Longines 30ch Chronograph “Big Eye” Ref. 7981-1

Longines is one of those brands that we can’t leave out of a list of prominent brands from the 20th century. With roots dating all the way back to Saint-Imier in 1832, the brand is well-loved for its vintage timepieces. Especially its iconic military and pilot’s timepieces and its iconic chronographs from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are highly praised amongst collectors.

Longines also was amongst the first brands to introduce diving chronographs in the 1960s. One of the most iconic models is the Longines 7981-1, which featured an instantly recognizable red aluminum bezel. Overall the design looks in line with many of the other divers that were released in the 1960s. But look again, and you will find more to it than just a different colored bezel. The second famous characteristic is the oversized minute register, giving the watch its “Big Eye” nickname. But look even better, and you will find out that this watch actually can be used by divers, speed racers, and aviators.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case with its characteristic red bezel. The rotating bezel features a 60-minute scale and a 12-hour scale that allows you to keep the time in a second timezone. The black dial features a red crosshair and the two white chronograph registers that differ in size. The white inner ring holds the tachymeter scale, and the baton hands complete the overall looks. It looks that made it into one of the most iconic divers from the 1960s.

This "Big Eyes" is in stunning condition,close to new and comes with our ultra-thin black pigskin and its original buckle.