Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 This watch has caught my eye several times over the past year and I finally tried it on in an AD this week - haven't bought it though! This is the Longines Heritage 1935, and is a tribute to the an original Longines watch made for the Czech Air Force in the 1930s. Looks really nice on the wrist with the fully polished case, fluted bezel and aligator strap:- And here it is side-by-side with the original Czech Air Force watch:- (Text plagiarised from the Hodinkee website) The Heritage 1935 is faithful to the original Czech pilot's watch. Longines was one of a few brands making these on spec from the Czech Air Force, and undoubtedly the most recognized. The Heritage 1935 has the same square-cushion case shape as the original, with only a slight size increase to 42mm from the original 41mm. The bezel is the same fluted bezel seen on the original piece, though it does not have the triangular marker and is fixed instead of rotating. The case is polished on all surfaces and the edges are sharp and crisp. The dial is bold with a deep black background and large luminous Arabic numerals. Outside the numerals sits a railroad minutes track and there is also the same sub-seconds register found on the original at 6 o'clock. There is however the addition of a date window in place of the "6" – which is small enough that it doesn't disrupt the legibility of the dial. Large cathedral-style hands are filled with lots of Superluminova, so reading the Heritage 1935 at night will be easy. Powering the Heritage 1935 is an ETA 2895 movement. This is a basic automatic caliber with a 42 hour power reserve and a good choice for a watch like this. It's worth noting that the original Czech watches were manually-wound. The caseback is brushed and marked with the model name and each piece's individual number. Some additional pics:- Hope you enjoyed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bidle 0 Posted March 9, 2016 Yes, a very nice watch. After the comparison review of SJX I tried to find a vintage one, but didn't pulled the trigger in the end. I think the new model is also vey nice, but is just not so nice in balance. Still enjoyed to see those pictures again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monty010 1 Posted March 9, 2016 Great story and pictures as usual. I really like the new editions longines has brought out over the last few years. I have a legend diver myself. These watches are really beautifully made and don't really break the bank. I'd say next time buy it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaiser 4 Posted March 9, 2016 I like it a lot, would've liked it a bit better without datefunction or possibly a white on black datewheel however Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheTinMan 13 Posted March 9, 2016 I too tried it on at an AD not too long ago. Didn't chance a wrist shot of it though. I also tried on an Omega Seamaster Bullhead - Nice watch, but not very comfortable on the wrist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bearlowry 0 Posted March 9, 2016 Beautiful watch & great pics & review...I've been a Longines for a long time - love the Evidenza (albeit from a distance due to that Italian disease: mifunzalow...). One of the older brands (claimed 1832), although they're Swatch owned since 1983. Sheesh, thanks for putting another watch on my list... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 I have a legend diver myself. This is also on my hit list, and I tried that on too..... Lovely watch too - I was torn between the two! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NFleischer 4,355 Posted March 9, 2016 Very nice looking piece- I love that cushion style case like Radiomir but with real lugs. Also looked at the HLD even the new ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Robin195959 2 Posted March 9, 2016 Stunning retro watch.. Love it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,429 Posted March 9, 2016 fantastic looking watch really like the original are we talking major poundage here? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 are we talking major poundage here? It's all relative! RRP is £1,310. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,429 Posted March 9, 2016 goldsmiths have got it on sale for £980 absolute bargain http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Longines-Heritage-Mens-Watch/p/17350556/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 goldsmiths have got it on sale for £980 absolute bargainhttp://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Longines-Heritage-Mens-Watch/p/17350556/ Yes, I noticed that.....25% off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edwinowl 180 Posted March 9, 2016 Not seen that watch before Del, it's very nice. Assume the originals are rare and pricey ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theJLC 0 Posted March 9, 2016 This christmas I bought the gen to my dad, lovely piece. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 Assume the originals are rare and pricey ? I'm not a vintage guy so haven't actually looked but I would imagine they'd be rare. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flipper81 0 Posted March 9, 2016 Have to say I am really liking some of the longines range at the moment Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted March 9, 2016 Longines current range is fantastic, I'm extremely tempted by their monopusher chronograph, my only complaint is I'd rather see manually wound movements in these vintage style watches, especially the chronos, but I suspect they would be considerably more expensive if they did!! Well done Longines and congrats on a great watch, wear it in good health, Sir! DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,528 Posted March 9, 2016 Well done Longines and congrats on a great watch, wear it in good health, Sir! I didn't actually buy it, I only tried it on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted March 9, 2016 Well done Longines and congrats on a great watch, wear it in good health, Sir! I didn't actually buy it, I only tried it on! Oh, well that's nowhere near as fun!! DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FL13 511 Posted March 11, 2016 Buy it. It's classy, even to these Yank Eyes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KarmaToBurn 1,419 Posted March 11, 2016 I like this one a lot. The rep version looks pretty close to me too... http://www.intime.co/longines/2573-heritage-1935-ss-black-dial-on-black-or-brown-leather-strap-a23j.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HeavyKrush 16 Posted March 11, 2016 Man, that is a beauty Del. Thanks for sharing. Definitely on my hit list and looking forward to trying it on at an AD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
