Article: Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial: the two 41 mm references

Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial: the two 41 mm references
In 2026, Longines updated its Master Collection, launched in 2005, adding two 41 mm references with dials featuring Eastern Arabic numerals: the L2.950.4.79.6 on a steel bracelet and the L2.950.4.79.2 on a blue alligator leather strap. Here is what you need to know about the dial, the movement, the differences between the two models, and how to tell the time using Eastern Arabic numerals.
Table of Contents
- The 2026 Master Collection and its two Arabic Dial references
- A barleycorn dial and Eastern Arabic numerals
- Case, movement, and shared features
- The dial and case back in detail
- The two models in detail
- Steel bracelet or blue alligator leather: a comparison
- Arabic dials from other brands
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
The 2026 Master Collection and its two Arabic Dial references
The Master Collection is Longines' classic mechanical line. In 2026, the brand updated it with new cases, barleycorn dials, and applied numerals, available in four sizes: 41, 39, 34, and 30 mm. Within this range, two 41 mm references stand out for their Eastern Arabic numerals, those used in the Arab world. They are listed on the official Longines website as the "Master Collection Arabic Dial".

The two watches share the same case, dial, and movement. Only the bracelet differs, and with it, the character of the watch.
A barleycorn dial and Eastern Arabic numerals
The barleycorn pattern, also known as "barleycorn", is the signature of the Master Collection. On these two references, it takes on a silver hue and catches the light differently depending on the angle, while keeping the dial highly legible.

The hours are indicated in blue Eastern Arabic numerals, which match the blue leaf-shaped hands. The overall design remains understated: a single accent color, a central seconds hand, and a date window at 3 o'clock, which also displays Eastern Arabic numerals.
Key point: "Arabic Dial" here refers to a dial with Eastern Arabic numerals (٠ ١ ٢ ٣), not the Western Arabic numerals (0 1 2 3) found on most watches.
Case, movement, and shared features
The two references are based on the same technical foundation, as indicated by Longines and confirmed by the specialized press.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | Stainless steel, Ø 41 mm, 21 mm lug-to-lug |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire, anti-reflective coating on both sides |
| Case back | Transparent, revealing the movement |
| Dial | Silver, barleycorn finish, blue Eastern Arabic numerals |
| Hands | Blued steel, leaf-shaped |
| Movement | Automatic, 25,200 vibrations per hour, monocrystalline silicon hairspring, power reserve up to 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central seconds, date |
| Water resistance | 3 bar (approximately 30 meters) |
| Origin | Swiss Made |
| Listed retail price | €2,650 on the official Longines France website, for both references |
The movement is an automatic with a 72-hour power reserve: wound on Friday evening, the watch will continue to run until Monday morning. The silicon hairspring is less sensitive to everyday magnetic fields (phones, computers, speakers) than a conventional metal hairspring.
The dial and case back in detail
These two elements are identical on both references.
The dial up close
Up close, the barleycorn texture covering the entire dial is visible, as well as the Longines logo with its winged hourglass, the "Automatic" inscription below, and the discreet "Swiss Made" inscription near the bottom. Blue Eastern Arabic numerals mark the hours, and the date window at 3 o'clock is framed and also displays an Eastern Arabic numeral. The railway track retains its usual markers in five-minute increments.

The transparent case back and movement
The sapphire crystal case back reveals the automatic movement, with its rhodium-plated oscillating rotor and the movement's finishing. The inscription "The Longines Master Collection" is engraved around the case back. At 25,200 vibrations per hour, the seconds hand advances in small, regular steps, seven times per second.

The two models in detail
1. Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial L2.950.4.79.6: on a steel bracelet
This version features a stainless steel bracelet with a triple-security folding clasp, push-button opening, and micro-adjustment system. The result is a more versatile watch that can go from the office to the weekend without changing the bracelet. The steel bracelet also adds a little weight and a more pronounced presence on the wrist.

