Longines keeps improving its Heritage Collection by adding more stunning models. The latest member of the successful collection is the Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935.
I have mentioned before that the increasing popularity of the Re-Issue concept and its use as a marketing strategy, provide excellent results for some brands. Being highly sought after with entry and mid level brands, the concept is highly adopted by Longines, making it one of the pioneering brands in this regard. The Heritage Collection, which gained momentum by the Heritage Diver model, seems to be one of the most important series of Longines among its entire product line, which is dominated with classic and elegant designs.
The latest member of the collection - Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 has an interesting story. The new model is actually a re-issue of another re-issue model. The Type A-7 concept, which was designed for military pilots’ use back in the 1930s, has been re-made in 2012. The original watch had a 51mm case, and the version issued in 2012 was intended to be as similar as possible to the original watch, resulting in a 49mm case design. That watch, reviewed here at Horobox, was actually a pretty nice piece, but also non-practical due to its massive size. The new model we have here today is the 41mm version which commits an excellent wearing comfort.
The newest version is offered in an optimally sized at 41mm in diameter. The stainless steel case is fully mirror polished and is equipped with an anti reflective coated sapphire crystal on the front side and a vintage airplane engraved solid stainless steel caseback on the back side. The case is water resistant to 30 meters.
The classic onion shaped winding crown resides at the 2 o’clock position due to the offset by 40 degrees from the vertical dial form. Due to the mono-pusher type chronograph function, the winding crown features a push button mounted in the center.
The most interesting feature of the watch is surely the off-set dial. This unusual position allowed pilots to read the dial without having to let go of the plane’s yoke. The dial is finished in white lacquer to tribute the original version’s porcelain dial. The large Arabic numeral hour markers are accompanied by a set of blued steel hands. The Bi-Compax type chronograph layout is displayed with a pair of sub dials. The sub dial at 12 o’clock position reads the 30-minute counter, while the 6 o’clock position sub dial houses the small second function. The hour marker and hands are coated with honey colored Super Luminova to fit the vintage concept. The date display window, which I could not understand the persistency to use especially, for retro style timepieces, is located at the 6 o’clock position as well.
The Type A-7 is powered with the Longines Caliber Ref. L788.2, an automatic movement offering a 54h power reserve when fully wound. Based on the ETA A08.L11, one of the Valgranges series of extra-large movements, the 27 jeweled L788.2 beats at 28800vph.
The new model is offered on a brown alligator strap with contrast stitching. The strap is secured with a Longines signed folding clasp made of stainless steel.
