Longines is a brand with a rich history in many fields. One area that stands out is aviation watches, a type of watch that has long been dear to the brand and where the winged hourglass has excelled, placing its instruments on the wrists of many pioneers. Classic pilot's watches, combining vintage design solutions and modern execution, are produced in several series, with various colors, sizes, and mechanisms. This year, the Longines Spirit collection expands again, releasing a stylish edition that blends vintage elements with a technical concept. Meet the new Longines Spirit Titanium collection.
Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier in the Swiss Jura, Longines became famous for its reliable and precise chronometers, which have become the brand's calling card. With the advent of military and civil aviation and, consequently, the need for pilots to rely on precise timekeeping instruments, the brand became one of the most sought-after manufacturers for pioneer aviators. Charles Lindbergh is the most famous name associated with Longines, but other explorers and pilots, pioneers in their own right, such as Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, also wore Longines watches. The Spirit collection pays tribute to this rich history of aviation watches.
The current collection consists of stainless steel models available with time and date indicators in 40 mm and 42 mm, as well as a chronograph. In addition to the inaugural black, blue, and silver dials, the brand recently added a green dial to the collection. Now it's time for watches that combine more sporty materials and an even more retro style, with a titanium case and a warm dial design.
Without completely changing the Spirit collection's concept, Longines introduces color and display updates in the new titanium models. The Longines Spirit Titanium model, currently available only in a 3-hand version and in 40 and 42 mm versions, retains the same design and case finish, combining matte surfaces with polished accents on the side lugs and bezel. The case and screw-down back are made from grade 5 titanium, ensuring lightness on the wrist. The case also maintains a water resistance of 100 meters.
Nonetheless, these are very beautiful watches with presence and a certain sophistication. The addition of titanium not only provides extra comfort but also a shine distinct from that of stainless steel, making these editions somewhat unique. The watches appear somewhat more modern, especially when worn on a matching matte and polished titanium bracelet, closed with a folding clasp with safety push-buttons. For a more casual and relaxed look, these Longines Spirit Titanium watches are also offered on an anthracite nylon strap with a titanium clasp. Both options feature a quick-change system, allowing the bracelet or strap to be swapped without tools.
While the case looks more technical, Longines chose a dial for the collection that looks more retro than ever. Despite maintaining the overall design of previous editions, the dial now features an anthracite sandblasted surface in the center and a satin-finished black flange. Applied numerals and hands, generously filled with Super-LumiNova luminescent material, as well as the 5-star and hourglass logo, are coated with fine gold color 1N. Most importantly, these versions are the first in the collection to feature a no-date indicator.
Under the back cover is the automatic caliber Longines L888.4 (also known as ETA A31.L11), displaying hours, minutes, and seconds. Exclusive to the brand, this mechanism is a notable differentiator compared to many watches in this price range. The movement, 25.60 mm in diameter, operates at 25,200 semi-oscillations per hour, and the balance spring is made of silicon, providing protection against magnetic fields. Furthermore, the movement's accuracy is certified by COSC, the official Swiss chronometer testing institute. Finally, the watch is equipped with a reliable 72-hour power reserve.
The Longines Spirit Titanium watches will soon be available at retail and on the brand's website for 2,550 Euros on a strap and 2,950 Euros on a bracelet. For more information, visit longines.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – LONGINES SPIRIT TITANIUM
Case: 40 mm or 42 mm diameter – grade 5 titanium case, matte with polished accents – sapphire crystal with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides – screw-down crown – titanium case back with 6 screws – water resistance 100 m
Dial: anthracite sandblasted dial – satin-finished black flange, applied Arabic numerals and hands with 1N gold coating – no date indicator
Movement: caliber L888.4 (also known as ETA A31.L11), in-house development – COSC certified chronometer – 25.60 mm – 21 jewels – 25,200 semi-oscillations/hour – silicon balance spring – 72-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds
Bracelet: titanium bracelet with triple safety folding clasp and push-buttons, quick-change system – or anthracite woven nylon strap, titanium clasp, quick-change system
Reference: L3.810.1.53.2/6 – 40 mm
L3.811.1.53.2/6 – 42 mm
Price: 2,550 Euros on strap
2,950 Euros on bracelet