The steel bracelet
The bracelet is made of stainless steel. According to the official images, the links alternate between satin-finished and polished surfaces. It attaches to the case with a width of 21 mm.

The clasp
The triple-security folding clasp opens with two push buttons. The micro-adjustment system allows for a finer fit on the wrist, which is useful when the wrist size varies due to heat or throughout the day.

On the wrist
With a 41 mm diameter, the watch falls within the usual range for modern dress watches. The silver dial stands out well against the steel of the case and bracelet, and the blue of the numerals provides the only touch of color.

2. Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial L2.950.4.79.2: on blue alligator leather
The second reference features a blue alligator leather strap with the same triple-security folding clasp. The blue of the strap matches that of the numerals and hands, giving the watch a more cohesive look and a dressier appearance.

The alligator leather strap
The strap is made of dark blue alligator leather, with visible stitching along the edges and the characteristic scaly texture of this leather. Its blue matches that of the numerals and hands. Like all leather, it should be protected from water and perspiration and stored away from moisture.

The clasp
It features the same triple-security folding clasp, with push-button opening and micro-adjustment. It has one advantage over a leather strap: the strap does not open fully every time the watch is removed, which helps preserve the leather.

On the wrist
The case is the same as on the steel version: 41 mm in diameter, 21 mm between the lugs. The leather strap lightens the overall look and makes the silver dial stand out, which suits a dressier outfit.

Steel bracelet or alligator leather: a comparison
| L2.950.4.79.6 | L2.950.4.79.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bracelet | Stainless steel | Blue alligator leather |
| Clasp | Triple-security folding clasp, micro-adjustment | Triple-security folding clasp, micro-adjustment |
| Style | Versatile, more pronounced | Dressier, more understated |
| Maintenance | Simple, handles moisture better | Protect from water |
| Listed retail price | €2,650 | €2,650 |
As the price is the same, the choice comes down to usage and style. If you are undecided, the steel bracelet is the more versatile of the two. The blue leather is the most elegant.
Arabic dials from other brands
Longines is not the only brand to offer Eastern Arabic numerals on its dials. This type of dial is also available from Seiko, Orient, and Casio, at different price points and with very different movements. The Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial is in the premium Swiss mechanical watch segment: automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve, sapphire crystal, and transparent case back.
Frequently asked questions
▾What is the difference between the L2.950.4.79.6 and the L2.950.4.79.2?
The bracelet only. The L2.950.4.79.6 has a steel bracelet, and the L2.950.4.79.2 has a blue alligator leather strap. The case, dial, and movement are identical.
▾What is the price of the Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial?
At the time this article was written, the official Longines France website listed both references at €2,650. The price may vary depending on the retailer.
▾What size is the watch? Is it suitable for a small wrist?
The case measures 41 mm in diameter, with a 21 mm lug-to-lug width. This is a classic size for a dress watch. On a slim wrist, it is best to try it on before buying.
▾Is the watch water-resistant?
It is water-resistant to 3 bar, or approximately 30 meters. This protects against splashes and rain, but not swimming or showering.
▾What is the power reserve?
Up to 72 hours, or approximately three days, when the watch is fully wound.
▾Are the numerals on the dial difficult to read?
It takes a short time to adapt, to memorize the correspondence between Eastern Arabic numerals and standard numerals. The blued hands and the contrast with the silver dial then make reading easier.
▾What warranty comes with a Longines?
Longines states a 5-year warranty on its official website. The exact terms depend on the retailer, so it is useful to check them before purchasing.
Conclusion
With these two references, the Longines Master Collection Arabic Dial combines classic Swiss mechanical watchmaking with a dial featuring Eastern Arabic numerals: silver barleycorn, blue numerals, blued hands, and an automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The steel bracelet is suitable for everyday wear, while the blue alligator leather is better suited to a dressier look.
If you are drawn to the aesthetic of the Arabic dial, you can also browse our selection of watches with an Arabic dial at PSB Watches, which features several brands and price ranges.



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