So far in 2024 a lot of Longines’ focus has been on their refined, elegant collections such as the Master Collection GMT and Heritage Conquest Central Power Reserve. However, with the launch of the Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Limited Edition we’re reminded that they’re also great at big, chunky tool watches. This one is specifically an homage to their 1935 pilot’s watch design presented in a modern titanium case.
Let’s start with the case because it’s one of the most unusual that Longines produce, with a broad cushion shape and low mounted lugs. It measures 43mm in diameter, meaning it’s certainly on the larger side, although with a thickness of 13.3mm it’s proportionally quite thin. Plus, as it’s made from dark grey titanium, a material known for its high strength to weight ratio, it’s lighter than the steel edition launched last year.
A focal point of the case is the bi-directional rotating bezel, a mechanism that Longines are credited with inventing in the early 1930s. As you would expect, after almost 100 years bezel technology has improved by a large degree. On the original 1935 edition of the Majetek, the bezel, glass and internal rotating marker were all a singular unit, whereas now the glass is separate. This separation of the bezel from the glass allows for an improved water resistance rating of 100m.
Zooming in on the Pilot Majetek Pioneer ‘s dial, it’s sleek and cool with a monochromatic display featuring a matte black base, slate grey numerals and small seconds subdial. The numerals themselves are large and lumed, which is in keeping with being a pilot watch, making it easily readable at a glance. Another aspect related to being a pilot’s watch is the rotating triangle marker attached to the rotating bezel, it functions as a start time indicator, allowing you to keep track of elapsed time. In aviation this can be used to facilitate navigation in a manner similar to a flyback chronograph.
Beneath the surface, the watch houses the Longines L893.6 automatic calibre with COSC chronometer certification. It has a 72-hour power reserve which is nice and weekend proof and the silicon balance spring means it’s also resistant to magnetic fields. There’s no exhibition caseback through which to view it as instead there’s a solid titanium back with an engraving of the watch’s details.
That includes the fact that the Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer is a limited edition of 1,935 pieces, a reference to the debut year of the original. As for price, it’s more than £1,000 higher than its non-limited steel cousins at £4,600. A sharp increase for a change of material and limited edition number. However, I still really like the sleek monochrome aesthetic and overall darker tone of the watch compared with the steel edition.
Price and Specs:
More details at Longines.
