Editorial
The Record 38.5 is Longines' straightforward answer to buyers who want COSC certification without paying for a Rolex or Omega. Powered by the L592.2 (a modified ETA 2892-A2), it holds to ±4 seconds per day by independent testing. At street prices under $1,200, it is one of the most affordable certified chronometers in steel with a date.
Longines introduced the Record collection in 2017, reviving a historical name from their 1940s precision-timing era, with retail availability beginning 2018. The 38.5mm reference L2.821.4.92.4 uses the L592.2, which is a decorated and adjusted ETA 2892-A2 modified to meet COSC's chronometric standard. Longines has offered the Record in 26mm, 30mm, and 38.5mm diameters across the run, with the 38.5mm as the core men's size.
Dial variants include silver, blue, and anthracite on the 38.5mm case; no significant movement changes have occurred within the reference since launch. The line remains in active production as of 2025.
The case back is solid, so you cannot confirm the movement visually without opening the watch , request service records or a timing machine printout from any private seller. Lug width is 20mm but the integrated-style lugs limit aftermarket strap options; confirm the seller includes the original bracelet if that matters to you. Early production examples have shown crown seal wear that can compromise the 30m water resistance rating sooner than expected; check that the crown screws down firmly and seats flush.
Dial printing on the silver variant can show fading near the indices on watches that have seen regular use; inspect under good light before buying secondhand.
