ReviewAn Ode To Vintage Aviation Watches: The Longines Pilot Majetek

Pilot or aviation watches are typically watches designed with features for in-flight calculations, big dials, contrasting Arabic numeral hour markers and hands, and a large crown for easy usage with flying gloves on. A robust body used to be an additional feature that would make them suitable for wear during military operations, including war. Ticking these boxes is the Longines Pilot Majetek iteration with brown leather strap—a revamp of a first-issue 1935 model, bearing a strong resemblance to vintage-era aviation watches. 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 to the wearer to return the watch or majetek ‘property’ to the rightful owner; in this case, the military.

The Majetek And Its Resemblance To The First-Issue 1935 Edition

To stay abreast of the times, this iteration has tweaked several existing features. The most prominent change is that it has jumped three case sizes; from 40mm to 43mm. It now appears bulkier, more so because the cushion-shaped construction with crown guards and rounded lugs. The 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, the bezel moves independently while the glass remains fixed.

The fluted rotating bezel has an attached triangular pointer, positioned beneath the sapphire crystal. This arrow is the starting time indicator, for counting down time, after it’s positioned minutes ahead of the desired time, giving the wearer sufficient time to prepare. Pilots, since the vintage-era, continue using it 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.

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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Attention to Finer Details

Even the timekeeping elements on the dial retain the trademark features of the 1935 model. These include a matt, textured pitch-black dial; large Arabic numeral hour markers in a typically vintage cream hue, and embossed with ‘old radium’-toned Super-LumiNova. 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, though lume-filled and baton-shaped like the first edition, have a modern-day silhouette.

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.

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

It is powered by the in-house calibre L893.6. This movement of the Pilot Majetek 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. The calibre beats at 25,200vph and offers up to 72 hours of power reserve.

With a fairly uncluttered dial and a design that’s easy on the eyes, the Longines Pilot Majetek appeals to even those outside the gambit of military personnel, aviation industry professionals, and avgeeks.