Following the original Pilot Majetek in stainless steel, Longines has unveiled the Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition with a titanium case and a grey-tone livery.

Modelled on the original majetek aviator’s watch supplied to the Czechoslovakian air force in the 1930s, the limited edition is identical to the stainless steel variation in terms of design, dimensions, and movement, but is lightweight thanks to the case metal but also unexpectedly pricey.

The Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition in grade 5 titanium

Initial thoughts

The Pioneer Edition is Longines’ third re-issue of the original. Longines didn’t quite get it right with the first remake, the Heritage 1935. It lacked the rotating bezel with a triangular marker that was one of the defining features of the original, and also had an awkwardly positioned date window at six and “automatic” on the dial. Last year’s Pilot Majetek in steel was not really a remake since it has a distinctly different case design, but still gained several refinements over the Heritage 1935.

However, the Pioneer Edition is not really a tangible improvement over the steel model. Thought the titanium case does bring with it lightness as well as a muted grey finish that goes well with the design, it comes at a big price increase of almost 40% over the steel version. Such a large premium for a titanium case doesn’t make much sense today given the difference in cost of a case in either material is negligible for a big brand.

The Arabic indices, as well as the baton hands and bezel marker, are filled with grey Super-LumiNova that glows blue

Priced at US$5,000, the Pioneer Edition is a challenging value proposition. Although it has all the ingredients that make Longines’ offerings good value in its segment, including a top-of-the-line ETA calibre, the price tag puts this far beyond Longines’ conventional price category.

Cushion case and knurled bezel

The Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition has a cushion case and rotating bezel with a triangular marker underneath the crystal, the key design elements of the original made for the Czech air force in the lead-up to the second world war. The watch gets its nickname from the engraving found on the back of the military-issue originals: “Majetek Vojenské Správy”, which translates as “Property of the Military”.

Made of grade 5 titanium, the case is 43 mm wide and 13.3 mm thick. On the left side of the case is a plaque engraved with “1935” in a nod to the year the vintage original was launched.

Featuring a black grained dial.

The modern-day Majetek takes after the original, but is not a remake per se, as the case has been restyled to be more angular with more sculpted lines as well as crown guards. Another difference is the case construction: the bezel of the Majetek is mounted on the case rather than the crystal, meaning the sapphire crystal is fixed while the bezel rotates (on the original the bezel rotated the crystal as well). This construction ensures the watch has a solid 100 m of water resistance.

While the steel model has faux-vintage lume, the Pioneer Edition is in a modern, monochromatic combination of grey and black. The black grained dial features Arabic numerals and hands in grey Super-LumiNova.

The engraved case back is secured by four screws and underneath is the L893.6, an automatic movement developed exclusively for Longines by ETA. Derived from the ETA 2892 but substantially upgraded, the L893.6 is COSC-certified and features a silicon hairspring as well as 72 hours of power reserve.

The case back is engraved with the features of the watch

Key facts and price

Longines Pilot Majetek Pioneer Edition
Ref. L2.838.1.53.2

Diameter: 43 mm
Height: 13.3 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. L893.6
Functions: Hours, minutes, and small seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 beats per second
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Black fabric with grade 5 titanium pin buckle

Limited edition: 1,935 pieces
Availability: Available at Longines boutiques and retailers starting July 2024
Price: US$5,000

For more, visit longines.com