Searching for a reliable sports watch? You’ve probably considered Longines and TAG Heuer. Believe it or not, both were born in the same small Swiss village. Today, they’re topping charts as some of the best watch brands out there.
You can find Longines at major sporting events such as Formula One as the official timekeeper. Tag Heuer also has a deep connection to the world of motorsports.
Whether you’re into the classic look of Longines or the adventurous spirit of Tag Heuer, this guide will help you choose the watch that truly resonates with you.
Is TAG Heuer Better or Longines?
Both TAG Heuer and Longines are highly respected, with rich histories and solid reputations. But how do they stack up against each other?
We’ll compare their history, design, resale value, and more to help you make an informed choice.
History
In 1832, Auguste Agassiz started Longines in a tiny Swiss village, with no electricity or modern tools. After years of hard work, it became a brand known worldwide. Today, it’s the oldest running watchmaker in the world.
The brand made its mark with some of the earliest wrist chronographs. Their timers became a staple at major sports events, from horse races to Formula 1.
TAG Heuer came along in 1860 but quickly made its impact. Founded by Edouard Heuer, the brand was all about innovation right from the start. They introduced the first crown-operated, keyless winding system. Then, they revolutionized chronographs with the oscillating pinion.
By the 1970s, TAG Heuer was timing races for Ferrari. Fast forward to today, under LVMH’s ownership, TAG Heuer is blending luxury with tech in their smartwatches. Meanwhile, their iconic Aquaracer series is still ready for action.
The Verdict: Both brands have histories that match their philosophies—Longines with precision and sports timing and TAG Heuer with motorsports and innovation.
Design & Performance
TAG Heuer leans heavily into the rugged, sporty aesthetic. Their watches are built to withstand the demands of an active lifestyle. You can see that in every detail—from the robust case designs to the utilitarian finishing on their movements.
Even the intricate components inside are designed with a sporty edge. The Aquaracer, for instance, not only looks tough with its polygonal bezel and stainless steel case but also offers impressive water resistance up to 500m.
On the other hand, Longines balances durability with a more classy look. While they also have sports models like the HydroConquest, which offers 300m of water resistance, Longines is better known for its elegant, polished designs.
The HydroConquest, with its stainless steel and ceramic bezel and sleek sapphire crystal, fits comfortably under a shirt cuff while still being ready for underwater adventures.
The Verdict: Both brands excel in their design philosophies—TAG Heuer with its rugged, sports-focused approach and Longines with its refined aesthetics.
Movement and Accuracy
Looking for precision? Look for something called COSC certification. This Swiss stamp of approval tells you a watch’s movement has passed rigorous testing and is officially recognized as a Chronometer.
Not every watch from Longines or TAG Heuer carries this title. But the ones that do are among the most accurate mechanical watches out there.
For example, TAG Heuer’s Carrera Calibre Heuer is a great pick for precision. On the Longines side, their Record collection offers some top-notch Chronometers.
But let’s be honest—if we’re talking pure accuracy, quartz watches take the crown. And both brands offer impressive options in this category. Longines, for instance, has its Very High Precision Quartz collections.
The Verdict: If precision is your main concern, a quartz model from either brand is a solid bet.
Prices
If you’re starting your collection or just looking for an affordable Swiss watch, Longines might be the more budget-friendly option. You can find entry-level Longines watches starting around $725. This is a bit lower than TAG Heuer’s entry point of $1,000.
On the second-hand market, you might find vintage Longines watches for as low as $120, particularly quartz models from the 80s and 90s. On the other hand, TAG Heuer’s used quartz models, like the Formula 1 series, start at a few hundred dollars.
If you’re looking at diving watches or more complicated models, TAG Heuer still tends to be pricier. For example, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer and Autavia models range from $2,300 to $4,500. Whereas, Longines’ HydroConquest and Heritage collections typically cost between $1,500 and $3,900.
The Verdict: If you’re looking for a great deal, Longines might be the way to go, but TAG Heuer provides a range of choices if you’re ready to invest a bit more.
Resale Value
When it comes to resale value, TAG Heuer generally has a slight edge over Longines. However, it’s not a straightforward comparison, as the resale value of any watch depends on various factors.
Certain models from both brands can fetch higher prices depending on their rarity, condition, and whether you still have the original paperwork, packaging, and tags.
Similarly, a watch with a factory warranty card and in excellent condition will generally command a better price.
The Verdict: While both brands offer good resale potential, TAG Heuer’s models often have a bit more staying power in the market.
Longines Hydroconquest vs TAG Heuer F1
The Longines HydroConquest is a luxury dive watch with an impressive 300m/1000ft water resistance. It’s designed with a solid case back and features Super LumiNova® luminescent hands for readability in low light.
On the other side we have the TAG Heuer Formula 1. This model was engineered with high-impact sports in mind. It’s also water-resistant up to 200m/660ft.
Here’s a side by side comparison:
| Criteria | Longines Hydroconquest | TAG Heuer Formula 1 |
| Resale Value | Better resale value | Lower resale value |
| Price | Lower than TAG Heuer F1 | Higher price point |
| Movements | Quartz and Mechanical | Quartz and Mechanical |
| Water Resistance | 30% more water resistant | Less Water Resistant |
| Strap Options | Stainless steel | Leather strap, nano strap, steel bracelet |
Best Watch Winders for Longines and Tag Heuer
There’s nothing more important than keeping your watches in perfect running condition. Especially for high-end timepieces like Longines and TAG Heuer. That’s where a good watch winder comes in. It ensures your automatic watches stay wound and accurate, even when you’re not wearing them.
Here are two of our top picks for watch winders that will keep your Longines and TAG Heuer watches in excellent shape:
Moszly Single Watch Winder Orange Leather
Almost Silent Operation: Mozsly uses ultra-quiet Japanese motors to ensure a noise-free experience, so you won’t be disturbed while your watch is being wound.
Versatile Power Options: You can power this winder using AC power with a universal adapter or two Type C batteries.
Multiple Rotation Settings: Choose from clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating directions to suit your watch’s needs.
Adjustable TPD Settings: With options from 650 to 1250 TPD, this winder can handle various watch weights and winding requirements.
Elegant Design: The winder features a sleek orange leather design that gives a sporty look while protecting your watch from dust.
Explore the Single Watch Winder
Moszly Double Watch Winder Black Leather
Quiet and Durable: Like the single winder, this double winder also features ultra-quiet Japanese motors, ensuring smooth and silent operation.
Flexible Power Supply: It offers both AC and battery power options, with a universal adapter included.
Customizable Rotation and TPD: This model allows you to set rotation directions and TPD settings according to your watch’s requirements.
Expandable: You can connect multiple winders via a connecting cable and a single AC power source, perfect for growing collections.
Sophisticated Look: The black leather design provides a timeless, elegant look that’s great for stainless steel watches.
Check out the double watch winder!
Longines vs TAG Heuer: Which Brand is Right for You?
Longines and TAG Heuer both bring something special to the table and choosing between them depends on what you’re after.
Longines stands out for its rich history and classic design. Their watches, like the HydroConquest, offer reliability and style that work well for both everyday wear and formal occasions.
TAG Heuer’s watches are a bit more tough and high-tech. Their watches, such as the Aquaracer, are packed with adventurous features.
In the end, if you lean towards sophistication, Longines is a fantastic choice. If you’re excited by cutting-edge design and sporty functionality, TAG Heuer might be more up your alley. Both brands offer exceptional quality, so your decision comes down to which style and features resonate most with you.
