Since its founding in 1832, Longines have been creating watches that embody the brands devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. Longines first formed associations with aviation in 1919 when the brand became the official supplier of timepieces for the International Aeronautical Federation. Aviation has remained a great source of inspiration for the brand since the early 20th Century. The brand is still heavily influenced by its links to aviation pioneers and is recognised for its traditional pilot’s watches. The recent launch of the Longines Avigation Big Eye proves that the brand is still faithful to its roots in aviation and that its pilot’s watches are some of its most popular and iconic designs.
The New Model
The new Longines Avigation Big Eye is a new, modern interpretation of the Avigation Big Eye design that is inspired by 1930s watch styles. During this time period, pilot’s watches were very fashionable due to breakthroughs in aviation technology. This new iteration of the model comes in titanium and has a petrol blue dial. The name of the watch is inspired by the oversized 30-minute counter, as this feature resembles a ‘big eye’ in the dial. The watch features a clear, easy-to-read dial which is one of the accessories defining characteristics.
The watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement of the calibre L688 (ETA A08.L01) that features a silicone balance spring for minimal disruption from magnetic forces. The movement uses 13¼ lines, 27 jewels and 28,800 vibrations per hour to power the watch. The watch has a generous power reserve of up to 54 hours.
This chronograph model features the additional utilities of a central 60-second hand, a 30-minute counter clock at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. These utilities all feature on the grained and shaded petrol blue dial. Nine Arabic indices feature on the dial to ensure easy readability. The indices are coated with SuperLuminova, making them visible even in the dark. The black, sand-blasted hour and minute hands are also treated with SuperLuminova to make sure this pilot’s watch is practical and reliable in all conditions.
Longines has taken every measure to ensure the Avigation Big Eye will be reliable and durable for years to come. The watch is water resistant to 30m (3 bar) to make sure that it will be able to withstand the splashes of water it will encounter with daily wear. Additionally, the dial is protected by scratch-resistant box shaped sapphire crystal that is treated with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. Sapphire glass is one of the strongest materials, making it resistant to the inevitable bumps and scuffs that come with wearing a much-loved watch. The anti-reflective treatment ensures that the dial will be readable even in the brightest of lights.
A Traditional Pilot’s Watch
One of the most distinctive features of the new Avigation Big Eye model is the titanium case. This case is round, measuring 41mm and features a special engraving on the back to emphasise the originality and superior craftsmanship within the watch. Titanium is a lightweight and hypoallergenic material which makes the watch comfortable for active wear and compatible with most skin types. The case features a screw-fastened back which further aids the water-resistance of the watch.
The design of this new model is completed with a vintage-style brown leather strap that fastens with a pin buckle made of titanium. This type of strap is heavily associated with the traditional image of pilot’s watches. Longines is certainly paying homage to their greatest aviation moments, heritage and pioneers with the new Avigation Big Eye watch. The watch features all of the iconic elements of a traditional 1930s watch but has been designed and created using the most up to date Longines methods and technologies. This ensures that this high-performance watch will be reliable, precise, and elegant for decades to come.
If you like the look of the new Longines Avigation Big Eye, click here to purchase it from our website.
What are your opinions on the new Longines Avigation Big Eye? Will you be adding one to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
