IN-DEPTH: The Lineage of the Longines Czech Aviator Chronometre

The so-called "Tartarugone" is a chronometer wristwatch that was produced by Longines for Czech aviators before, during, and after the Second World War. The Tartarugone features a unique case shape and has greatly evolved over time—utilizing three different movements. The second series, which was made in a very limited quantity, is seldom seen in good condition. While the other variations are not as rare, they are a financially-accessible alternative to the higher-priced Longines pilot's watches of the early 20th Century. Let's take an in-depth look at the history of this fascinating wristwatch.

Translated And Edited By Luke Rottman.

FOUND: The Longines Heritage 1935 (The Original)

At Baselworld this year, Longines unveiled an array of watches modeled after those significant to the brand’s past. Among this collection was a superlative pilot’s wristwatch with old-world vogue, but a modern mechanism. Longines named this wristwatch The Longines Heritage 1935. They got everything right with this one, down to the smallest barrel and wheel. The Heritage 1935 may be cool, and I’m not saying it isn’t, but what’s cooler is the original Heritage 1935, before it was referred to by the “Heritage 1935” name.

HANDS-ON [WITH LIVE PICS]: Introducing The Pilot D’Aeronef Type 20 GMT 1903 by Zenith @Timecrafters2014

Timecrafters was so action-packed (and, yes a watch show can be action-packed, for those who don’t know) that I nearly forgot half of the watches that I saw at the show. But through all of this watch-mania, some very special watches found their way into a part of my mind where I would never be able to forget them. This was one of those watches.