The case and dial
The Longines Avigation BigEye replica watches are inspired by vintage aviation type chronograph. Congruous with the design aesthetics of pilots’ watches, the dial is highly readable, with large font hour markers, and the pushers are sized larger than on classic timepieces. This is to enable the wearer to handle them while wearing gloves.
Its semi-glossy black dial is decorated with Arabic numerals coated with SuperLuminova©, and displays a small second hand at 9 o’clock as well as a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. The oversized 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock throws off the traditional symmetry of a chronograph dial, but can be interpreted as adding a touch of creativity to the otherwise all classic design.
The stainless steel case measures 41 mm in diameter and is water resistant to 30 meters. It is fit with a domed sapphire crystal glass with several layers of anti-reflective coating. To complete the look, a nubuck texture leather strap is used. The case finish is military inspired, with a brushed finish along the center case and a polished thin step bezel. The lugs look raw and straightforward, which is in line with the overall design aesthetic.
The movement
Longines has a long history in watchmaking innovation. They hold the patent of the flyback chronograph movemnt Longines fake watches and have produced several notable mechanical chronographs. But of concern of us today, is the column wheel chronograph which they produced the world’s first in 1878.
In 2011, Longines added the L688 column wheel chronograph to the Heritage collection. The movement is still used in the collection today, as with this Avigation Bigeye. The movement is roughly based off the Valjoux 7750 and bears its thickness, made distinct by watch case profiles which house the movements. That said, the column wheel chronograph is a bargain by today’s market standards, price-wise it’s packed between notable movements like the Japanese-made Seiko chronograph movement (used in TagHeuer) and the Swiss-made Zenith El Primero. Performance wise, the movement is robust and time tested, a practical automatic caliber with 54 hours of power reserve.
Overall, the Longines copy leather strap watches arewell-designed and a welcome addition to the Heritage line. The case, dial and movement are ideal and in an almost formulaic fashion, the watch ticks all major requirements. At S$3980, the watch is priced competitively and goes head to head with its competitor Tudor; which employs similar product type offerings. As for us, we like the watch. It looks good and is a good addition to any collection. Then again, whether the market is starting to get ‘retro’ fatigue is another story altogether.