This 1942 Longines pilot’s wristwatch, production batch no. 22260, is an authentic example of military aviation timekeeping from the World War II era. Longines played a vital role in producing timepieces for armed forces around the world, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. The brand was renowned for its precision, technical innovation, and reliability, all key characteristics in the development of pilot’s watches. This Longines watch carries U.S. import markings, a detail of historical importance. At the time, all watches imported into the United States were required by customs regulations to bear specific codes identifying the movement manufacturer. In this case, the “LXW” import code engraved on the movement confirms that the watch was destined for the American market and that Longines was the original exporter.

Watches marked “LXW” were often supplied under military or civilian contracts, and many were distributed through official Longines agents in the U.S., such as Wittnauer, which handled the brand’s American operations throughout much of the 20th century. The presence of this code reinforces the assumption that this particular reference may have been supplied for military purposes—possibly under the auspices of Lend-Lease or other wartime procurement programs—making it of particular interest to collectors of U.S.-related WWII military timepieces. The combination of a 24-hour military dial, robust manual-wind movement (Cal. 12.68Z), aluminum mid-case, and confirmed American import status places this watch within the lineage of field issued pilot watches.

The case is constructed with a hybrid design: the bezel and caseback are made of stainless steel, while the mid-case is aluminum—a solution commonly adopted during the war, probably to offer a mildly magnetic case and at the same time lower production costs. The case is in an overall very good condition, and it shows only light traces of use. This specific case type was used for military-issue Longines models. The case measures 32.2mm excluding the original crown, with a pressure-locked steel back properly stamped with the Longines logo, serial number, and batch code. The plexiglass is in excellent condition. The silvered dial has a dual-scale 12/24-hour layout with bold Arabic numerals and luminous hands. The dial has developed two small oxidized spots where the hands remained stationary for extended periods, though overall legibility and print quality are well-preserved. The watch is powered by the Longines Caliber 12.68Z, a hand wound movement respected for its reliability and accuracy which is one of Longines true classic, as it has remained in production.

The Longines Caliber 12.68Z was introduced in 1929 as part of a broader initiative to rationalize the company’s movement production. At that time, Longines sought to replace its numerous 12 and 13 ligne calibers with a single 12-ligne movement that would reduce production complexity and cost. This approach reflected a shift in philosophy—from the highly diversified movement strategies of the early 20th century to one focused on standardization, efficiency, and adaptability to modern manufacturing methods. The 12.68Z was directly derived from the larger 18.68Z caliber, maintaining robust construction while offering a compact format suitable for wristwatches. Technically, the 12.68Z has a semi-visible winding mechanism integrated under a wide cut out bridge, with options for flat or Breguet overcoil hairsprings depending on the configuration. It was built with strong architecture, using a large central bridge and smaller radiating bridges to support its gear train. Its reliability and adaptability led to its widespread use through the 1930s and 1940s. In the early 1940s, it was further modified to incorporate a central seconds hand, aligning with evolving design trends.

The 12.68Z became a cornerstone of Longines’ production during this period, embodying the brand’s emphasis on technical refinement, functional durability, and industrial modernization and has seen service till the 1960`s. This watch has been serviced in-house and is delivered in proper working order. This watch is fitted with a new leather strap and will be delivered with a six-month guarantee and originality certificate. International shipping and further inquiries are welcome.