# Longines Avigation BigEye Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Longines Avigation BigEye is a vintage-inspired pilot's chronograph that captures the essence of 1940s aviation heritage with its 41mm stainless steel case, black dial featuring bold Arabic numerals, a distinctive oversized "BigEye" 30-minute subdial at 3 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock, and a bi-directional rotating bezel with slide-rule scale, powered by the automatic Caliber L688 column-wheel chronograph movement with 66 hours of power reserve; it targets aviation enthusiasts, collectors, and versatile daily wearers seeking affordable Swiss luxury with historical authenticity and modern reliability.

## Overall Watch Rating: 8.5/10.0

**Movement Metric (9.5/10.0)** - The in-house modified L688 column-wheel automatic chronograph offers superb build quality, accuracy, and 66-hour reserve that punches above typical ETA derivatives in Tudor Black Bay Chronos.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.4/10.0)** - The asymmetric BigEye layout, luminous indices, and aged brass details deliver captivating vintage pilot charisma comparable to top Zenith or IWC El Primero pilots.
**Material Metric (9.2/10.0)** - Robust stainless steel case with sapphire front and back crystals plus meticulous brushing and polishing matches the durability of Sinn instrument watches.
**Complications Metric (9.0/10.0)** - The precise column-wheel chronograph with distinct subdials provides engaging utility on par with mid-range Breitling chronos.
**Versatility Metric (8.7/10.0)** - Its sporty pilot proportions and leather strap adapt effortlessly from office to adventure, akin to versatile Omega Speedmasters.
**History & Innovation Metric (8.5/10.0)** - Rooted in Longines' WWII aviation legacy with a modern column-wheel upgrade, it echoes the impact of original 1940s BigEye pieces.
**Brand Metric (8.2/10.0)** - Longines' nearly 200-year Swiss prestige and consistent quality align it with reliable entry-luxury peers like Oris and Tudor.
**Functions Metric (8.0/10.0)** - Core timekeeping, date, and chronograph functions suffice for pilot duties like those in classic Seiko "Monster" divers.
**Rarity Metric (6.2/10.0)** - Widely available production keeps it accessible but less exclusive than limited-run Bremonts.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.8

## WM Collector Grade: C+

## Performance Insights: Strengths in movement, complications, dials, and materials shine for enthusiasts, while rarity lags; delivers average value at $3,950 retail versus an implied $3,500.
## TPS Interpretation: Average Value: The watch matches expected performance for its price with strong design heritage but limited exclusivity.

## Watch Data
[https://www.longines.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_gallery/public/2022-08/L2.816.4.93.2_F.jpg] - [Front view]; [https://www.longines.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_gallery/public/2022-08/L2.816.4.93.2_B.jpg] - [Sapphire caseback]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/media-library/the-longines-avigation-bigeye-lume.jpg] - [Lume application]; [BigEye] - [Longines]; [Avigation BigEye] - [Switzerland]; [https://www.longines.com/en-us/watches/aviation/aviation-bigeye-l28164932] - [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/longines-avigation-bigeye-the-watch-that-made-the-term-big-eye-famous]; [Mechanical (Automatic)] - [Caliber L688]; [N/A] - [Vintage-inspired pilot chronograph with column-wheel chronograph recreating 1940s BigEye design]; [41] - [50.4]; [13.7] - [20]; [30] - [66]; [28800] - [Super-LumiNova]; [27] - [Stainless steel]; [Scratch-resistant sapphire]; [Bi-directional rotating with slide rule]; [Sapphire crystal]; [Standard screw-down]; [Brown alligator leather]; [Round] - [Black]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [Yes]; [No] - [Yes]; [Yes] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [Yes] - [No]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [Yes] - [Yes]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [No] - [No]; [4.8] - [C+]; [3500];

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**