Tribute to 1930s aviation

The new Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 harks back to Longines’ classic models. The contemporary yet retro piece stands out for its dial angled at 40°.

Swiss brand Longines was founded in 1832 and is best known for its many sporting collaborations and sports watches. For example, Longines timed the first ever modern Olympics in Athens in 1896. The brand is rooted in sports and hasn’t stopped exploring timing over the years e.g. launching an automatic timing system in 1912 that was all the rage. Longines has set the benchmark in the most famous sporting competitions and lent its name to a variety of races and events. Its values of style and classicism ooze from its slogan: “Elegance is an attitude.”

Longines takes us back in time with its new Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935, to the 1930s to be exact. The 41mm steel model stands out for its dial angled at 40°which enabled pilots to see the display without having to let go of their aircraft’s controls. The model was also commissioned by the US army in 1935. The polished white lacquer dial on the Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 is seriously retro with oversize honey-coloured Arabic numerals and blue pear-shape hands. The monopusher chronograph has a central seconds hand, 30 minute counter at 12 and date display at 6. The watch is covered by anti-glare sapphire crystal and is waterproof to depths of 30m.

When Longines decided to restore a classic to its former glory, it held onto the functional side it had for the army e.g. the notched crown was designed so it was easy to handle even in gloves. The timepiece has a self-winding ETA L788.2 calibre with a monopusher and column wheel chronograph mechanism and 54-hour power reserve. The movement has been especially designed for Longines and controls the chronograph’s various functions. All you have to do to start, stop or reset the watch is press the button built into the notched crown. A brown alligator strap with a pin buckle secures the watch to your wrist.

Price: 3,500 USD

By Inès Aloui