Limited Edition Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition Revives the Spirit of Adventure

You need only look at Longines’ emblematic logo to understand where the Swiss watchmaker’s heart lies. The winged hourglass, a distinctive symbol of hope and prosperity, has served as a constant reminder of the St Imier brand’s dedication to both aviation and timekeeping. Couple that with a client list that includes Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh and Howard Hughes, and it’s hard to argue with the pedigree, but it’s a lesser-known connection that is perhaps the best example of Longines’ high-flying credentials. Released in 1935, the Pilot Majetek was a precision instrument designed specifically for aviators, and almost 90 years on, the remarkable collection continues to stand out from the crowd.

Howard Hughes' around-the-world flight was timed by multiple Longines inventions back in 1938 | Image: Alamy — Howard Hughes’ around-the-world flight was timed by multiple Longines inventions back in 1938 | Image: Alamy

High-Flying History

Designed at the height of the aviation exploration era, the original Majetek (Ref. 3582) was expressly developed for the Czech Air Force. The sleek and unencumbered tool watch featured a black porcelain dial contrasted with white luminous Arabic dials, alongside a case back inscription that read “majetek vojenske spravy”. Roughly translated, the phrase means “property of the military” and was, in essence, a not-so-subtle reminder that the precision instrument was to be handed back upon dismissal. Whether or not that actually happened is a mystery, but one thing is for certain; the Majetek’s legacy of robustness, legibility and accuracy will forever be etched in history. And it keeps getting better.

Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition Ref. L2.838.1.53.2 | Image: Longines

A New Pioneer is Born

Following last year’s remarkable revival piece, Longines has again opted to extend the collection, introducing the Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition. A lighter and stronger variation, the special series is crafted from Grade 5 titanium and limited to just 1,935 pieces; a reference to the model’s year of birth. The heritage nods continue on the outside, with an engraved “1935” commemorative plaque found a 9 o’clock on the exterior of the 43mm titanium case.

The new material has been offset by a stunning matt black-grained dial and highlighted by struck Arabic numerals treated with grey Super-LumiNova. According to Longines, these numerals have also been treated with bluish luminescence, which contrasts beautifully with the railway-style minute track on the outside, while the oversized sub‑second dial, recessed in the dial at 6 o’clock, again pays homage to the timepiece’s illustrious origins. Importantly, that isn’t the only hallmark of the original timepiece that Longines left intact.

Aviation-Focused Functions

The original 1935 was perhaps best characterised by its fluted bidirectional bezel, which was mounted on its cushion-shaped case, and the new Pioneer Edition again follows suit. The only difference is that the new special edition has a fixed sapphire crystal, while the original saw the bezel and the glass fitted with the marker rotate as a single unit.

With this external fluted rotating bezel system and internal luminescent mobile triangle marker, Longines is able to dial up the water resistance, which now sits at 100 metres (100 metres). However, the real bonus of the redesign is the integration of the Starting Time Indicator. Positioned independently above the dial and under the sapphire crystal, Longies explains that this function “displays the departure time of a mission and accurately measures the flight time between each change of course”.

While this is a common place for Longines’ premier aviation timepiece, the movement underpinning this functionality is all-new. The Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition is powered by the exclusive Longines calibre L893.6, a high-precision movement equipped with a silicon balance spring for resistance to magnetism and corrosion. Longines says the new calibre exceeds the requirements of the ISO 674 standard by a factor of more than ten times, and has a power reserve of up to 72 hours. Best of all, the timepiece is chronometer-certified by the COSC, ensuring the optimum levels of precision timekeeping accuracy.

The new Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition follows in the footsteps of greatness, taking the legendary Winged Hourglass to new heights. The latest model is limited to just 1,935 units worldwide and will be available from Longines boutiques and e-commerce from July. Priced at $7,900 AUD, it arrives on a black technical fabric strap with a matching special heritage box.

View the Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition at Longines