With its vintage military aviation inspiration, the Longines Avigation BigEye Chronograph exudes a purposeful charm and distinctly asymmetric aesthetic. Compared with 1930s pilot's chronographs, the 41mm stainless steel case faithfully recreates design details like the oversized "big eye" 30-minute register, snailed subdials, and bold Arabic numerals.
The matte black dial offers excellent legibility thanks to luminous hands and markers, while the domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage curved effect. Little details like the 3-minute chronograph markings and counterbalanced chronograph seconds hand demonstrate an impressive attention to heritage.
With its brushed steel case, the BigEye wears comfortably despite being 14.45mm thick. The brown leather strap complements the military styling. While not a dedicated tool watch, the asymmetric design, sloped lugs, and 30m water resistance give the BigEye an understated versatility.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Longines Avigation BigEye Chronograph L2.816.1.93.2
Strap: Brown leather w/ titanium buckle
Dial: Tricompax chronograph with large 30-minute subdial
Case Size: 41mm x 14.5mm Thickness x 48.7mm Lug to Lug
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: Titanium
Movement: Caliber L688 Automatic column-wheel chronograph
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition: Excellent
Case is in great shape with no wear. Strap has very minimal creasing. Dial, hands, and crystal are in perfect shape.
History of Longines Watches
Longines, founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, started as Raiguel Jeune & Cie. In 1846, Agassiz's nephew, Ernest Francillon, joined the company, bringing innovations like crown-wound pocket watches that positioned the company at the forefront of watchmaking technology. In 1867, Francillon established the company's first factory in Saint-Imier's "Les Longines" and introduced the 20A movement, earning accolades at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Francillon's strategic move to industrialize production and Jacques David's technical direction were pivotal in shaping Longines' future as a leader in Swiss watchmaking.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Longines pioneering in sports timing with the development of its first chronograph movement in 1878 and becoming a primary supplier for New York sporting officials by 1886. The company's trademark winged hourglass logo, registered in 1889, remains the oldest unchanged active trademark with the WIPO. In the 20th century, Longines adapted to the rise of aviation, creating iconic watches like the Weems Second-Setting Watch and the Hour Angle watch. The mid-20th century brought advancements like the Chronocinegines and the company's first quartz movement. Today, under the Swatch Group, Longines continues to blend its historical heritage with modern design, producing elegant and precise timepieces while maintaining its long-standing connection to the world of sports.
