Being a cousin of the gorgeous fake Longines Avigation Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph 180th Anniversary model that was revealed last March, the new Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 automatic watch speaks the same design language, but is significantly, impressively larger looking like those pocket watch-based pilot’s watches of the pre-WWII era.
The other difference is, of course, the dial, which is angled around 60° to the right and the setting crown with a built-in chronograph push-piece, which is moved about the same 50° to the left now standing at the timekeeper’s ‘real’ 12 o’clock position.
If you compare the two models, you will immediately see that the Longines Avigation Type A-7 gains weight quite gracefully (it now measures whole 49 millimeters in diameter!) without looking stupid. The extra available space on the dial is filled with an easily-readable tachymetric scale and the whole layout is nicely balanced with a slightly thicker bezel.
As a result, the watch becomes more readable and the dramatically oversized, onion-shaped crown won’t bite you in the back of your hand. The crown’s position makes it easier to use the single push-piece that is used to start, stop and reset the integrated column-wheel chronograph unit although I don’t think that setting time and date would be as comfortable task without getting the timepiece off your wrist.
Just like the aforementioned 180th Anniversary model, the new timepiece is powered by the Longines Caliber L788.2 automatic movement. Being a fine-tuned version of the ETA A08.261 ebauche, this column-wheel chronograph unit beats at a standard pace of 28,800 vph and sports a power reserve of 54 hours: around 10 hours more than an average ETA Valjoux 7750 will offer.
Like many recent “historic” models from steel Longines copy watch, the new Avigation Watch Type A-7 comes equipped with Breguet-style hands and italicized Arabic numerals that look very contrast on the matte-black background of the dial.
Very impressive watch, that. I just wonder how much Longines will charge for this beast.*
See also: Baume & Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph Black Dial
Although I can’t really call it “affordable”, I must admit that the MSRP looks fine if you consider the timekeeper’s unique styling and factor in the new self-winding high-grade caliber that not only has a good reputation when it comes to reliability, but is also quite accurate for a mechanical movement.
Photos: Longines
Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 automatic watch specification
Price: €4100 (MSRP, ref. L2.779.4.53.0)
Movement: Automatic, Longines caliber L788 (base ETA A08.261), monopusher column-wheel chronograph, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 27
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 54 hours
Movement decoration: No data
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Matches case
Crown material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 49.00 mm
Case height: No data
Lug width: No data
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: White
Hands: Steel, silvered
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black alligator leather strap with contrast stitching, on a steel buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective on the inside
Case back: Transparent
UPDATE ON PRICE: The best quality fake Longines Avigation A-7 watch ref. L2.779.4.53.0 will be available at a list price of €4100.