The word “timeless” gets thrown around a lot in the watch industry (and ironically so, when you think about it) but few manufacturers capture its essence quite like Longines. Nowhere is that more evident than through the brand’s Heritage aviation models, which pay direct tribute to a living legacy of elegant design, robust legibility, and high-quality mechanics. Conjuring the beauty of historical predecessors, each piece comes further bolstered by the latest in cutting-edge technology. Between their rich history and high accuracy, these watches have earned a loyal following amongst timepiece enthusiasts and sports professionals alike. It was true decades ago and it remains true to this day, and thus the theme of “timelessness” comes full circle.
That brings us to the brand’s latest Heritage release, better known as The Longines Avigation BigEye. Like its reputable brethren, this glorious piece honours a pioneering spirit harkening all the way back to the company’s early days. Specifically, it reinterprets an iconic 1930s chronograph by way of a 41mm titanium case and petrol blue dial, the latter of which shades almost to black on the flange. Pair that with signature details from the original model, an exclusive chronograph movement, and a brown leather strap and you’re looking at a brilliant addition to any watch collection. Of course, you probably knew that as soon as you laid eyes on this symmetrical stunner.
The Longines Avigation BigEye was first reintroduced in 2017 but this marks the debut of its titanium upgrade and blue petrol dial. Conspicuously handsome, the piece is famously characterised by the visibility of its dial and oversized 30-minute counter. Both features are typical of classic pilot’s watches, which need to remain both highly legible and uber-precise at high speeds and altitudes. Speaking of precision, the chronograph movement is equipped with a silicon balance-spring and backed by a 5-year warranty. It features 27 jewels and delivers a 54-hour power reserve.
Veering back to the legible dial face, note the sand-blasted black hands, SuperLuminova-coated Arabic numerals, symmetrical layout, and oversized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock (which inspired the model’s original name of BigEye). These refined elements harmonise under box-shaped sapphire glass with a multi-layered anti-reflective finish and against a blue petrol backdrop, thereby striking the perfect fusion of readability, durability, and design. Flip the piece over to behold the titanium case-back and its signature engravings. A natural brown leather strap with beige topstitching and a titanium buckle drives home the dressy vintage vibe.
Robust by design (and water-resistant to 3 bar), the new Longines Avigation BigEye also makes for a versatile style statement. Wear it during high-flying stunts or ground-level social engagements or anywhere in between, looking downright fantastic in the process. That’s not to mention the built-in history behind each Heritage model, which touches down on the greatest moments in aviation and watchmaking alike. This is the true art of “timelessness” and it proves that technology may evolve, but some aesthetics never go out of fashion. And no one has mastered it quite like Longines.