Longines Sidereal Time Ref. 4356

The  Longines-Wittnauer Sidereal Time Watch: A Pioneer in Celestial Navigation Longines’ sidereal time watches, such as the Weems Second-Setting model, were designed for celestial navigation, measuring time based on fixed stars rather than the sun. These watches were essential tools for early aviators, including Wiley Post and Harold Gatty, who used them during their historic 1931 around-the-world flight—one for civil time and another for sidereal time.

The Weems sidereal watches, particularly the 47mm versions, featured specialized markings like a red star on the dial, ensuring precise timekeeping for navigation. Before advancements like radar, accurate sidereal time was crucial for long-distance flights. Longines continued producing these watches until World War II, after which technological advancements reduced their necessity.

Today, Weems sidereal timepieces, especially those with the red star, are rare and highly collectible. Some are even preserved in institutions like the Smithsonian, highlighting their role in aviation history. These watches symbolize early 20th-century innovation, blending technical mastery with the adventurous spirit of flight.

Philip Van Horn Weems, known as “The Grand Old Man of Navigation,” revolutionized air travel with his advancements in timekeeping, enabling the Golden Age of Aviation’s pioneers to push the limits of flight.

With its 47mm silver case and precision design, the Weems sidereal time watch remains one of the most significant pilot watches in history.

Longines’ partnership with Wittnauer dates back to the late 19th century when Albert Wittnauer took over the U.S. distribution of Longines watches. For decades, Longines watches in North America carried the Wittnauer name. This collaboration evolved in 1936 into the Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co., further strengthening their shared legacy in precision watchmaking.