1937 Longines 'Weems' US Naval Academy Pilots Watch

Longines is one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers in the world, with roots dating back to 1832. Over that immense period of time, the brand has crafted some truly incredible—and incredibly accurate—timepieces. In fact, it's one of the reasons Longines is the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, where accuracy is paramount. 

The Longines “Weems” pilot’s watches are some of the most historically important aviation timepieces ever produced. Developed in collaboration with U.S. Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems—who trained Charles Lindbergh in celestial navigation—the "Weems" Longines introduced the revolutionary second-setting system, allowing pilots to synchronize with radio signals without halting the movement. This innovation, patented in 1935, became indispensable for accurate navigation in the golden age of flight.

What makes this example even more remarkable is its U.S. Naval Academy-issued dial, bearing the crest “Ex Scientia Tridens.” Produced in Switzerland and distributed through Wittnauer, these Academy watches were delivered in extremely limited numbers, with only a handful surviving today. More than just a timekeeper, this Longines Weems is a tangible artifact of aviation history, naval tradition, and the pursuit of precision at a time when every second truly mattered.