch in my hands.
Am I alone in this?
i understand this, but it only seems to be the case when watches are super hyped up. I got the zulu time before it reached peak hype and think its easily one of the most beautiful watches for the price. Not if it would have had the same wow factor if i'd gotten it later on. I have an smp300 white dial and it's a great watch. But it doesn't look as good as reddit and youtube would make me believe. it's eye catching for sure, but i honestly think the zulu time is a prettier watch (reinforced by the amount of compliments my zulu time got, whereas my smp300 has never gotten one).
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It could also be the setting you viewed them in. I know when I look at omegas from the super nice displays in the boutique, the luxurious vibe and lighting makes me more attracted to the watch. When I view longines often in the middle of a Macy's or something, it might feel underwhelming just because the environment isnt premium itself