A return to the history of aviation watches: Longines Pilot Heritage

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the development of the aviation industry. After World War I, European powers understood the importance of aviation in the armed forces, and armies around the world invested heavily in the development of new technologies in this field. During this period, Czechoslovakia established itself as an economically advanced country with a very strong and numerous army. There were several factories that developed and manufactured aircraft for both the civil and military sectors.

In the 1930s, the Czechoslovak Air Force command decided to follow other European armies and placed an order for 3,000 watches to help pilots keep track of time during flight. The winners of the competition were Longines, Eterna, and Lemania. The watches from the first brand mentioned were the most popular among pilots - they were the only ones with a rotating bezel and, in addition, their cases were made of stainless steel by the Czech company Poldi-oceľ.

Longines had been exploring the idea of aviation instruments since the early 1920s. At that time, these were mainly on-board instruments, but they already featured an innovation in the form of a rotating bezel. This was definitively incorporated into wristwatches in the 1930s, when a model with a rotating bezel that moved the marker on the watch dial was launched. Pilots used this movable point to mark the take-off time or flight time from the change of course.

The technology from these watches was transferred to the iconic 3582 model, which was developed on the basis of an order from the Czechoslovak Army. The numbers on the dial, hands, and rotating bezel marker were made visible with luminescent material, and the movement was housed in a unique cushion-shaped case. Longines registered this case with the International Bureau of Industrial Property in Bern in 1935.

The covers of all watches given to pilots were engraved with the words "Property of the Military Administration" and the number of the military unit. At the beginning of World War II, a large number of pilots went into exile and fought against the fascist enemy, for example alongside the RAF. Longines 3582 watches were also used during this conflict, as were those of other armies – an estimated 1,700 pilots wore these watches on their wrists.

Longines values its 190-year history and DNA, which has been linked to the aviation industry in many periods. That is why it regularly brings models to the market that are derived from this heritage. An example of this is the "Pilot Majetok" model, which is one of this spring's new releases. The original model from 1935 has been redesigned in line with current trends, while retaining the authenticity of the original aviation watches worn by Czechoslovak pilots. On the side of the watch at the 9 o'clock position is a label with the year referring to the creation of the original 3582 model.

The result is a watch with a 43 mm case, a distinctive fluted bezel, and softened lugs for more comfortable wearing. The numbers and hands feature the highest quality SuperLumiNova® luminescent materials, and a branded dot for setting the start time moves independently under the sapphire crystal. The exclusive L893.6 movement contains a silicon hairspring, and two other components—the ratchet wheel and anchor—are made of anti-magnetic materials. This gives the watch ISO 764 certification, which means it is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 60 Gauss. Another certification of the movement is the chronometer with a maximum daily deviation of +4/-6 s according to COSC. The power reserve of up to 72 hours also contributes to the comfortable use of the watch.

We invite you to visit our Watch de Luxe and WOW stores, where you can experience a touch of history when you put these watches on your wrist. You can also view them in our e-shop.

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