Longines BIG EYE Chronograph | The Column Wheel Chronograph to GET |

[@josevasquez1781]

Nice video, the movement is a reworked Valgranges caliber A08.L01 aka L688.2 with a heat treated blue steel column wheel, vertical clutch and oscillating pinion mechanism with two automatic reset hammers. The finish is a beauty even though it's not visible. The power reserve is a nice 54 hours due to a new bigger mainspring. Finally the chronograph seconds can be activated continuously without concerns of additional wear and tear similar to my Huerer H02 movement.

[@ghostxfairy]

Actually, I hope these don't become popular so they're in stock when I go to buy one later this year. Also the 's' in Longines is silent.

[@kanemillard3315]

I have such a soft spot for longines. Such a great brand.

[@EscapementWatch]

I totally agree!

[@carlhaluss]

Thanks for your enthusiastic review. I haven't worn my BigEye for a while, so today will be "BigEye Friday" for me! This is simply one of the most amazing chronographs. I love the asymmetrical dial, the large pushers and big crown, as they are not only functional - and from what I understand, same as the original - but they give the watch so much character. All things you mentioned about the Valjoux movement are absolutely correct. I recently got a Tutima with their modified 7760 movement, and I have not had to adjust the time in over 6 weeks! Most accurate watch I have ever owned. I never really timed my BigEye, but your result of +2secs is not surprising. One thing I did find out about the movement, via my AD and we both did some research, is that the movement still has the date mechanism, although they did remove the date wheel, so not exactly a "ghost" date. Normally that would bother me, very OCD about the date/movement thing, but I am more than willing to forgive it with this watch, matter of fact it oddly adds to the sort of quirkiness I find with this watch. The movement does have a very pronounced rattle when you shake your wrist back and forth, but that is apparently quite common with this watch. The 30m water resistance doesn't bother me at all. I absolutely love this watch!!! Thanks for your great video, I love the personality you put into it. And, by the way, it came up right at the top of my list when I opened up KZbin this morning! Cheers, Carl

[@EscapementWatch]

WoW! I knew i felt a date change! I wasn't sure 100% Thanks for the value add! The crown was difficult for me to operation with my gloves I thought is there a ghost position? but didn't confirm thanks very much!

[@notbutta]

I own this watch and also own a speedy and I love them both to death. Not a fan of the new speedy as I love my FOIS and the 1861 movement is so precise and the size is like the BigEye only slightly smaller. Both beautiful watches. What I love about this is the classic early 1900's look with the step dial and oversized pushers and bigeye. The BigEye is so cool and unique, you don't see on most chronos. It also won the Grand prix award beating watches that are way more expensive ;)

[@bigcosta3478]

I bought it 3 years ago...so much presence on the wrist.

[@EscapementWatch]

nice! I'm trying to get hands on with the new blue version in TITANIUM make a quick look vid on it if I can get it.

[@stebesplace]

Coming back to this a few years after release, funny how we revisit watches after awhile. When this first came out I wasn’t keen, saying ‘No date? No thanks’, yet here I am after 4 years saying ‘No date? No problem!’

[@EscapementWatch]

I do that often! haha! Check out the titanium blue dial model I reviewed as well. It is a beauty and Kavar has one for sale

[@Serzh_A488]

you are the best, all reviews are very compitent. i really enjoy.

[@mikec3454]

Absolutely one of my favourite chronos on the market. Almost bought one on a cruise but I had a few adult beverages so I walked away lol.. might trade for one in the next few days though. Only thing that I wish Longines did was give it 50m WR at least to match a Speedy. By the way, I have a Speedy FOIS… that’s the Speedy to get, IMO. Owned a couple Pros in the past.

[@quarters-eye8922]

Longines will come out with a Sapphire caseback version with blue dial ( Hopefully on bracelet ) next year. If Longines play their cards right...............they will have a waiting list as long as Zenith's. This Chronograph is a home run for the brand.

[@EscapementWatch]

WOW! hmmm if that does indeed come out I'd be more then tempted!

[@quarters-eye8922]

@@EscapementWatch Images of the blue dial version are already out. I suspect they will release it with the sapphire case back, either later in the year, or early next year. Personally, I think they should release the watch sooner, rather than later. Longines need to strike while the iron is hot. Now is the time. If they wait too long, they will lose a tremendous opportunity. Now that everyone is talking about Chronographs lately ( the new Zenith Chronomaster sport ) I think Longines needs to kick things into high gear, and put the blue dial version out straightaway. I'm surprised they didn't use a Sapphire case back to begin with frankly. It's a shame the Column Wheel Chronograph is hidden behind a steel backing. A beautiful movement like that deserves to be seen.

