Re-issue of a highly successful designBASELWORLD 2014: The Longines Heritage 1935
The Longines Heritage 1935 is based on a timepiece originally created for aviators but which went on to prove highly popular among the general public. With its cushion-shaped steel case and fluted crown, this model has an original look that evokes the timepiece on which it is based. As is typical of watches intended for use in aviation, the matt black dial is decorated with large white Arabic numerals and is coated with Super-LumiNova.
With its Longines Heritage 1935 model, the brand has re-issued a watch designed originally for aviators in the Czech Air Force in 1935. Much praised for their reliability and robustness, these watches were soon on sale to the general public. Old advertising for these models claims that they were the most perfect inventions of modern technology, an ideal accessory not only for pilots but also for anyone who had a well-developed taste for sport. In 1935 these watches were seen as the height of technical perfection, housing a robust movement and fitted with a glass said to be unbreakable.
Like all watches intended for pilots, the dial of the Longines Heritage 1935 is easy to read. The large white Arabic numerals, coated with Super-LumiNova, stand out clearly against the matt black dial. The small seconds and the date aperture are situated at 6 o'clock. The rhodium-plated, sanded skeleton hands coated with Super-LumiNova also ensure that the time can be easily read. The harmony of the dial is completed by a railway-track minute ring.
The cushion-shaped steel case of the Longines Heritage 1935 has a diameter of 42 mm. Its slightly domed profile is enhanced by the bevelling of the middle, which adds to the impression of robustness. The fluted bezel lends the design a particular allure, true to that of the original model. This watch is fitted with an L615 self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve. In addition, each piece is numbered.