Longines finished strong in 2020 and it’s keeping that momentum going well in 2021. Just last year, we saw the Saint-Imier-based brand release the Spirit collection, which was well-received by the global market. It also updated its Heritage line, resulting in a range of some of the most coveted watches at that time.
This year, Longines has dropped yet another surprise for its fans: a 2021 version of the Longines Aviation BigEye with a new blue dial and titanium case.
What’s New? The Aviation BigEye Titanium Watch
There are not a lot of updates in the design of the 2021 Aviation BigEye. Longines kept most of the elements that made its 2017 steel predecessor a success: the 41mm diameter size of the case, 50mm lug to lug, and the approximate 14.5mm height that gives you a different wearing experience with a pilot’s chronograph.
The case retains its military chronograph shape with its distinct flat, coin-edge bezel and oversized pushers and crown. It keeps true to the original intent of the brand to offer watches that pilots can wear even while wearing gloves. The watch is finished with a box-shaped sapphire crystal.
Case
But, as discussed above, what’s new with the watch is the material used to make the case. A Grade 5, lightweight titanium replaces the stainless steel used for the 2017 version, resulting in a more wearable and comfortable watch that looks well-proportioned on the wrist. It is also more durable and resistant to corrosion. A matching titanium case back seals the case and it sports the same engraved plane logo as the steel version.
Dial
The highlight of the watch has got to be the blue dial. It is treated with a granulated texture that is eye-catching enough, but not to the point that it looks tacky. It’s also paired with an exquisite degradé effect, where the blue color gets darker from the center towards the perimeter, as well as a vintage-inspired brown lume. Overall, the degradé dial comes across as a modern touch to a watch which design is based on a 1930 pilot chronograph
Movement
Powering the 2021 BigEye is the in-house manufactured automatic L688.2 Calibre movement. It’s an updated Valjoux ébauche that uses a column wheel for a smoother and more accurate operation. It boasts 27 jewels, a 28,800 vph rate, a shock protection system, and a generous 54-hour power reserve. Meanwhile, the escapement is fitted with a silicon balance spring for better magnetic field resistance. The movement features a date complication. However, you wouldn’t find a date window on the dial.
Bracelet
Completing the BigEye is a natural brown leather strap with a matching titanium pin buckle. This further adds to the vintage appeal of an otherwise modern-looking watch. It perfectly complements the lume, too.
Pricing and Availability
The Longines Aviation BigEye Titanium is already available on the Longines website as well as from its authorized retailers. It retails for approximately $3,800.
Looking Back at the History of Longines and Aviation BigEye
Longines is one of the 19 brands under the massive Swatch Group. With a history that dates back to 1832, it has established a reputation for manufacturing luxury watches with a vintage look yet with modern internal elements. It leverages its automation and integrates it with traditional Swiss watchmaking to produce an average of 2 million watches every year.
Fast forward to Baselworld 2017, Longines presented the Aviation BigEye. The inaugural pilot’s chronograph watch looks robust and military with its tri-counter layout, luminous Arabic numerals, and an oversized minute counter for legibility. Most of these design elements have been retained on the latest model, except that the steel/black edition is updated in favor of titanium and a blue dial. While it’s the case, the original version remains as a valued member of the permanent collection, joining the ranks of other sportier and bolder Longines watches. With that said, you also might want to check out other 2021 releases from the brand.
Other 2021 Releases From Longines
• Two-Tone Longines HydroConquest Watches
The HydroConquest is one of the four main watch collections under the Longines Sport Collection. It debuted in 2007 and is remarkable for its bold style and superb performance. It was first redesigned in 2018, receiving color-coordinated treatments with the options of black, gray, or blue dials for the dials and ceramic bezels.
For 2021, the watch has received yet another update but this time, in the form of six two-tone models that are presented in either rose gold or yellow PVD coating. Unlike previous models that come in two case sizes—41mm and 43mm, the latest versions are packaged only in a 41mm stainless steel case. This narrows down the options for consumers.
• Green Dial Longines Spirit
It has not been long since Longines launched its Spirit pilot’s watch line. But, it’s already given it a green dial update, joining the ongoing trend. But, instead of the usual emerald and other darker hues, the 2021 Spirit watch features a saturated olive green dial. This is in addition to the existing black, silver, and blue Spirit watches.
Aside from the new color, what’s new with this green Spirit version is its sandblast-finish dial. It’s unlike the usual matter, sunray-brushed, or grained finish found on the previous versions. The watch is presented in either a beige leather strap with a pin buckle or a three-link stainless steel bracelet that ends with a triple folding clasp. Overall, it has a retro vibe that is further emphasized by its light beige lume.
Takeaway
Longines has come a long way since its foundation in the early 19th century. Throughout its illustrious history, it served as a trailblazer for many technological developments and industry-first methods that continue to influence the world of Swiss watchmaking today. Many things have changed, but what remains is the brand’s commitment to continued excellence and its goal to deliver high-quality watches with guaranteed accuracy and precision.
What do you think of the new Longines Aviation BigEye? Would you buy it for yourself or a loved one? Let us know by leaving a comment.
