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Avigation

Introduced: 1930s (original military roots), modern Avigation series launched in the 2010s

Purpose / Inspiration: The Avigation (short for Aviation + Navigation) line pays tribute to Longines’ history of making pilot watches and military timepieces. The design pulls directly from vintage cockpit instruments and WWII-era wristwatches—oversized crowns, cathedral hands, bold Arabic numerals, and high legibility. The Avigation name was used to house retro-style flight watches with modern specs, often based on original Longines military archive pieces.

Designer: Based on historical blueprints from Longines’ museum in Saint-Imier; modern line developed by Longines Heritage department

Case size:

  • Avigation BigEye Chronograph: 41mm
  • Avigation Type A-7: 44mm–47.5mm
  • Other models: 40mm–44mm

Case options:

  • Stainless steel
  • Titanium (BigEye Ti)
  • Polished and brushed finishes
  • Large onion or push/pull crowns for glove-friendly operation
  • Some cases feature tilted dials (Type A-7 style) for easier readability during flight

Powered by:

  • L688 column-wheel chronograph movement (ETA-based, exclusive to Longines)
    • Used in BigEye
  • L788 mono-pusher chronograph (Type A-7)
  • Automatic, 54–66h power reserve
  • COSC-certified versions available on limited editions

Bezel:

  • Fixed or smooth bezel (BigEye)
  • Fluted rotating bezel with triangle marker (some 1930s reissues)

Dial options:

  • Matte black, sandblasted black, or aged parchment
  • Bold Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova
  • Cathedral hands or syringe hands
  • Oversized subdials on BigEye; central chrono seconds
  • Off-center or angled dials on Type A-7

Water resistance: 30m–100m depending on model

Bracelet:

  • Leather pilot straps with contrast stitching
  • NATO straps on some military reissues
  • Steel bracelets uncommon in this line

Still in production, including popular models like the Avigation BigEye Chronograph, Type A-7 1935, and WWII-inspired Heritage Military models

Why it matters: The Avigation series proves Longines isn’t just coasting on its pilot watch legacy—they’re reviving it with purpose. Every model in the line has direct military or aviation roots, making it one of the most authentic heritage lines in the segment—without the boutique price tag.

Aviation + Navigation = Avigation. It’s in the Name.

From WWII to Runways Today: Real military heritage, not marketing fluff

Big Eyes. Big Crowns. Big History.

Pilot Watch Pedigree—Priced for Real People

References for Avigation