Introducing Longines Expands Its Bite-Sized Mini DolceVita Line With New Revamped Double Strap Design (Live Pics)

Back in 2023, Longines mini-fied its signature DolceVita line, which has been a staple in its collection since the late '90s, defined by its rectangular case shape and 1927 heritage-inspired design. Just over a week ago, we saw the brand's latest riff on its adorably miniature DolceVita, which included a newly redesigned double strap in several color options and an additional silvered flinqué dial.

Similar to the breakout models from the Mini DolceVita collection, each of the new additions to the Mini family is housed in a rectangular stainless case measuring 21.50mm x 29.00 mm, available with diamond embellishments if that's your thing. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the staple "Cosmo" dial Mini DolceVita released last year abandoned its Art Deco roots in any sense, but it continues to be a markedly more streamlined and minimal take on that era of design. 

In contrast, the silvered flinqué decorated dial leans more into the opulence of Art Deco with its elongated Roman numerals, undulating guilloché work effect, tempered blued hands, and an additional small seconds subdial at six o'clock. Given the micro mini stature of these pieces, it will come as no surprise that each is equipped with a quartz movement. Additionally, each Mini DolceVita is water resistant up to 30m.

While I tend first to connect Longines with its aviation history, the brand also has a longstanding connection with the equestrian world. This informs much of the overall design of the new double leather straps, including the hot-press printing along the holes in the straps numbered from one to six, which references stirrup leathers. When unfurled, there's something about the shape of the splayed-out strap that would sit right at home among saddles and other leather goods found in a fancy, stylish stable.

Especially paired with the more neutrally colored strap options, the Mini DolceVita strikes me as a kind of "Little Black Dress" of watches. You can throw it on with nearly anything without a second thought, and it will pretty much work. And I will argue that despite the general (well-warranted) misgivings of the quartz movements of the world that circulate in this community, sometimes, a girl just wants to throw on a watch without a second thought of winding or resetting. Sue me. I even heard from a fellow watch enthusiast recently that she often prefers quartz movements over mechanical – to each their own.

I will also admit quite transparently that I wasn't sure about the whole double strap thing. In general, I default to a matching bracelet or a simple black leather strap if I'm in want of a change. I did have a chance to try the new Mini DolceVita out before it was officially released, and all of my skepticism faded to a distant memory when I put it on my wrist. Longines really did get a lot right with the strap design – it was easy to put on myself after a bit of mandatory fussing, and I found I could achieve a funky, cuff-like effect when I fastened it loosely. The term "double strap" is also a bit of a misnomer, given that it appears that there are three distinct layers of wrapped leather around the wrist, which somehow feels a bit more edgy-cool than the typical double strap.

Also, the price is working in the darling Mini DolceVita's favor. I'll concede that one's barometer on what is affordable and what isn't becomes skewed when looking at watches all day. Still, starting at just a hair above $1,600 (for the non-diamond version, that is), that price doesn't strike me as totally absurd given the landscape of the watch world today, and this piece's versatility. And, if the novelty of the double strap wears off, one can always swap it out for a bracelet and get back to the basics.

Brand: Longines
Model: Mini DolceVita
Dimensions: 21.50mm x 29.00mm
Thickness: 6.75mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: White
Lume: N/A
Strap/Bracelet: Double leather strap; also available with stainless steel bracelet

Caliber: Quartz caliber L178
Additional Details: Equipped with RENATA 379 battery

Price: Starting at $1,650; $3,800 for diamond models
Availability: Now online from Longines
Limited Edition: No