The Longines Pilot Majetek is a wrist-mounted flight instrument with a storied past
Borna BošnjakFrom measuring Lindberg’s first transatlantic flight to the monopusher chronograph worn by Amelia Earhart and the Weems, Longines’ tradition of pilot’s watches is a storied one. By the time the 1930s rolled around, Longines had developed a simple system for tracking time in the form of an arrow that rotated with the bezel. You could align it with either the hour or minute hand, using it to keep a record of departure time or the time of a change incourse. In 1935, by order from the Czechoslovakian Air Force, Longines created the ref. 3582, with the same moving marker, in a cushion case. It is this very reference, and the engraving “Majetek Vojenske Spravy” (“property of the military administration” in Czech/Slovak), that gave rise to the Majetek model, now reincarnated in the Longines Pilot Majetek 2023 reissue.
The backstory
Considering its mid-1930s release, the Majetek was a big watch for the time period. The above example, sold in April 1938 in Prague, measured in at 40mm. For modern standards, that’s by no means an outlandish size, but it’s worth remembering that its male-oriented contemporaries were closer to 30mm. You can see the trademark rotating hour indicator just above 12 o’clock. Interestingly, on the original, the entire bezel and crystal assembly rotated. In the years that followed, Longines continued to use the hour indicator in everything from watches to clocks found on the dashboards of war planes of the era.
Almost a decade ago, Longines used the Majetek as inspiration for the Heritage 1935 that we covered here. You’ll notice the Majetek name wasn’t used for this release. It didn’t feature the prominent indicator and rotating bezel, though the case shape, hand design and beautiful Longines script logo were clear indications of this design’s origins.
The dial
As opposed to the 2014 Heritage 1935 and even the original, the dial of the new Pilot Majetek is surprisingly stark. At a time when it’s customary to print everything including the water resistance, originality of gas escape valve and name of the firstborn of the old mate that polished the lugs, Longines’ take is refreshing. Even though the elegant script is gone, Longines goes with a simple serifed logo – and that’s it, bar the “Swiss made” text below the small seconds.
Rather than the elongated cathedral hands of the original, Longines opts for a simple, pencil style, the fauxtinaed lume matching the numerals. I’m a fan of the printing method Longines used here, as the numerals are ever so slightly raised. Combined with the recessed sub-seconds, it gives an otherwise plain dial extra visual interest. For this re-release, we also see the return of the adjustable starting time indicator. To explain its utility in simple terms, think of it as an early execution of a diver’s bezel. Adjust the marker to either the hour of minute hand by rotating the large knurled bezel, and time the interval of interest accordingly.
The case
The new Pilot Majetek also re-hashes the case design. While it does maintain some features of the original, like the knurled polished bezel and flat cushion shape, it grows a pair of crown guards and increases in size up to 43mm in diameter and 51.4mm lug-to-lug. Being aware of the large size, Longines re-profiles the lugs to turn sharply downwards, rather than jut out like on the original. Nevertheless, the dimensions combined with a height of 13.25mm will require accommodation by a larger appendage. On the left-hand side of the case, Longines screws in an engraved plaque commemorating the 1935 release of the original Majetek, while the screw-on caseback features military-style engravings denoting the model, some specs and reference and model numbers.
Longines is especially proud of their execution of the starting time indicator in the new Pilot Majetek, as they’ve managed to retain a good degree of water resistance at 10 bar, while the wearer is able to adjust the luminescent marker through a patented gearing mechanism. In earlier renditions of this model, which saw the crystal and bezel rotate as one unit, making any meaningful water-resistance attempts was futile.
The bracelet
The Majetek is available on three different straps, including two calf leather options and a green NATO-style made of recycled materials – all unsurprising choices for this vintage and military inspired piece. Owing to its 22mm lug width, though, I’m fully expecting the Majetek to look fantastic on a wide selection of straps. I’m fully aware that it’s not really keeping with its pilot watch heritage but, straight end-link mesh, anyone?
The movement
Being under the Swatch Group umbrella grants Longines access to excellent movements, especially considering the price segment they occupy. The case of the Pilot Majetek is no different, equipped with the L893.6 calibre. A Longines variation of ETA’s A31.L91 movement, it features a silicon balance spring, escapement wheel and anchor for up to 600 Gauss of magnetic resistance, 72 hours of power reserve and an unusual 3.5Hz beat rate. It’s a well-specced upgrade, and one far ahead of the ETA 2892 that the A31.L91 bases its design on.
Though hidden by a solid caseback, it features some pleasant machine-applied decoration. It includes perlage on the baseplate and Geneva striping on the rotor, which also has a semi-skeletonised design in the shape of the winged hourglass Longines emblem.
Longines Pilot Majetek pricing and availability:
The Longines Pilot Majetek is available now from Longines, in three references, as well as a limited-edition box set with NATO strap (pictured above). Price: A$5,600, US$3,750 (non-LE), A$5,775, US$3,850 (LE)
| Brand | Longines |
| Model | Pilot Majetek |
| Reference Number | L2.838.4.53.0 L2.838.4.53.2 L2.838.4.53.8 |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 13.25mm (H) x 51.4mm (L2L), 22mm lug width |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 10 bar |
| Crystal(s) | Domed sapphire crystal with double-sided AR coating |
| Dial | Textured black dial with fauxtina numerals and hands |
| Strap | Brown or green calf leather Green NATO-style fabric |
| Movement | L893.6 calibre, COSC-certified with 72-hour power reserve, silicon hairspring, escapement wheel and anchor, ETA 2892 base |
| Price | A$5,600, US$3,750 A$5,775, US$3,850 (LE) |