Longines DolceVita watches project an Italian inspired rectangular design immediately recognizable for the two thick lateral rails. These rails make up the main bulk of the case, and recur in both bracelet and strap variations, regardless of the size of the watch. The title Dolce Vita associates strongly with Fellini's eponymous movie starring Marcello Mastroyani, and consequently, with easy life and luxury. The two iconic rails appear to embody that languorous Italian spirit – there's movement implied, but it's lazy, unhurried, and Levantine.

The rails and the rectangular shape are the only two constant features in the Longines DolceVita. The collection deliberately varies the majority of other watch components: dial configuration, materials, and color, creating a diverse line of timepieces . DolceVita watches can have white, gray or black dials, gold or stainless steel bracelets and cases, and straps (brown or black leather); the dials accommodate Arabic or Roman numerals, and sword or lance hands depending on the design.

The freedom of design is best demonstrated by the seconds hand: while in some models it occupies the center, in others it confidently travels southwards, comfortably seizing the six o'clock position, outlining an additional subdial for itself.

Longines DolceVita watches contain either quartz or automatic movements, sometimes enhanced with a date or chronograph complication. Bulbous push buttons operate the chronograph. The date complication usually stays at six o'clock, sometimes moving somewhere between three and four o'clock. The chronograph watches display busier dial compositions, adding a tinge of unexpected chique to the watch.

Ladies

Though Longines don't divide the DolceVita into feminine and masculine lines, ladies watches can be recognized by their smaller size and the use of mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Here the rails reveal their true purpose – which has nothing to do with trains, or other such banal things – to carry diamonds. Strangely, the two flanking lines of diamonds slightly resemble bicycle chains. But that's a whole different movie – say, the “Il Postino.”