Introduction
Named after the Weems system of navigation that allowed the user to determine their geographical longitude, the watch that we have offered here is one of Longines’ most unique horological contributions to aviation, the Weems Aviator’s Watch. Created in the mid 1930s as per the US Patent number on its dial, the Weems Aviator’s Watch was created to aid pilots in determining elapsed time, with its lockable rotating bezel. Made in a selection of metals, the Weems features a dual crown system, with one functioning as a normal winding and setting crown and the other, at 2 o’clock, being used to lock and unlock the bezel. Made with the 1930s and 1940’s sizing standards in mind, the Weems measures 28mm in diameter, but thanks to its bezel, two crowns and long lugs it wears slightly larger. Boasting an aged dial that has taken on a champagne sort of color thanks to how it has darkened, this example was military-issued, as evidenced by its luminous Arabic numerals and hands, both of which were swapped with applied Breguet numerals and feuille hands on the later civilian-issued examples.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 7.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$500 – $1,500
The Details
Brand
Longines
Dimensions
28mm
Model
Weems Aviator
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 10L
Reference
ML24.42
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa early 1940s
Condition
Good
Material
14kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Boasting relatively large Arabic numerals, the Weems Aviator watch prioritized legibility above all else, with its thick blued steel luminous hands adding to that equation.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Speaking to the size standards of the time, the Longines Weems' 28mm diameter 14kt yellow gold case benefits from long lugs, a rotating bezel and a dual crown system (one to lock the bezel) that beef up the profile of its case on the wrist and wear a little larger than its dimensions suggest.
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. Please note timekeeping is very poor and a service is needed.
Condition
Watch is in good overall condition. 14kt YG case is in good condition, with heavy surface wear visible on the case. Dial is an early refinish and is heavily crazed and worn. Hands are relumed. Please note timekeeping is very poor and a service is needed.
Our Perspective
A celebration of Longines' early contribution to aviation, the Longines Weems Aviator Watch made pilot's lives easier at a time when they needed every little bit of help they could get.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
