In the early 20th century, Longines was intertwined with the daring exploits of the aviators. This extraordinary partnership between Longines and aviation witnessed remarkable technological advancements, shaped the brand’s identity, and solidified its reputation as a purveyor of precision and reliability.
These early collaborations propelled Longines to the forefront of the aviation world, establishing its watches as indispensable tools for those who navigated the heavens.
One of the defining moments in Longines’ aviation history came in the late 1920s when the brand partnered with Charles Lindbergh, the pilot who completed the first solo transatlantic flight. Lindbergh collaborated closely with Longines to develop a watch that could aid in celestial navigation, allowing pilots to determine their position accurately. The result was the Longines Hour Angle watch, which became an essential companion for aviators and solidified the brand’s place as a trusted partner in the skies.
As aviation technology advanced, so did Longines’ dedication to innovation. The brand introduced groundbreaking timepieces like the Pilot Majetek and Spirit Flyback, incorporating features allowing pilots to measure flight durations and calculate crucial data precisely. Longines watches became synonymous with accuracy, reliability, and functionality, making them indispensable to aviators in their pursuit of conquering the skies.
Today, the brand’s watches reflect the rich legacy of aviation and embody the spirit of adventure and exploration. From classic pilot’s watches to sophisticated chronographs, Longines timepieces effortlessly marry form and function, capturing the essence of aviation in every elegant detail. Here we look closer at the latest from the brand’s key aviation collections.
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Longines Spirit Flyback
The Longines Spirit collection reinstates the original flyback function to this new model, a complication intrinsically linked to the brand’s rich heritage.
Longines equipped its first models with a flyback function in 1925 and filed a patent on June 12, 1935. The patent was registered on June 16, 1936 — a world first. The advantage of flyback is that it gives pilots a practical and fast way of successively timing different flight stages, thus facilitating navigation.
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A simple pusher press instantly resets the chronograph’s direct-drive second-hand, which immediately restarts timing from zero. A single press enables three operations (stop, reset and restart), unlike conventional chronographs, which require the stop and reset functions to be activated before restarting the timing function.
Certified as a chronometer by COSC, the Longines Spirit Flyback is powered by an in-house movement which can be viewed from the transparent case back. Users will enjoy a power reserve of 68 hours and water resistance of up to 100m.
Its refined aesthetics and meticulous finishes also distinguish this new 42mm model. It features a bi-directional bezel enhanced by a black ceramic insert with luminescent markers and a black or blue sunray dial. This model comes with an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet, brown leather or blue fabric strap, and a new micro-adjustment system for maximum comfort and a perfect fit. A beige Nato strap is also available.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time
Launched last year as a new GMT watch to the Spirit collection, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time reflects the brand’s century-old timepiece expertise. Its origins and name come from the first Longines dual-time zone wristwatch manufactured in 1925, featuring the Zulu flag on its dial. Zulu refers to the letter “Z”, which designates universal time for aviators and armed forces members.
The latest Zulu Time comes in a smaller stainless steel 39mm case to complement its larger sibling. Wearer comfort is further enhanced by its resized proportions from lug to lug, which measures 21mm, and the case is 13.50mm thick.
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An exclusive Longines calibre with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring drives the time zone display. The movement is COSC chronometer-certified with a power reserve of 72 hours.
Longines’ state-of-the-art technology allows the hour hand to be adjusted independently of the GMT indicator. Additional time zones are read using a 24-hour hand, and the bidirectional rotating bezel graduated over 24 hours.
The new models have a matt black, sandblasted anthracite, or sunray blue dial with a coloured ceramic insert. A favourite of the collection has an eye-catching 18K yellow gold bi-directional rotating bezel and crown. With a chocolate brown ceramic insert and gilt GMT track, its aesthetic appeal is as impressive as its performance. Presented on an anthracite sandblasted dial, its date aperture at 6 o’clock has easy-to-read beige numerals, while the hands and Arabic numerals are coated with Super-LumiNova.
It is presented on an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet, NATO strap or brown leather strap with contrasting cream stitching.
Longines Pilot Majetek
Originally developed in 1935 for fighter pilots in the Czechoslovak Air Force, the Longines Pilot Majetek featured a bi-directional fluted bezel mounted on a curved cushion-shaped steel case. Its striking silhouette was so ahead of its time that the Swiss watchmaker had its design registered with the International Industrial Property Office in Bern.
Although intended for aviators, this watch has in the past attracted a wider audience seeking a reliable, robust, precise and easy-to-read watch. Today, the technical and ergonomic features of the new Pilot Majetek have been completely overhauled to keep up with current trends. Measuring 43mm, the case exudes strength and sophistication with a more voluptuous case and curvaceous lugs. Despite the large size, it delivers outstanding wearer comfort.
The most important detail on the dial is the “Starting time indicator” (or fluorescent mobile triangle marker) which moves as you rotate the bi-directional fluted bezel. On the 1935 model, the bezel and the crystal with the marker rotated as a unit. On the current model, the triangle marker functions independently from the fixed sapphire glass, which now allows the watch to have water resistance of up to 100m.
Retaining its essence as a pilot’s watch, the dial is matte black, the subdial sits at the 6 o’clock position, and the rhodium-plated hands, and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova to ensure optimal night-time legibility.
Chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), the Pilot Majetek is powered by Longines L893.6 calibre with 72-hour power reserve. On the side of the steel case, at 9 o’clock, there’s a commemorative plate marked “1935”, the date of the first Longines “Majetek” was created.
This timepiece has a two-stitch strap, available in a choice of brown or green leather with beige topstitching. A Nato-type strap made of polyester fibre, created from recycled materials, is also available.
