
Meanings behind timepieces oftentimes go beyond the history of their manufacturer. Sometimes, their essence can reach up to the skies, especially during those times when navigation through celestial bodies and charts were the only way people can find their way. Hence, when Charles Lindbergh, a legendary aviator, finished his New York-Paris Trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, it was a great move for Longines to approach the man and offer to help his pilots’ navigation. And at that time of ground-breaking milestones in air exploration and travel, the original Hour Angle was created by the label as a dependable watch for long periods of travel.
Compare Longines Lindbergh ‘Hour Angle’ Watch Prices Online
Release Date: 1931 (vintage) and 2017 (limited-edition re-release)
Price: US$5,000.00
The 1931 Hour Angle Watch that was originally made for air navigation purposes used a movement that was meant for a pocket watch, different from what the re-released replica pieces use. In 2017, the brand decided to re-make the original Hour Angle Watch in celebration of the 90th anniversary of Lindbergh’s solo transatlantic flight.
Specifications:
- Shape: Round
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimension: 47.50 mm
- Functions: Seconds, Minutes, Hours
- Case Back: Transparent with back cover
- Movement: Automatic
- Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100 feet (30 m)
- Strap: Alligator
Pros
Aside from the rich history that comes with it, the main thing about the Longines Lindbergh 47MM Automatic ‘Hour Angle’ Watch is that it is undoubtedly dashing. It has a prominent steel case with unusual but appealing bezel and dial, plus sleek looking silvery hands. As a statement piece, this watch will surely perform with flying colors—it draws attention quickly and its distinctive look evokes intrigue and awe. Different versions of the watch also offer a unique open caseback, reminiscent of the very popular pocket watch during the time it was originally created. And while the newer version doesn’t have that feature, all of the “Hour Angle” watches have the neat and nice brown strap.
Cons
The downside of having a memento design of olden times when technology was different is that the resulting watch isn’t that easy to understand. It might cause confusion for others who don’t actually know the Hour Angle features and how to properly use it. Likewise, the huge case of the design is somewhat a turn off, because aside from it being not the most comfortable thing to wear, no one actually wears watches that are larger than their wrists nowadays.
Compare With
- Ulysse Nardin GMT Perpetual 326 Watch
- Longines HydroConquest Watch
- Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111/114 Watch
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Sphérotourbillon Watch
Image credits: Swiss Sports Watch (featured image), Longines, A Blog to Watch and Watch Time (article images).