[@EscapementWatch]

I'm not surprised they went full on military vibe with it so solid caseback makes sense. But like you... I wanna see the movement!

[@quarters-eye8922]

@@EscapementWatch There's a channel called ID GUY - he compares the new Longines Bigeye with the new Breitling. It's a very interesting review from a design perspective. I can understand longines wanting to keep to a more historical interpretation by keeping the steel case back, but in the end, I suspect most watch enthusiasts are just like me and you, they want a Sapphire case back. Longines were wise to use a Vertical Clutch, Column Wheel Chronograph, but they need to show it off. Also, the black dial looks a little too plain in some respects. A Blue dial version would look so much better. I figured they would consider adding a Sapphire case back to compliment the blue dial. I might write to Longines, and enquire about future plans for the watch, but most watch companies are pretty tight lipped about things like that, so it is unlikely they will share that information. Never the less, I think Longines need to put out a blue dial version with display back now, rather than later. The truth is, if Longines plan this out, they could have a waiting list just like the new Zenith chronomaster Sport. If they let this opportunity pass them by, they have only themselves to blame.

[@JasZg]

You comparing this cheap valjoux movement in long jeans with in house zenith calibers??? 🤣

[@allanrossfuentes]

Hi FallingTitan, noice video! Hilarious intro!hehe.. by the way I made this mistake too, I thought its Aviation, by later I found its Avigation,lol.. 🤭

[@simonwright6882]

I was just thinking what activities we could be timing in the dark 🤣

[@EscapementWatch]

Hahahahahaha

[@robhaley802]

I just bought the big eye should be here by October 4th!:D can’t wait. I’ve owned the speedy and thought about getting another one but with the way pricing is going I decided that this would be a good choice I was also leaning towards this because it’s not as common. It’s a lot more individualistic.

[@EscapementWatch]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@bluesdog645]

Put that on a black or dark brown perforated leather rally strap.

[@michaelfierman3256]

You're right, definitely a winner. I love the big eye; makes the dial more interesting and I do like seeing these more "down to earth" chonos with muted dials on leather straps...oh wait a second...is the Moonwatch down to Earth? maybe I better re-think that. Thank you for the ticking and great review. Gorgeous piece!

[@EscapementWatch]

haha! Welcome! Totally Agree!

[@riojimatsuoka]

Pilot fighters during WWII were called the "3 minuters", because that was the average life span of the allies after engaging in combat.

[@hombreleon]

I’m definitely putting mine on a black Nato strap with the silver stripes (Fake Bond).

[@Ziogeppo00]

Very nice video! I discovered this channel only now :( Subsribed! I'd have a question: Where did you get the Lift angle from ? CaliberCorner ? Do you know whether there is the comprehensive itemized list of all calibers and their lift angles by chance ? Thanks a lot.

[@EscapementWatch]

Welcome! This video is over 2 years old and I forgot where I found the lift angle. But usually I use caliber corner.

[@just-inedc2381]

I was also thinking about this and I’ve been saving for a speedy lol. I actually really really like this! Awesome video as always

[@EscapementWatch]

Awesome! Thank you! There is a blue TITANIUM Model coming to soon

[@Vow247]

Keep producing content, please don’t go down the clickbait route. Great review unlike others who conduct reviews before even handling a watch.

[@SinnMaster]

Haha nice intro!! Love it!

[@EscapementWatch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@adieucourtier5812]

What a nice review !

[@canonyeo4286]

Beautiful big eye. Excellent review. Yes, column wheel, vertical clutch, and, hacking are preferred. A home run indeed, including, the price.

[@EscapementWatch]

Well said!

[@All_True_Especially_The_Lies]

what are you wearing?

[@EscapementWatch]

SPB183 Willard

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I just purchased this watch off Random Rob’s Sunday Funday sale for $1100.00 mine will be going on a black Artem sailcloth strap.

[@EscapementWatch]

Congrats!!! Robs sales are awesome!!! Can never email him fast enough! lol

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@EscapementWatch you got to jump into the description and fast forward threw the video and have the email ready to send ahead of time. If you wait till the end of the video you will definitely be to late

[@uguryes]

I am looking for a daily Swiss made watch. Longines is one of my favorite brands. Do you think Big Eye would be suitable for daily use? Thank you very much for the information you provided.

