Aviation Legacy: Longines Launches The New Pilot Majetek
Longines is a watchmaking company with an unparalleled heritage. A brand that has long been committed to the sophistication of performance while also exuding an evolving elegance, Longines has been synonymous with official timekeeping in the world’s most prestigious sporting events. In that same spirit, aviation has been in Longines’ DNA for more than 190 years, and to celebrate its connection to aviation and the pilot’s watch, Longines Majetek reference 3582 from 1935, Longines has just released the new Pilot Majetek.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Longines
Taking inspiration from the original Majetek, a military watch used by the Czechoslovakian pilots during World War II, the new Longines Pilot Majetek maintained some of the original’s key elements. The new timepiece features the same distinctive Arabic numerals and luminescent hands as the original while incorporating modern design elements, like the larger case size of 43mm — and in this case, we think bigger is better. In fact, on the outside of the cushion-shaped steel case at 9 o’clock, there is a fitted commemorative plate marked “1935,” as a nod to the year the original was manufactured. Another noteworthy update to the watch is on the 1935 model, the bezel and the crystal with the marker rotated as a unit, and on the new model, the sapphire glass is fixed to adhere to the water resistance of 100m of the new case.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Longines
The dial itself is quite stunning, with the contrast between the matt black dial and the white Arabic numeral coated with Super-LumiNova highlighted by the railway minute marker ensuring ultimate legibility.
At the heart of the timepiece beats the exclusive Longines L893.6 caliber, equipped with a magnetically resistant silicon balance spring. The movement has a power reserve of up to 72 hours, keeping accurate time even when not worn for a few days.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Longines
The timepiece can be worn with a bespoke two-stitch brown or green leather strap or a NATO-type strap comprised of recycled polyester fiber. There’s no denying that Longines’ vast archive is an impeccable reference for the brand as they navigate designs within the modern landscape, and the launch of the new Pilot Majetek is the prime example.