Two new siblings
I guess it’s safe to say I’m in a bit of a mid-century pilot phase.
I love the aesthetics. I got the big eye first believing that I’d be satisfied (hahaha).
Then I saw the AVI 1953 at 55% off retail pre-owned, mint condition and couldn’t say no. It just arrived today. Considering it’s a limited edition, I can’t imagine losing a penny if I chose to sell it. I also don’t understand why it’s trading at the price it’s at. Maybe it didn’t sell well?
But what I’d really like is to add some nicks and scratches to it and make it my own, over time. Really add to the vintage, worn, look and give it its own story.
I’m a sucker for faux lume, so if I had to sell one it would be the Longines, even though the Longines is arguably cooler and seems to predate the Breitling (although my understanding is that nobody can actually date the original reference that it was based on. I’ve heard anywhere from 1930s-1950s.).
Which is your favorite?
Writer, sometimes filmmaker. LA and NY. Love old stuff and mechanical things. History matters.
PS: I need help. I wonder if I can call my credit card company and block all watch related purchases? 🤔
Love the Breitling! I wonder what it would look like with the Longines brown strap though
PS: I need help. I wonder if I can call my credit card company and block all watch related purchases? 🤔
Same😂 🤣
I prefer the longines. The aesthetic of thr watch is really beautiful. A unique timepiece and THE BIG EYE gives the watch sth special. I'm considering the big eye since some time but have not pulled the trigger yet
PS: I need help. I wonder if I can call my credit card company and block all watch related purchases? 🤔
No!!!! Don't do that!!!!
Love chronographs...love them both....especially the Breitling....
Look up hanhart. I'm also on this phase for a very long time, but 417 es 1954 flyback chronograph the 39 mm one is king here.
If its a pilot chronograph that you glhave to have a flyback
The big eye is a personal favourite. Both are great looking watches though.
I prefer the longines. The aesthetic of thr watch is really beautiful. A unique timepiece and THE BIG EYE gives the watch sth special. I'm considering the big eye since some time but have not pulled the trigger yet
I found it for 2k brand new… amazing value
Love the Breitling! I wonder what it would look like with the Longines brown strap though
Different sizes so I can’t test it. I am gonna be looking for a two piece green canvas option in a military style. What I like about the OEM strap is that the yellow underside nicely matched the numerals
I found it for 2k brand new… amazing value
Then I wouldn't say no hahah
BOTH are perfection
I love the Breitling. The Big Eye always looks incomplete to me because Longines made it without a bezel.
I get why Longines did that- the watch sent in for service that inspired this redesign was missing its bezel- but that watch was originally made with a bezel and so every time I see a Big Eye, I just wonder where its missing bezel is.
That's also one of the reasons I like the Breitling- the 12 hr bezel adds such a nice capability to the watch that elevates it to the next level. I coordinate with people in different time zones all the time and while, yes, we can all do the add 3/subtract 3 math... the little assist of not having to do that over the course of a day makes live so much better.
I also love Breitling's use of negative space. It still provides all the functionality, beauty, and yet gives you more of a sense of calm.
Thanks for sharing.
The Breitling.
No the Longines.
No the Breitling..... 🤷
I’m a sucker for pilots watches. Hard to say which is better. I’m not a huge fan of the odd bezel on the AVI, but I love Breitling’s syringe handsets.
Tough choice. Might depend on thickness. The BigEye is a thick one!
They look really really great next to each other. I feel I’d have quite a hard time picking between the two so cheers to you for both!
I’m a sucker for pilots watches. Hard to say which is better. I’m not a huge fan of the odd bezel on the AVI, but I love Breitling’s syringe handsets.
Tough choice. Might depend on thickness. The BigEye is a thick one!
I think it’s under 15. Personally, I don’t have an issue until watches get thicker than that. When you’ve got a 7750 there’s not much you can do for thickness. That’s why every watch with it is more or less the same height.
I love the Breitling. The Big Eye always looks incomplete to me because Longines made it without a bezel.
I get why Longines did that- the watch sent in for service that inspired this redesign was missing its bezel- but that watch was originally made with a bezel and so every time I see a Big Eye, I just wonder where its missing bezel is.
That's also one of the reasons I like the Breitling- the 12 hr bezel adds such a nice capability to the watch that elevates it to the next level. I coordinate with people in different time zones all the time and while, yes, we can all do the add 3/subtract 3 math... the little assist of not having to do that over the course of a day makes live so much better.
I also love Breitling's use of negative space. It still provides all the functionality, beauty, and yet gives you more of a sense of calm.
Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t know that about the original big eye. You sure it was without the bezel and that wasn’t the original design?
Gorgeous pair
I didn’t know that about the original big eye. You sure it was without the bezel and that wasn’t the original design?
Technically, Longines couldn't find it in their archives, so the official answer is no one knows what was supposed to be there— but I think that's the reason for the stepped design.
I'm looking for the source where I first heard it and will share it when I find it.
In the meantime, I happened to come across this, which I think you'll enjoy (if you haven't already seen it).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBQ7OvP_5jM
I didn’t know that about the original big eye. You sure it was without the bezel and that wasn’t the original design?
Ah, found it:
(at the 6:41 mark)
https://youtu.be/K1dN8GysIKE?si=CzckX2QPzmofj7AE&t=6m41s
I really like the big eye, I have been considering to put it on the wishlist, then found the Longines Pioneer and now am in the middle of both.
Oh wow! Not one, but two 50's chronograph !
Lucky you, those are really nice pieces
Nice pickups! Enjoy!
Beautiful watches. But I think the Longines big eye edges it by just abit for me. Just something different and interesting.
+1 on the Longines big eye for me, but I’m biased because I own it and it was a gift from my wife.