Longines Majetek ‘Big Turtle’ 23647 - Military for the Czech Army

Few military wristwatches can claim the historical significance and unmistakable character of the Longines Majetek. Produced for the Czechoslovak Army during one of the most complex periods of twentieth-century European history, the Majetek was conceived as a dedicated military instrument, designed to accompany officers and military personnel in active service. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most important and desirable military watches ever manufactured by Longines, admired not only for its rarity but also for the unique design solutions that set it apart from virtually every contemporary military timepiece.

The name “Majetek” derives from the inscription “Majetek Vojenské Správy”, meaning “Property of the Military Administration”, which was engraved on the casebacks of watches issued to the Czech armed forces. Unlike many military watches of the era that were adapted from civilian production, the Majetek was developed specifically to meet military requirements, resulting in a watch where functionality dictated every aspect of the design. Legibility, robustness, and reliability were paramount, leading Longines to create a timepiece capable of enduring demanding operational conditions while remaining easy to use in the field.

Reference 23647 belongs to the celebrated family collectors now refer to as the “Big Turtle”, a nickname inspired by the distinctive shape of its large cushion case. Combined with its oversized crown and unique rotating bezel system, this architecture gave the watch a commanding presence and exceptional practicality, qualities that were highly valued in military service. Decades later, these same characteristics have made the Majetek one of the most recognisable and charismatic military watches of its generation.

A fundamental element of the reference is its renowned Longines caliber 15.68Z. Considered one of the finest manually wound movements produced by the manufacture during the mid-twentieth century, the 15.68Z earned a reputation for precision, durability, and reliability. Its use in military and professional applications further cemented Longines' standing as one of the leading producers of high-grade instrument watches during the period, and today it remains a movement highly respected by collectors and historians alike.

Dating to approximately 1945–1947, the present example is preserved in very good overall condition and displays the honest signs one would expect from a military watch of this age and historical context. The case retains the strong and purposeful character that defines the “Big Turtle”, while the dial continues to convey the authentic appearance of a watch that was conceived as a working instrument rather than a luxury object. Over the course of its life, the luminous material on both the hands and hour markers has undergone partial retouching, a common occurrence among military-issued watches that remained in service for extended periods, while the dial itself exhibits the natural traces of age and use that contribute to its historical appeal.

Combining genuine military provenance, a highly distinctive design, and one of Longines’ most celebrated movements, this Majetek reference 23647 stands as a remarkable witness to an important chapter in military and horological history. Rarely encountered and increasingly sought after, it represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic military wristwatches ever produced by the Saint-Imier manufacture.