On 1 April 1935 Longines registered a new watch design with the International Industrial Property Office in Bern, Switzerland. Commissioned by the Czechoslovak Air Force, the cushion case design included a rotating bezel and crystal with a luminous ‘starting time’ triangle indicator that pilots used to track flight duration. This model also had the words Majetek Vojenské Správy – Property of the Military Administration – engraved on the back. Although intended for aviators, the ‘Majetek’ attracted a wider audience thanks to its easy-to-ready dial and sturdy construction.
Today, Longines is launching a (second) modern iteration of the Majetek that borrows key details from its namesake. The Pilot Majetek features a 43-mm cushion case topped with a fluted bezel. Larger than the 40-mm original, the case frames a matte black porcelain dial with a classic railroad minute track and raised Arabic numerals coated in Old Radium Super-LumiNova. On the 1935 model, the crystal – with the triangle printed on – and the bezel rotated as a unit. On the Pilot Majetek the sapphire glass is fixed, ensuring 100 m water-resistance, and the triangle is attached to the rotating bezel. Longines also added crown guards and a commemorative 1935 plaque to each side of the steel case. The caliber L893.6, a movement exclusive to Longines, powers the watch and delivers a 72 hour power reserve. Buyers can chose between three versions of the Pilot Majetek; a brown leather strap with beige stitching ($3,850.00), a green leather strap with beige stitching ($3,750.00), or a khaki-green NATO strap made of recycled material ($3,750.00).
Longines Pilot Majetek – longines.com
