On 1 April 1935, Longines registered the Pilot Majetek model with the International Bureau of Industrial Property in Berne, Switzerland. Initially designed for aviators, this timepiece has gradually won over a wider public looking for a reliable, robust and precise watch. Almost 90 years later, in 2023, the brand resurrected this singular pilot’s watch, with completely revamped technical and ergonomic features.
This year, the collection has been extended with a special series in Grade 5 titanium, an alloy that is both lighter and stronger than steel. The Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition is limited to 1,935 pieces, in reference to the model’s year of birth. Faithful to its predecessors and asserting its original character, this tool-watch is distinguished by a fluted bidirectional bezel mounted on its cushion-shaped case.
At 9 o’clock, the exterior of the 43mm Grade 5 titanium case is fitted with an engraved “1935” commemorative plaque, housing an innovative gear mechanism. It guarantees water- resistance up to 10 bar (100 m) of the external fluted rotating bezel system coupled to the internal luminescent mobile triangle marker, or Starting Time Indicator. The latter is positioned under the sapphire crystal, from which it is independent, and above the dial. On the historic 1935 model, the bezel and the glass fitted with the marker rotated as a single unit. On today’s model, the sapphire crystal is fixed and contributes to the water-resistance of the new case.
Combining bold design and cutting-edge technology, the Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition is powered by the exclusive Longines calibre L893.6. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, this movement offers a resistance to magnetism that exceeds the requirements of the ISO 674 standard by a factor of more than ten, and has a power reserve of up to 72 hours. The entire watch is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), an independent testing body. This certification process subjects the finished watch – case and operating movement – to a trial period of 15 consecutive uninterrupted days. The entire watch is subjected to a series of operating tests in different positions at three different temperature levels to confirm its accuracy.
This new model has a matt black grained dial. The hours are indicated by struck Arabic numerals treated with grey Super LumiNova® with bluish luminescence and accentuated by a railway-style minute track. Baton hands skim over them, also coated in grey Super-LumiNova® with bluish luminescence. The oversized sub‐second dial, recessed in the dial at 6 o’clock, is a reminder, together with the fluted bezel, of the original functional character of this pilot’s watch.
The Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition comes with a black technical fabric strap. This limited series comes in a special Heritage box in the same colour.
