Review: Longines Pilot Majetek

Our hands-on review of the new Longines Pilot Majetek featuring a rotating bezel with an internal starting time indicator. Live pics and price €4,000

Longines is launching today the Pilot Majetek, a timepiece inspired to a model that is well known to most collectors, the Majetek from the 1930s, that is strongly characterised by its rotating bezel integrating an internal starting time indicator.

We had the possibility to preview and wear this new model and we are now delighted to share our impressions and pictures. 

But, before focusing on the new reference, let's take a step back in history to know more about the original Majetek pilot's watch.

The Longines reference 3582 was created in 1935 following an order from the Czechoslovak Air Force and meeting a precise set of specifications including a rotating bezel with a moving luminous hour marker that was used to provide a reference point to remember the exact time of departure of a mission or to time the flight from each new change of course. Longines had started producing its first on-board counters with rotating bezels in the 1920s and integrated the solution for the first time in a pilot's wristwatch in 1930.

The Longines reference 3582 "Majetek" - 1935

Reference 3582 was used by the Czechoslovak army's flying personnel and was nicknamed Majetek because it had the caseback engraved with the words "Majetek Vojenske Spravy (which means "Property of the Czechoslovak army"). The unique design of its case was registered on 1 April 1935 at the International Industrial Property Office in bern, Switzerland.

Several series, with different calibres, were produced. Some 1,700 fighter were equipped with them during the conflict between 1939 and 1945. 

The new Longines Pilot Majetek brings back the unique aesthetic of the 1935 model combining it to completely overhauled technical and ergonomic features. The result is a sporty timepiece of great character and exceptional readability.

The Pilot Majetek comes a 43 mm x 13.30 mm stainless steel case which sits comfortably on the wrist (the one in our pictures is 17.7 cm / 7 in) thanks to its short lugs, characterised by straight angles. 

Surfaces are mainly satin-brushed with polished details to highlight the dynamic design. Two robust guards protect the fluted crown from impacts.

The left side of the caseband is fitted with a commemorative plate marked "1935" which refers to the date of the first Longines Majetek model and conceals the patented gear mechanism that guarantees water-resistance to 100 metres / 330 feet of the external fluted bezel system. 

Smoothly and precisely rotating in both directions, this is coupled to the 'starting time indicator', the internal luminescent mobile triangle marker that is displayed below the sapphire crystal, from which it is independent, and above the dial. To see this indicator in action, have a look at this short clip from our Instagram channel (and make sure to follow us).

It is noteworthy that, whereas on the 1935 model the bezel and the crystal with the marker rotated as a unit, on the new model the sapphire glass is fixed thus contributing to the improved water resistance of the new case.

The matte black dial provides the ideal contrast to the large rhodium-tipped baton hands and the Arabic numerals, all generously treated with Super-LumiNova old radium glowing in green, for excellent readability in any light conditions.

The functional dial is completed by a railway minute marker and an oversized small seconds sub-dial positioned at 6 o’clock on a lower level. 

The engravings on the satin-brushed solid case back remark that the watch is officially certified as a chronometer - by COSC, the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres - as well as magnetic resistant and waterproof up to 10 bar. 

Behind it, the Longines L893.6 calibre beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 72 hours. This self-winding movement is equipped with a magnetically resistant silicon balance spring for improved accuracy and reliability over time. Silicon is in fact impervious to magnetic attraction as well as highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Lighter and harder than steel, it reduces inertia and requires no lubricant. 

 

Combining a distinctive look to high-quality finishes and excellent performances, the Longines Pilot Majetek can be matched to a two-stitch leather strap, available in a choice of brown (ref. L2.838.4.53.0) or green (ref. L2.838.4.53.2), or to a NATO-type strap made of polyester fibre created from recycled materials (ref. L2.838.4.53.8). For each reference, the suggested retail price is Euro 4,000.

A special presentation box with two straps - leather and NATO -  is also available at the price of euro 4,150. longines.com