In order to properly celebrate their 180th anniversary during the current year, Longines have recently presented a few bespoke timepieces, like the Monopusher Chronograph 180th Anniversary LE and the 1942 Heritage Chronograph. The one in these pictures is the Longines Avigation Type A-7, whose design is inspired from some models which have been developed back in the 1930s on request for the aviators of the U.S. Army.
Apart from the stunning looks, Longines have also borrowed the designation of the watch, which used to be appointed Type A-7. In addition, the name Avigation comes from a farrago of the words “navigation” and “aviation”.
The watch is quite respectable in terms of size – it boasts with a 49 millimeter diameter, with matching large white numerals and a generous fluted crown. The purpose of all these is to present the aviators with the ability to easily read and use the timepiece, even if their hands are covered by gloves.
In addition, the 50 degrees angled position to the right also provides the aviator with the ability to read the watch without having to move his or her arms off the controls of the aircraft. The movement inside is a single push-piece chronograph L788 calibre with a column wheel movement which was developed exclusively for Longines.
[Perpetuelle]