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes, absolutely, not to flashy and sapphire crystal to avoid scratches.

[@uguryes]

I finally bought it today. I loved it. Thanks to you, I have a wonderful wristwatch.@@EscapementWatch

[@frankdaneluzzi3503]

Great job, my very first watch was a Longines. Keep it up.

[@anthonystevens8683]

I seemed to have missed this one FT. I picked this up on the YT list. Anyway it's too late, way too late. More late than a late thing that's just missed the late train. Brilliant video though and great commentary. I can't disagree at all with your comments. I used to dislike the Big Eye but over time and seeing it in the flesh it grew on me. It must be one of the most at a glance readable chronograph watches. Anyway this review is too late as I bought mine from the AD some months back and love it. Happy new year.

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes this is an old one. We have an updated video with the blue titanium one. Great pick up! I went back to Kavar a couple weeks ago to buy this exact watch. But didn't pull the trigger. Just too big for my wrist!

[@cedarcanoe]

Overlooked watch

[@rickj8859]

It is a great watch. I have both, the stainless and titanium one. What I found, after I bought the titanium one? I liked the weight of stainless steel Longines more.

[@EscapementWatch]

Thank you for sharing!

[@RedwoodAggie]

I completely getting wanting to take your eye off the Speedy prize. I want the Speedy too, but this is tempting. I do wish it was maybe 1mm thinner, and that the hour markers had lume too, but it's pretty much perfect otherwise.

[@petertrefren5372]

With the pushers, should you wear this on your right hand regardless of which is your dominant hand?

[@EscapementWatch]

umm it depends how deep down your arm you place your watch. If its above the bone then probably right hand.

[@wayneturner1336]

3 minutes would be a measurement that was commonly used to measure the cost of transatlantic phone calls in the 30’s and is seen on quite a few other chronographs from that period and marked as telemetre with a clear indicator every 3 minutes….

[@jimmason8502]

Yes, this. There is nothing in actual flying that's relevant to three minutes. A one minute out and back holding pattern is common at large airports but not three minutes.

[@stuartclubb4302]

Perhaps only surpassed on the brand by the Longines Heritage with the same movement but adding the date, 100m water resist, 42mm diameter, and chronometer rated.

[@ArmandBisho]

Good review its very nice time piece I Owen Omega speedy 3861 sandwich and the watch you are reviewing I love big eye more !!! Much better value

[@EscapementWatch]

Very nice!

[@user_uif_ghg_wer_das]

The two huge pushers are eyesores to me.

[@whodeycinbengals]

Hey Adrian, what’s the more special watch to you? The Longines Big Eye or the King Seiko reissue? Anything around 1500-2500 that I’m missing that you would recommend? Thanks!

[@EscapementWatch]

Its Aiden. But the King Seiko and Big are too different but equally special. I think its a tough choice. Look at what your collection needs the most. Also, check out the silver arrow I did. That can be an affordable alternative to the KSK.

[@yaaxarr8977]

Still waiting to hunt it down! Love this Big Eye badly...great content as usual buddy.

[@EscapementWatch]

Thanks again! Anyone you need a discount code email me on any of the watches I review!

[@jacobliddiard158]

May I make one recommendation? I would say it is better to try the watch without the white gloves, to help people to imagine better how would it look in normal use on their hands. Thanks for the video, love the watch.

[@EscapementWatch]

Great suggestion!

[@timemeasured9137]

Great review as always. How does this compare to the Hamilton Intramatic chronograph? Your thoughts?

[@EscapementWatch]

This has a better movement with the column wheel. Hammy has cams. Hamilton wears a bit smaller due to its skinny lug shape that disappear even though slightly longer reach 0.7mm. Longines has wider diameter by about 1mm but is thinner. A hard pick between the two. Go with the style you like. Military vibe Longines with column wheel or a panda vintage look from hamilton. Hamilton I'd go Mechanical for the thinner watch + you get a nice box sapphire.

[@Seneca-pilot]

It's a two minute turn. 3 degrees per second. 360 degrees 120 seconds for standard rate.

