Lot #5214
Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 x The Hour Glass Limited Edition Bronze
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Introduction
Few aviation watches have a design as distinctive as the Longines Type A-7. Its origins lie with chronographs supplied to the US Army Air Corps during the 1930s, distinguished by an enormous case and a dial rotated approximately 40 degrees clockwise. Far from an aesthetic flourish, the unusual orientation allowed a pilot to read the watch more naturally while keeping a hand on the aircraft controls. Longines revisited the concept several times, eventually introducing the more wearable 41mm Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 that provides the foundation for the present watch.
Created with The Hour Glass to celebrate the retailer's 40th anniversary, this special edition transforms the Type A-7 with a 41mm bronze case and was offered with two dial colours, each limited to just 40 pieces. The present example is the cream/champagne-toned version, numbered 34 of 40, pairing its warm dial and oversized Arabic numerals with blued hands and the evolving character of bronze. Behind the period styling sits the automatic calibre L788.2, incorporating a column-wheel chronograph controlled entirely through the single pusher integrated into the crown.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, warranty, booklets, document holder and hangtag
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Longines
Dimensions
41mm
Model
Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 x The Hour Glass Limited Edition
Movement
Automatic Longines calibre L788.2
Reference
Type A-7
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2020
Condition
Like new
Material
Bronze with titanium case back
Included
Box, warranty, booklets, document holder and hangtag
Dial Color
Cream/Champagne
THE DIAL
The cream-toned dial is rotated approximately 40 degrees clockwise, echoing the unconventional layout of the original Type A-7 aviation chronographs. Oversized Arabic numerals and blued hands provide excellent legibility, while the 30-minute chronograph register and small seconds retain the instrument-like character of the original without overwhelming the design.
THE CONSTRUCTION
At 41mm, this modern Type A-7 is considerably more wearable than the enormous 51mm watches supplied during the 1930s. The Hour Glass edition is distinguished by its bronze case, which develops an individual patina with age, paired with a titanium case back for comfort. This example is numbered 34 of only 40 produced with this dial configuration.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall like-new condition. The bronze case shows only light signs of wear or handling and has developed a natural patina, as expected. Comes with box, warranty, booklets, document holder and hangtag.
Our Perspective
The Type A-7 is one of the rare historical pilot's watches whose unusual appearance is entirely dictated by function, and the canted dial remains instantly recognisable almost a century after the original was created. The Hour Glass edition adds another layer of interest through its bronze construction, warm cream dial and tiny 40-piece production. Number 34 of 40, this is a particularly characterful interpretation of one of Longines' most unconventional historic designs.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
