Launched before World War II, these single pusher chronographs were initially produced for aviators with the dial set at an angle so the time could be read easily while piloting. A single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed the pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero.

The Longines A-7 “Avigation” name comes from the US Army Air Corps “Type A” designations for many of their issued equipment watches and derives from the conjunction of “Aerial Navigation”.

The present specimen impresses not only with its immaculate dial, but also with the wealth of military engravings present on its case back. 8 lines of text detail the military destination of the watch and its purpose as an aviator’s timing device, the model name, the serial, order and specification numbers followed by a “Mfr’s Assy Dwg” (Mfr most likely standing for “manufacturer”, Assy and Dwg possibly for assembly drawing) and finally the manufacturer’s signature.

A truly invaluable accessory for military pilots of the time, these timepieces were extensively used, often in combat situations. It is surprising then to find an example which re-unites the military pedigree of this model (after the war a small production made for the civilian market) and a level of quality hardly ever seen in a military timepiece.