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The Longines Avigation BigEye L2.816.4.53.2 pairs a black dial and stainless-steel, 41 mm case with an automatic chronograph rated for up to 66 hours of power reserve. Its aviation-inspired design is the draw; its 3-bar water-resistance rating is a practical limitation. Longines’ listed US price was $3,400, but regional prices and current listings can change.
What is the Longines Avigation BigEye L2.816.4.53.2?
This is the black-dial stainless-steel version of the Avigation BigEye Chronograph. Longines describes the Avigation family as drawing on its aviation history and says the BigEye evokes early-20th-century pilots’ watches; that is the brand’s design framing, not independent proof of a particular historical lineage. The large, distinct 30-minute counter is a prominent part of the BigEye look.
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| 1 |
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Avigation Bigeye 41MM Automatic Watch | $3,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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The LONGINES AVIGATION Bigeye 41MM Automatic Watch | $4,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit Chronograph 42MM Automatic Watch | $3,700.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit 42MM Automatic Watch | $3,450.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Legend Diver Automatic Watch | $3,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Do not confuse this reference with the titanium model, which has a petrol-blue dial. Longines’ 2021 media-center release described that separate version as a reissue of a chronograph with a 1930s design. Its history, material, color and warranty details should not be assumed to apply to the steel-and-black L2.816.4.53.2.
Specifications and features
| Specification | Longines Avigation BigEye L2.816.4.53.2 |
|---|---|
| Case material and diameter | Stainless steel; 41 mm |
| Dial | Black, with Swiss Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Self-winding mechanical chronograph |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour |
| Power reserve | Up to 66 hours |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire with several layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside |
| Water resistance | 3 bar |
| Strap | Leather strap with buckle; strap width not stated in the Longines listing |
These are the specifications Longines lists for the steel, black-dial reference. The 66-hour figure is an “up to” power-reserve claim, not a promise of an identical run time in every use condition.
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- Automatic L688 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock and date. Screw-down case back
- Brown Leather strap with buckle
Is the 41 mm BigEye too large?
Diameter alone cannot answer that for every wrist. At 41 mm, this is a substantial chronograph rather than a compact vintage-style watch. Case shape, lug reach, wrist size and personal preference all affect how it wears. WatchTime’s review described its tested steel case as nearly 41 mm and noted that the lugs and supple leather strap contributed to wearing comfort. That is one reviewer’s experience, not a fit guarantee for every wearer.
If possible, try the watch on before buying, paying attention to whether the lugs extend beyond your wrist and whether the case feels balanced during ordinary movement. The supplied specifications do not state lug-to-lug length or thickness, so diameter should not be treated as a complete fit measurement.
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
What the movement and power reserve mean
Longines identifies the movement as a self-winding mechanical chronograph running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with up to 66 hours of reserve. In practical terms, the reserve indicates how long a fully wound watch may continue running off the wrist before stopping, subject to use and winding conditions. If left unworn longer than its reserve, it will need to be wound and reset before wearing.
WatchTime reported that its reviewed sample gained between four and five seconds per day. This is a single review observation, not a manufacturer accuracy specification, tolerance, or prediction of how another example will perform.
Rank #3
- Automatic L688 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o'clock and date
- Blue Leather strap with buckle
- 5 Year International Warranty
Is the Longines Avigation BigEye water resistant?
Longines lists the watch at 3 bar. That is a modest water-resistance rating; it should not be treated as evidence that this chronograph is suitable for swimming, diving, or other water activities. Follow the manual and the current guidance Longines provides for this exact reference, and do not infer a broader use rating from the presence of a sapphire crystal or a leather strap.
Price and the related titanium version
Longines’ US listing displayed $3,400 for the black-dial stainless-steel reference. The Swiss listing separately displayed CHF 2,800, illustrating that listed prices vary by market. These are displayed listing prices, not a guarantee of today’s price, availability, tax treatment, or dealer offer; check the official listing for the region where you plan to buy.
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
| Version | Verified distinction | Price and warranty context |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel, black dial — L2.816.4.53.2 | 41 mm case; steel construction and black dial | Longines US listing displayed $3,400; Swiss listing displayed CHF 2,800. Confirm current regional listing. |
| Titanium, petrol-blue dial | Separate variant from the reviewed reference | Longines US result displayed $4,400. Longines’ 2021 media-center release stated a five-year warranty for that titanium variant; verify current terms before relying on it. |
Buying and ownership considerations
- Check the reference: Confirm that the listing identifies L2.816.4.53.2 if you want the stainless-steel, black-dial watch rather than the titanium petrol-blue variant.
- Verify seller and warranty: Longines warranty material says a valid certificate must be dated and fully completed by an official Longines dealer. Retain purchase and dealer documentation, and consult the warranty applicable to your market and purchase date.
- Understand exclusions: Longines warranty material identifies damage resulting from improper use and failure to follow the manual among relevant exclusions. Read the applicable warranty terms rather than assuming every type of damage is covered.
- Measure before ordering another strap: The product listing confirms a leather strap but does not establish replacement dimensions. Check lug width, buckle fit and other relevant measurements before buying an aftermarket strap.
Review verdict
The L2.816.4.53.2 is a distinctive, 41 mm aviation-style chronograph with a useful stated 66-hour maximum reserve and a black luminous dial. Its appeal depends on wanting the prominent vintage-inspired design and accepting the steel case’s substantial presence. The 3-bar rating is a meaningful constraint for anyone seeking a watch for regular water exposure. The specifications above are based on Longines’ listings; the fit and rate observations are bounded to WatchTime’s review of its sample, not hands-on testing of this example.
Sources: Longines US product listing; Longines Switzerland product listing; Longines US listing for the steel reference; Longines US listing for the titanium petrol-blue variant; Longines 2021 media-center release; Longines warranty information; WatchTime review; Monochrome Watches review.
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.
