Lépine
1277
One of the great quests was to get
a Government Abroad military issued RAF Czechoslovakian squadrons pilot insignia. There are relatively easy to find brass issued insignia, but the silver issued ones, especially the Praha issued ones are extremely rare. Pilots by the dozens died wearing them so few exist. If you have a Majetek Longines worn at the Battle Of Britain and Dunkirk, this is a must have. These pilots saved Europe. 
Vintage
Uncover the history of a 'Panzer Watch' and its owner, Obergerfreiter Alfred Berg of the 21st Panzer Division DAK. Lépine's research connects a vintage timepiece to a WWII soldier's story, exploring military records and internment details.
2 replies444 views
Vintage
Explore the brutal history of the Battle of Iwo Jima and a vintage Imperial Japanese Navy watch that witnessed the conflict. A unique historical artifact.
5 replies772 views
Vintage
Discover the restoration journey of a 1910 Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royal. Learn about vintage watch service challenges, historical balance controversies, and independent watchmaker expertise.
24 replies6588 views
Collection
Explore KMII's nostalgic journey with the Junghans Mega 1 and Milano, reflecting on early radio-controlled watches and their lasting appeal. Discover personal stories and the unique charm of these timepieces.
2 replies1214 views
One of the great quests was to get
a Government Abroad military issued RAF Czechoslovakian squadrons pilot insignia. There are relatively easy to find brass issued insignia, but the silver issued ones, especially the Praha issued ones are extremely rare. Pilots by the dozens died wearing t...
Aside from the recent reissue, what is the civilian version?
Is that basically the first reissue that Longines made for commercial/public sales?
It does look exactly the same, including the beautiful patina. I guess I’m a little surprised that Longines would sell the same watch to public back then…
although I don’t know what years the different watches are from.
Please see that there is no “ Anti-Magnetic “
On the dial and no engraving on the caseback. I was told it’s actually rarer than the military edition, but rarer (as we know) does not necessarily mean more desirable. I don’t know if it’s more desirable because I’ve never seen another civilian version. ...
Should also mention that
Czechoslovakia did not get involved in WW2 until around March of 1939 ( I believe) which is after my watch was delivered to the dealer who sold it in December of 1935.
Here’s an ad I found some years
ago promoting the civilian version. Unfortunately I can’t read the language 😂 and am too lazy to do the research to interpret it 😂. Notice there is no “anti magnetic “ on the dial in this ad. ...
Wow, this ad is an impressive find 👏🏽
Thanks for highlighting these additional historical points and dates. For some reason I always assumed that the military version watches came first, and then in some cases inspired watches for purchase by the public. Your piece has a fascinating story.
Thank you, ArmisT!
I’m always happy to share the small amount of knowledge I can share in this wonderful community. I always enjoy the learning part more though, and I learn something new everyday it seems here👍
Cool!
The hands and index color are different for the 2. Is the brown one just somehow age more than the right?
Only 101 Spinks & Son issued
I thought it would be more, but researchers in Praha (Prague) indicate that official documents from the Government in Exile in the UK officially issued for just the pilots, 82 and 19 pilot insignia on two different occasions for a total of 101. So the tot...
My preference is the 15.94
first generation Majetek sold to Guth. Guth had exclusive rights to sell to the Army. If your extract doesn't say delivered to Guth for 15.94 from 1935 to 1939, it definitely wasn't for the Czechoslovakian First Republic Army. The second generation 15.26 ...
These are secret field reports
only 88 pilots existed at Battle of Britain These are original field mission reports for clearance of air space missions prior to Normandy which involved the Spitefire Mark 9 squadrons of the RAF-Czechoslovakian fighter pilots 310 and 312 over France. Typ...
Guth was for Army , Kohn was civilian
This was written by a Czech Republic watch retailer that traces family operations back to the original Longines distribution to the First Republic. ...