Longines is paying tribute to the creator of the legendary Weems navigation system by launching an 18-carat rose gold version of the Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch. Before Lindbergh and his hour-angle watch came Captain Philip von Horn Weems, who invented the ingenious Weems navigation system. In 2007, eighty years later, the brand known by its winged hourglass logo commemorated this historic invention by creating a reproduction in steel of the famous mechanical watch with its centre rotating dial. Right from its early days, Longines has been at the side of pioneers of aviation during their greatest exploits. By associating its name with men and women who have attempted the impossible Longines has demonstrated its appreciation of the exceptional and the excellent.
Since the start of the 20th century, Longines has been successively linked with the names of famous pioneers who have left their mark on history by setting a record, achieving a near-impossible feat or showing unimaginable courage. There was Charles Lindbergh, of course, but also Louis-Amédée de Savoie, Amundsen, Mittelholzer, Chamberlain, Byrd, von Schiller, Amy Johnson, Amelia Earhart, Hughes and many others.
Human qualities were of course essential to achieving their feat, but technical fundamentals were equally vital. With full knowledge of the undertaking, Longines established a prolific collaboration with Captain Philip van Horn Weems. During the 1920s and 1930s, this officer of the US Navy dedicated himself to research on behalf not only of the navy but also of the airforce. In 1927 – the year Lindbergh flew solo from New York to Paris – he developed the Weems navigation system. Longines found the inspiration for this new reproduction model at the core of this rich heritage, reviving a system that was at the same time simple and ingenious through a model that combines elegance with performance. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the American captain’s invention, the brand launched its Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch in 2007. This year, as a tribute to Philip van Horn Weems, the brand presents a new rose gold version of this legendary model, which was originally in steel.
In collaboration with Longines, Philip van Horn Weems patented a wrist-watch to complement the bulky navigational instruments already in use. His invention enabled navigators to synchronise the watch with a radio time-signal to the precise second without having to adjust the hands but by using the external bezel or a central dial, both of which could be rotated and were graduated. The idea was taken up by Charles Lindbergh, who had in fact been a pupil of Weems, who added it to his hour-angle watch as an extra feature. This patent was registered in 1935. Ever since that time, Longines has adapted a time correction feature using rotating dials on some of its watches equipped with a central second hand.
Since, The Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch pays homage to the man and his watch with its masculine characteristics. Fitted with a selfwinding mechanical movement, it offers a power reserve of 46 hours. The round stainless steel or rose gold case, of a diameter of 47.50 mm, is fitted with an engraved back cover which can be lifted to reveal a transparent sapphire plate through which the movement’s operation can be observed. The opaline silvered center dial enables the synchronisation to the second via a radio time signal. The Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch is available with a genuine brown alligator strap with “Charleston” clasp and extension.
Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries