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Lindbergh Hour Angle

Introduced: 1931 (original), reissued in 1987, with updates continuing into the present

Purpose / Inspiration: Designed by Charles Lindbergh himself after his historic 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic, the Hour Angle was a navigation tool for pilots. It allowed aviators to calculate longitude using celestial navigation—a critical need in the early days of long-distance flight. The modern version is a faithful reissue of that tool watch, with real historical DNA and unmistakable pilot watch design.

Designer:

  • Original: Designed by Charles Lindbergh in collaboration with Longines and Swiss navigation expert Philip Van Horn Weems
  • Modern reissue: Longines Heritage team using museum references and archival blueprints

Case size:

  • Most common modern version: 47.5mm (true to the original)
  • Smaller editions: 38mm–42mm available in limited runs
  • Large size designed for cockpit readability, often worn over flight suits

Case options:

  • Stainless steel
  • 18k yellow gold or rose gold (on anniversary editions)
  • Large fluted bezel, oversized onion crown
  • Exhibition or engraved casebacks depending on reference

Powered by:

  • Automatic mechanical movement
    • Caliber L699 (ETA 2892-A2 base with modifications)
    • 46-hour power reserve
    • Hour angle gear modifications added to dial and bezel
  • Manual wind versions also exist in earlier editions

Bezel:

  • Bi-directional fluted bezel used in tandem with inner rotating dial scale
  • Allows for longitude calculation in combination with Greenwich Mean Time

Dial options:

  • Matte white or parchment with black and red markings
  • Center time display
  • Outer degrees scale, inner rotating disc for time correction
  • Blued Breguet hands
  • Arabic numerals in pilot-style font

Water resistance: 30m

Bracelet:

  • Brown or black leather strap
  • Riveted pilot-style design
  • Often with tang buckle for historical accuracy

Still in production in limited numbers, especially for anniversaries or aviation events—most commonly sold through Longines boutiques or select authorized dealers

Why it matters: This isn’t just a “vintage-styled watch.” It’s a working re-creation of one of the most important pilot tools ever made. The Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch proves Longines’ deep roots in real aviation history—and still functions today as a conversation piece with purpose.

Designed by Lindbergh. Recreated by Longines.

Not Just a Pilot Watch—A Piece of Flight History

If You Know How to Use It, It Still Works

For Aviators, Collectors, and the Historically Obsessed

References for Lindbergh Hour Angle