Most chronographs need two pushers. This one needs just one, built into the crown, and that single detail makes it one of the most charming watches Longines has made in recent decades. Press once to start, again to stop and a third time to reset: it is the way chronographs worked in their early years, and it feels wonderfully direct.

Longines created the Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph to celebrate its 180th anniversary, nearly two centuries after the company's founding in Saint-Imier in 1832. Reference L2.776.4.21.3 is the version with wire lugs, a nod to the first wristwatches, which were often converted pocket watches with lugs soldered onto the case. The white lacquered dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands completes the period look.

Inside is caliber L788.2, an automatic column-wheel chronograph exclusive to Longines, beating at 28,800 vph with about 54 hours of reserve and a date. A sapphire caseback puts it on display. The 40mm polished steel case wears like a dress watch, so this suits collectors who love horological history and want something genuinely different.

Single Push-Piece Chronograph, Ref. L2.776.4.21.3

• Case: 40mm polished stainless steel with wire lugs
• Dial: white lacquer, Roman numerals, blued steel hands
• Movement: L788.2 automatic, column wheel, monopusher in the crown
• Frequency and reserve: 28,800 vph, approximately 54 hours
• Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
• Crystal: sapphire, with sapphire display back
• Water resistance: 30 meters
• Strap: leather, 19mm lug width

A one-button chronograph that celebrates Longines history with real mechanical substance.