A Saint-Imier based watchmaker, Longines, has always been recognized for its connections with the world of aviation and its pioneers. The company’s strong ties to flying are once again celebrated in its latest model, named Avigation Watch Type A-7. Inspired by the classic models originating from the 1930s, this column wheel chronograph sports a peculiar design with the angled face. However, this type of dial layout is not the result of a whim, but of its aviation heritage. Its specific appearance is caused by the fact that these kinds of chronographs are intended to be worn on the inside of a wrist. This way, the dial angled at 50 degrees to the right would be perfectly aligned with the airplane’s instruments, and the pilot would be able to read the information from the watch without taking the hand off the aircraft’s controls.
Apart from the specific angled dial, the timekeeper from the Heritage series of Longines Watches includes some other traits that are influenced by its aviation origin, namely its substantial diameter of 49 mm that naturally enhances the readability in conjunction with the oversized white Arabic numerals that stand in sharp contrast to the matt black dial. Another trait of the same kind is the use of a large fluted crown that was easily operable even while wearing thick gloves worn by the pilots at the time. Furthermore, Avigation Watch Type A-7 has a chrono function that is entirely controlled by a single push-piece (used to start, stop and reset to zero) located in the crown that stands above the 12 o’clock position of its tilted face.
A Self-Winding Column-Wheel Chronograph Caliber
The new timepiece that stems from the Longines series which recreates its iconic timepieces is equipped with an automatic-winding mechanical caliber L788 (base movement ETA A08.L11). The column-wheel chrono caliber has the width of 30 mm and 27 integrated jewels. Furthermore, it beats at the high frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power storage that lasts for about 54 hours. The mechanical movement is fitted into a circular shaped housing made of stainless steel.
As it is specified by the manufacturer, the timepiece has the construction that provides the basic water resistance to 30 meters. The case back of Avaigation Watch Type A-7 is transparent and with a back cover, while its face is protected with scratch-resilient sapphire glass with multiple glare-proof coatings on the underside. Its previously mentioned black dial, which lies beneath the sapphire crystal, includes Breguet-styled silvered sandy hands, two subsidiary counters (small seconds and 30-minute chrono dial) and a date display, as well as a tachymetric scale which is another trait of aviation-inspired and intended timekeepers.
A final touch in the features of the timekeeper that draws the inspiration from the aeronautical watches from the 1930s is a black alligator strap with contrasting stitching. The wristlet of Longines Heritage Avigation Watch Type A-7 fastens with a buckle.
