Longines Ref. 5150 Pilot
Produced during the Second World War, this Longines ref. 5150 reflects a period when form was dictated entirely by function. A large crown, bold Arabic numerals, and an inner 24-hour military scale were designed for immediate legibility under demanding operating conditions.
The manually wound Longines caliber 12L features hacking center secondsโa notable technical achievement for a movement conceived in 1938. Unrestored and unembellished, this watch is a utilitarian object shaped by necessity. Its surface is marred by many years of heavy use, expressive and deeply authentic.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Model / Reference |
Longines 5150 |
| Age |
1942 |
| Movement |
Caliber 12L |
| Case Size |
32mm |
| Case Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Dial / Hands |
Off-white matte, 12-hour Arabic numerals, 24-hour Arabic numerals, Radium Lume |
| Strap / Bracelet |
Black Leather (aftermarket) |
Case is in great condition with sharp edges intact and minor signs of wear. Hands are original sans radium lume. Dial is matte off-white and un-restored with strong patina throughout. Hour indices are radium lumed and untouched.
Watch is keeping excellent time +/- approximately 10s per day. Watch is winding and setting smoothly. Movement bridges are tarnished and showing signs of age, screw-heads are polished and un-marred. Service history is unknown.
Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines stands among the oldest watchmakers still operating under its original name. The winged hourglass logoโregistered in 1889โholds the distinction of being the oldest active trademark in the world. From the beginning, Longines distinguished itself through industrial foresight, becoming a pioneer of in-house movement production during a period when much of Swiss watchmaking remained decentralized.
Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, Longines built a global reputation anchored in aviation, exploration, and precision timekeeping. The brand played a central role in international chronometry competitions, world fairs, and the early Olympic Games, while advancing navigation through its pilot watchesโmost notably in collaboration with famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Trusted by explorers, aviators, and institutions alike, Longines watches continue to be defined by legibility, robustness, and purpose-driven engineering.
