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What makes the BigEye stand out?
The BigEye’s defining feature is the oversized 30-minute chronograph counter at three o’clock. Its scale is marked at three-minute intervals, rather than the five-minute intervals a wearer might expect. That prominent register gives the dial its asymmetrical look and the watch its name.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Avigation Bigeye 41MM Automatic Watch | $3,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The LONGINES AVIGATION Bigeye 41MM Automatic Watch | $4,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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LONGINES Spirit Chronograph 42MM Automatic Watch | $3,700.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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LONGINES Spirit 42MM Automatic Watch | $3,450.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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LONGINES Legend Diver Automatic Watch | $3,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
In a 2017 hands-on review, Hodinkee described the dial as very legible, pointing to its large luminous Arabic numerals and hands. That is a reviewer’s visual assessment, not a laboratory finding, but it captures the BigEye’s appeal: a functional chronograph layout with a more memorable face than a conventional balanced dial.
What do the current steel and titanium models offer?
Longines lists the BigEye in stainless steel and titanium. The manufacturer’s current specifications give both versions a 41 mm case and a maximum 66-hour power reserve. The reserve is a manufacturer figure, not an independently tested result.
#1 Best Overall
- Automatic L688 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock and date. Screw-down case back
- Brown Leather strap with buckle
| Model | Published details |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel, black dial L2.816.4.53.2 |
Automatic chronograph; 41 mm; maximum 66-hour power reserve; 3 bar water resistance; scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with several layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside; luminous black dial; leather strap and buckle. Longines product page |
| Titanium, petroleum dial L2.816.1.93.2 |
Automatic chronograph; 41 mm; maximum 66-hour power reserve; 3 bar water resistance; scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the underside; luminous petroleum dial; leather strap and buckle. Longines product page |
Longines’ US Avigation collection page listed the steel model at $3,400 and the titanium model at $4,400 when the page was checked; those are US-market snapshots, not guaranteed current prices. Prices and availability vary by region and can change, so check the local listing for the reference you want. Longines US Avigation collection
How does it wear?
The 41 mm diameter is only part of the fit picture. Hodinkee reported a 50 mm lug-to-lug span and 14.45 mm thickness including the domed sapphire crystal. Those reviewer-reported measurements suggest a noticeable presence on the wrist; the thickness and projecting chronograph pushers may be less comfortable for someone who prefers slim watches or has a smaller wrist.
Rank #2
- Automatic L688 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock. Screw-down case back
- Brown Leather strap with buckle
- 5 Year International Warranty
The BigEye’s 3 bar water resistance is the manufacturer’s stated specification. It should not be treated as a swimming or dive-watch rating; the cited product listings do not provide a use-specific water-resistance guarantee.
How secure is its vintage story?
Longines frames its aviation collection as part of a long company history, saying, “For almost a century, Longines has been closely associated with the world of aviation.” That is the brand’s own heritage language. Longines Avigation collection
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- Automatic L688 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock and date
- Blue Leather strap with buckle
- 5 Year International Warranty
The exact history of the watch behind the BigEye design is less certain. Hodinkee’s 2017 account says a collector brought a vintage watch to Longines’ museum, but the company could not provide its official production year or further details. The inspiration can reasonably be described as vintage and aviation-related; a precise production year is not established by that account. Hodinkee, “Hands-On: The Longines Avigation BigEye”
How does it compare with Longines’ other pilot-style watches?
Longines places the BigEye in its Avigation collection alongside the Pilot Majetek, Weems Second-Setting Watch and Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch. They offer different styles and timekeeping functions, so “nicest” is better judged by the kind of watch you want than by a single ranking.
Rank #4
- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Beige Leather strap with double security folding clasp with micro adjustment system
- 5 Year International Warranty
- Choose the BigEye if you want a vintage-inspired chronograph, an unusually prominent minute counter and a high-contrast dial.
- Compare the alternatives by purpose and fit. Consider each watch’s complication, dial layout, dimensions, case shape and materials. The collection listing alone does not establish a like-for-like specification or price comparison.
- Check local listings before deciding. Regional pricing and availability can change, and the collection page is not a guarantee that a particular reference is in stock.
So, is it one of Longines’ nicest pilot’s watches?
For design character and a distinctive, legible chronograph dial, yes: the BigEye is a persuasive candidate. It is not an objective winner, and it will suit some buyers better than others. Its standout counter and aviation-inspired styling come with a fairly large, thick case, modest stated water resistance and an origin story whose exact date is unresolved.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Automatic L888 Movement, Hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Screw-down case back
- Brown Leather strap with buckle
- 5 Year International Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
