ReviewAn Ode To Vintage Aviation Watches: The Longines Pilot Majetek

Pilot or aviation watches are typically watches inbuilt with certain features such as in-flight calculations, big dials, contrasting Arabic numeral hour markers and hands, and large crown that can be maneuvered with flying gloves on. A robust case is a must to make it suitable for wear during military operations, including the ultimate scenario, war. Ticking these boxes is the Longines Pilot Majetek, heavily inspired by the first-issue 1935 version that was a classic vintage-era aviation watch. In 2023, the brand had released an iteration with brown leather strap. The brand has now launched another version, the Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition inbuilt with grey Super-LumiNova applied numerals that glow in the dark with a distinct bluish light.

Paying Obeisance To 1935 Craftsmanship

Originally designed for the Czech military, ‘Majetek’ is derived from the Czech inscription on the 1935 original first-issue—‘majetek vojenske spravy’, which translates to ‘property of the military’—a whimsical request made to the wearer to return the watch or majetek ‘property’ to the rightful owner; in this case, the military. To stay abreast of the times, the 2023 and 2024 versions have tweaked several features found in the 1935 edition. One major change is that the new watches have grown bigger by three case sizes; from 40mm to 43mm. Their bulky silhouette is the result of the cushion-shaped case with chunky crown guards and rounded lugs. The original 1935 iteration had the glass secured to the bezel, and both components moved in tandem whenever the bezel was adjusted. In the new Pilot Majetek, however, the bezel moves independently while the glass stays fixed.

A small seconds sub-dial outlined in military rail track design sits over the six o’clock hour marker, partially overriding the seven o’clock and five o’clock ones

As indicated on the caseback, the watch is certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) for accuracy to within -4 to +6 seconds per day

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The fluted rotating bezel features a triangular pointer beneath the sapphire crystal. This arrow acts as the countdown timer because it is positioned minutes ahead of the desired time, giving the wearer sufficient time to prepare. Pilots, since the vintage-era, continue using this feature to determine the precise moment for changing the course during flight. This marker is what primarily classifies the Pilot Majetek as a navigational tool. Together with the antireflective sapphire crystal and case construction, the Pilot Majetek offers an impressive water resistance upto 100m.

Vintage Aesthetic Meets Modern Technology

The Longines Pilot Majetek editions feature dial elements that retain the trademark features of the 1935 model. These include a matt, textured pitch-black dial and large Arabic numeral hour markers. It is here that the two recent iterations differ. The brown strap version features vintage cream hour markers, embossed with ‘old radium’-toned Super-LumiNova that emits yellow light, while the 2024 version features grey numerals with applied Super-LumiNova exuding a bluish glow. A small seconds sub-dial outlined in military rail track design sits over the six o’clock hour marker, partially overriding the seven o’clock and five o’clock ones. The hour and minute hands, albeit lume-filled and baton-shaped like the first edition, have a modern-day silhouette. Powering the watch is the in-house calibre L893.6 that features a silicon balance spring to battle magnetism and improve accuracy. As indicated on the caseback, the watch is certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) for accuracy with a maximum deviation of -4/+6 seconds per day. When fully wound, the calibre beats at 25,200vph and offers up to 72 hours of power reserve.

The watch box contains a complimentary fabric strap and strap tool to encourage versatility in style

The Pilot Majetek has a detachable calf leather strap accentuated with beige stitches, fashioned from recycled material in a dark green or brown hue. Further, the watch box contains a complimentary fabric strap and strap tool to encourage versatility in style. With a fairly uncluttered dial and a design that’s easy on the eyes, the Longines Pilot Majetek versions appeal to even those outside the gambit of military personnel, aviation industry professionals, and avgeeks.