[@martinrea8548]

Nice review, I like your intimate, affable style. I'm seriously thinking of buying this watch. Does anybody know what service interval and cost would be. Thanks 👍

[@EscapementWatch]

Thank you for the kind words. These movements can go a really long time I would say easily 7 to 10 years before you'll need a service. Cost depends on your watchmaker and if you have a longine service center nearby but expect roughly $500. Call kevar jewelers let them know I sent you and they will take care of you. if you want to purchase we also have the blue titanium in stock I also did a review on the blue titanium check that one out as well.

[@immortal4942]

nice basically an unoffically COSC certified chronograph for a bargain from company with massive history

[@halfpastblog]

These are gorgeous. 👍 👍

[@EscapementWatch]

They are!

[@boisdog]

I like the big eye.

[@TurnRiver]

I wanted to buy this over the Sinn 103 but several things bothered me about the big eye. first was the numbers getting cutoff, tough call considering the "big eye" sub dial. Next is the 30m water resistance. As bad as a speedy's water resist is, this one is worse? Last, no bracelet option. Not a total deal breaker but the bargain price of $1800 wasnt enough.

[@EscapementWatch]

It wasn't meant to be!

[@tiburonski]

I bought it! It’s totally your fault....I am innocent....ok maybe Longines is also responsible 🤩🤩🤩 But I always thought it is so exceptional in design and I like the mysterious background story of its origins...so maybe I just needed a little push to buy it! 🤩 well and apart from the wonderful design the technical aspects like vertical clutch and column wheel are gorgeous! Oh and I have the same book like you have in the background...

[@EscapementWatch]

Good choice! and thanks for sharing! Grats!

[@yoinkhaha]

Love how you troll KZbin. Sweet watch too.

[@bonnystarks]

For the big eye it is not relevent as the standart turn is 2min for 360°, mathematicaly talking is 15% of the TAS (true airspeed). So for exemple a DA40 with a TAS of 120kt you need to to bank around 20° to make a standard turn of 2min for 360°.

[@stephen255]

Always enjoy your videos. I'm also a big bigeye fan! 30m water resistance is disappointing 😞

[@EscapementWatch]

Thanks for watching!!!! and ya totally agree. Check out the newest BIG EYE video on the Channel. It is blue and in TITANIUM!!!!

[@stephen255]

@@EscapementWatch I did watch and enjoy that. Love it even more, but still 30m water resistance. The Spirit chronograph is 100m, but you know that lug to lug is too much! (Only available in 42mm). I am buying the 40mm blue on blue Spirit Friday !

[@EscapementWatch]

Very nice choice 👍👍👍 Grats!

[@yasha8951]

I’m with you the date ruins a chrono

[@breaktime3269]

nice watch, good enjoyable review, as always

[@EscapementWatch]

Thanks for watching

[@xekret]

First! I had a Big Eye, loved it. It ran consistently at +4 no matter what direction it was. I might do a re-buy at some point!

[@EscapementWatch]

Thanks for sharing! I really don't want to give this thing back! Underrated gem!

[@xekret]

@@EscapementWatch Cheers! Wearing my Blue Willard today on strap!

[@EscapementWatch]

dont tell me that! everytime i see or hear about the blue willard i instantly have the urge to take off my current watch and run to watch box to get it! :)

[@xekret]

@@EscapementWatch LOL what are you wearing right now?

[@EscapementWatch]

titanium SKX mod! video releases in FEB. hehe

[@GapBahnDirk]

I do like it....

[@GapBahnDirk]

So, I just ordered one.... I like the black dial and military look. The steel caseback is fine for me.

[@EscapementWatch]

Congrats!

[@phemdima8826]

This chronograph is beautiful and is a success. But once you'll get your Speedy you will be...over the moon ;-)

[@EscapementWatch]

That's the plan!

[@danielthompson803]

The movement is an ETA made only for Longines.

[@time4passions612]

Am i crazy if i think of flipping my speedy FOIS for this one?? Could easily get this one plus another cool 1000 bugs seiko 😬

[@EscapementWatch]

haha probably!

[@marco27c1]

Ridiculous big box for a wrist eatch. What a racket mechanical watches are. 😂

[@proseforpoets]

🥃🚬

[@deej9367]

Love it but id go with the new hanhart 417. 100m water resistant

[@jameshoward9700]

Nice, I'm tempted by the 417 too, but the Longines has a much better movement - very high (Omega) quality.

