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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Aviator's wristwatch

Longines 'Weems Navigation' Special Edition for Swiss Air

Partially verified

This Longines 'Weems Navigation' wristwatch, numbered 766, is a special edition timepiece produced for Swiss Air in the 1980s and sold in 1989. The watch features a stainless steel, three-body construction measuring 38 mm in diameter and 11 mm in thickness, characterized by polished surfaces, concave lugs, a rounded bezel, a ball-shaped winding crown, and a transparent case back with sapphire crystals. The white enamel dial is printed with black Arabic numerals and includes a revolving matte silver central disc that facilitates a second time-zone display. Time is read via blued steel 'feuille' hands. It is powered by the rhodium-plated caliber L628.1 automatic movement, which contains 21 jewels and incorporates a lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock protection, a self-compensating flat balance spring, and a hack mechanism. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by the manufacturer. The watch is presented with its original fitted box, setting instructions, and certificate.

Close-up view of the white enamel dial showing Arabic numerals, central revolving time-zone disc, and blued steel hands.
Close-up view of the white enamel dial showing Arabic numerals, central revolving time-zone disc, and blued steel hands. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Aviator's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
6285241
Catalogue / lot identifier
96
Source-reported date
1980s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
766

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Architecture

The case of this watch is constructed from stainless steel and features a three-body design with a polished finish. Notable physical characteristics include the inclusion of concave lugs and a rounded bezel, paired with a distinctive ball-shaped winding crown. The watch utilizes a transparent case back, allowing a view of the internal mechanism, and is fitted with sapphire crystals on both sides.

The dial is executed in white enamel, featuring painted Arabic numerals for hour markers. A key technical feature is the revolving matte silver dial located in the center, which allows the wearer to track a second time zone. The time is indicated by blued steel 'feuille' hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, polished, concave lugs, rounded bezel, ball-shaped windingcrown, transparent case back, sapphire crystals.”
  • “D. White enamel with painted Arabic numerals, revolving matte silver dial with the second time zone in the center. Blued steel ?feuille? hands.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by the rhodium-plated caliber L628.1 automatic movement. This caliber incorporates 21 jewels and operates with a lever escapement. Additional features designed for chronometric function and accuracy include a monometallic balance and a self-compensating flat balance spring. The movement is protected against impact by a shock absorber system.

Functionally, the movement includes a hack mechanism, which halts the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out, allowing for precise synchronization of the time. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. L628.1, rhodium-plated, 21 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, hack mechanism.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Provenance and Documentation

This timepiece was manufactured in the 1980s as a special edition exclusively for Swiss Air. The auction records confirm it was sold in 1989. The watch is accompanied by its original fitted box, setting instructions, and certificate.

The condition of the watch is reported by the auction house using a grading system where the overall grade is A, with the case, dial, and movement receiving high ratings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made in Special Edition for Swiss Air Exclusive in the 1980s. Sold in 1989.”
  • “Accompanied by a fitted box, setting instructions and certificate.”
  • “Grading System Grade: A Good Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2 Very good Dial: 2-01 Very good”

Open research questions

  • What specific historical aviation purpose did the 'Weems Navigation' dial layout serve within the Swiss Air operational context?
  • How does the L628.1 caliber compare to standard Longines automatic movements of the 1980s in terms of its specific modifications for this navigation watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines 'Weems Navigation' Special Edition for Swiss Air
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“Longines, 'Weems Navigation'”
Case materialStainless steel“stainless steel aviator's wristwatch”
Movement caliberL628.1“M. L628.1”
Dial descriptionWhite enamel with painted Arabic numerals and revolving matte silver center“D. White enamel with painted Arabic numerals, revolving matte silver dial with the second time zone in the center.”
Diameter38 mm“Diam. 38 mm.”
Movement featuresAutomatic with hack mechanism“self-compensating flat balance spring, hack mechanism.”
ProvenanceSpecial edition for Swiss Air“Made in Special Edition for Swiss Air Exclusive in the 1980s.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with painted Arabic numerals
  • Revolving matte silver center for second time zone
  • Ball-shaped winding crown
  • Concave lugs

Research qualifications

  • The movement's precise mechanical state is not described beyond the provided grading
  • The documentation authenticity relies entirely on the auction house report

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Longines, 'Weems Navigation', No. 766, Ref. 6285241. Made in Special Edition for Swiss Air Exclusive in the 1980s. Sold in 1989. Fine and unusual, hour angle, centerseconds, two-time zone, stainless steel aviator's wristwatch. Accompanied by a fitted box, setting instructions and certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ec75f43a02

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.