Longines has been making significant changes recently.
In the past five years, the company has changed its CEO three times, which is unusual considering Walter von Känel led the brand for 32 years - from 1988 to 2020. Clearly, Longines is aiming for internal reshuffles, and with the new Spirit Pilot Flyback 39.5 model, we can observe the beginning of a new era with a younger ideology.
The new chronograph we have for review today confirms that Longines listens to the opinions of collectors and experts. Watch enthusiasts and professionals have long awaited a compact chronograph from the brand, and it is precisely this model that has been presented in the Spirit Pilot Flyback. This model is significantly improved compared to the larger 42mm Conquest Chronograph that we reviewed in 2023.
New Movement with Flyback Function
The most noticeable and important change in this model is the complete redesign of its appearance, but we must not forget about the new hand-wound movement - the exclusive Longines caliber L792.4. It is not entirely a traditional manufactory movement but a highly modified Valjoux 7750. Engineers have added a column wheel, a flyback function, and a silicon balance spring, providing enhanced anti-magnetic protection.
Previously, the model used the caliber L792.2 with automatic winding and a large rotor. In the new hand-wound version, the rotor is absent, allowing a better view of the movement through the transparent case back.
The caliber L792.4, like the base Valjoux 7750, looks impressive in operation. The three-quarter bridge with Geneva stripes guilloché, the blue column wheel in the shape of a flower, and the flyback lever are prominently displayed. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, with a power reserve of about 68 hours, while maintaining COSC certification. This high-quality hand-wound movement significantly increases the model's value for collectors.
Complete Redesign of Case and Design
The Spirit Pilot Flyback holds a unique place in the Longines catalog - it is the brand's most comfortable and enthusiast-oriented chronograph. The new 39.5mm case fits perfectly on a 16.5 cm wrist. Although the base Valjoux movement is quite large, the 13.4mm thickness does not feel excessive and even adds presence on the wrist. Unlike, for example, the Rolex Daytona, the watch is slightly elevated above the wrist.
This model is suitable for extended everyday wear, despite the need for manual winding. The bezel is thin, made of ceramic with a deep black color and matte sheen. The bezel features engraved markers with luminescent coating, matching the dial's illumination. Due to the compact case diameter, the dial space is limited, considering the bezel's width, but Longines has successfully arranged elements and chosen colors for easy readability.
Two additional counters partially overlap the numerals, which is an optimal solution for the layout. The dial is designed in a "gilt dial" style - with a golden sheen of numerals and hands on a black background. This design ensures excellent readability even in challenging lighting and looks great in photos.
One of my favorite elements is the vintage, slightly enlarged pump pushers. Their size and shape perfectly match the overall watch style. The buttons provide a pleasant tactile response with a distinct click and comfortable resistance when starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph.
Key Features of the Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback 39.5
- Case diameter: 39.5mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Movement: Longines L792.4 (modified Valjoux 7750, hand-wound)
- Frequency: 4 Hz
- Power reserve: about 68 hours
- Certification: COSC
- Bezel: ceramic, with luminescent markings
- Function: Flyback (instant reset and restart of the chronograph)
- Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: standard for this category of watches
Final Conclusions
The Spirit Pilot Flyback 39.5 is one of the best new releases from Longines in recent times. The company has met the demands of the collector community by creating a compact, comfortable, and technically advanced chronograph. The dimensions are perfectly chosen, the finish quality meets Longines' expectations, and the exclusive movement with unique finishing increases the model's value.
The main drawback is the price - $5500 for the version on a steel bracelet and $5300 on a leather strap. For Longines, this is a relatively high cost, but considering the technical characteristics and design, the watch represents a fair offer for those who value quality and innovation.
This review demonstrates that the Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback 39.5 is a serious step by the brand towards creating compact and functional chronographs, aimed at the modern collector and professional.