[@deej9367]

@@jameshoward9700 they both use basically the same movement

[@jameshoward9700]

@@deej9367 Don't get me wrong - the Hanhart is a great watch and very well finished. But, a Sellita SW510 (a de-specced clone of the Valjoux 7750) is not the same as a Longines L688. The 510 is a hand wound, bi-compax, cam actuated, off the shelf movement. So, neither auto, column wheel, tri-compax nor vertical clutch (the benefits of which are all explained in this video). Also, not custom built and exclusive (effectively in-house as Swatch owns ETA). But for sure, a great watch and as you say, waterproof. All the best with it.

[@Vow247]

I’m considering the Sinn 356 as an alternative.

[@deej9367]

@@jameshoward9700 oh gotcha I heard him say clone of 7753 but i re watched it. I'm liking the longines spirt chronograph too.

[@adbraham]

3 minute turn, no! What pilots really use a chrono for is something called “procedure turns”, measured 45 seconds from wings level or 30 seconds after rolling to 25/30 degrees of bank. Also for timing legs, although that’s mostly redundant these days, even with the equipment on basic aircraft

[@EscapementWatch]

thanks for sharing!

[@robitobi9740]

If this Longines is a homage to the Rolex Daytona call me Queen Elizabeth II !!!

[@lamentate07]

No it isn't. It predates the Daytona. The design comes straight from their archives.

[@michaelfierman3256]

sorry...I'lll watch. here i go

[@wawalisko]

Grteat review¡ It sound?? Like tic tac tic tac??

[@jameshoward9700]

What a disgrace. It's a total Daytona rip-off! I mean, c'mon, it's got three hands AND three dials! And, it's steel. Ha ha, what a world! But...BigEyes, these are awesome. I'm lucky enough to have one and man, it sits with more expensive chronos in my Euro watch box just fine. I've nothing negative to say about it. You won't be disappointed by one of these. Awesome movement, super crisp chrono, nice strap, I like the case back, great size, a beauty. A bargain! Class never goes out of fashion - a watch for life. Awesome macro BTW.

[@EscapementWatch]

yes a future classic possible as well! Thanks for watching and kind words!

[@bluesdog645]

Don’t forget: A CROWN AND TWO PUSHERS. SO DAYTONA!!! Ugh! Lmao

[@jameshoward9700]

@@bluesdog645 Yes! I missed that. We know what's going on, eh?!

[@emaeder18]

The S is silent in LongineS

[@EscapementWatch]

yeah I corrected it in newer vids. Only took 3-5 videos to master it

[@MrShinobi797]

Man...EFF the Speedy. Get the Longines.

[@EscapementWatch]

I know right! still! last time i tried on the speedy was years ago. I need to try on the new one first before I decide 100%

[@SCTitan06]

@@EscapementWatch speedy all the way....even if just for the history of it alone.

[@KeepTheTime]

LOL then we're screwed... so many videos with not a single human word spoken just watches that won't shut up ;-)

[@jayjay9932]

This is IWC Spitfire chrono half the price.

[@EscapementWatch]

Longines also has a lot of history in Chronographs. Inventing the Column wheel and flyback seconds, also first wrist watch chrono ever and they were early on the pocket watch stop watches as well. So buying a chronograph it makes sense to pick Longines over most brands.

[@WetWatches]

One of the Watches I just can’t get Wet 💦

[@omershahid4896]

the only downside of this watch is its lume . not the strength but longevity. numerals lume fades away very quickly. hand lume lasts a bit longer. however lume look is awesome as the numeral lume glows dimmer then the hands which just looks great.

[@superfast30]

Great reviews but dude, why you do you place brand new watches that are on loan on a hard wooden surface and proceed to drag it slightly as you pick it up. Noticed this in all your videos. At least rest them on a microfiber or something to that effect.

[@seanfarrell5341]

Hanhart, hanhart hanhart

[@anjav6]

Iv ask Longines directly about vertical clutch in this watch, and they replied that this movement uses horizontal clutch and not a vertical clutch

[@jkgkjgkijk]

I'll take a SanMartin monobloc over this watch, in a heartbeat.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Nice flightmaster

[@delta22551]

R

[@ardwickhouse]

… AVi - GAY - ShonE

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Date is necessary.

[@smudger671]

No it isn't.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Pallet escape

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Timex sells a forty eight dollar look a like.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Those buttons are wayyyy too prominent

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Dude, it looks like a cheap parnis dial for an ETA, off of eBay....c'mon man. Longines is slipping

[@jkgkjgkijk]

This watch is crap!

[@JasZg]

A cheap ETA movement inside😂😂😂 hahaha