Introducing: Longines Adds To Its Spirit Collection, Led By The Titanium Zulu Time 39

What We Know

Following last year’s introduction of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in 39mm, the Swiss brand has added a titanium Zulu Time to its growing GMT lineup. This latest addition is similar to last year’s stainless steel Zulu Time or the limited edition from this very blog, just a little lighter.

The Longines Spirit Zulu 39mm has a grade 5 titanium case measuring 39 x 13.5mm (46.7mm lug-to-lug). The bracelet tapers from 21mm at the lugs to a 16mm clasp with double-trigger release. The anthracite dial has applied Arabic numerals, with gold-plated accents on the hands and numerals. The black GMT hand has a red tip, and there’s a date window at six o’clock. Otherwise, the dial is adorned with an applied Longines logo and the Spirit line’s “five star” treatment above the date. The titanium Spirit Zulu Time has a black, bi-directional ceramic bezel insert with lacquered numerals and a lume pip at 12 o’clock.

“I know that the five stars offer a link to past Longines models, but I also know that it looks like this watch has an Uber rating,” James wrote about those pesky five stars, and I basically agree, despite my embarrassingly low Uber rating that I swear is the fault of my college buddies and not me (I’m nothing but charming and have no temperature or music preferences – just no Sabrina Carpenter!).

Inside is the Longines caliber L844.4, an automatic COSC-certified caliber derived from an ETA that beats at 3.5 Hz with a 72-hour power reserve. It’s a local-jumping “flyer” GMT movement, as it prioritizes the user’s ability to update the main hour hand to a new time zone without stopping or otherwise affecting the general timekeeping or setting of the watch. Just unscrew the crown, and quick-set the hour hand as you might a date display.

The titanium Longines Zulu Time has a retail price of $4,275. 

But wait, there’s more! In addition to the handsome new GMT, Longines has also added a new version of the Flyback Chronograph to its Spirit Collection. Introduced in 2023, the Spirit Flyback carries on Longines’ history as the producer of the first flyback chronograph wristwatch (introduced in 1925, with a patent filed a decade later). The latest additional the flyback family is a two-tone take on the existing model, adding 18-carat yellow or rose gold pushers and crown, along with a gold-capped bezel. The case measures 42 x 17mm – it’s a big boy and that’s why it gets second billing in this intro. It joins stainless steel and titanium options in the Spirit Flyback collection. I haven’t spent more than a few minutes with any of these in person, but the titanium is far and away the most manageable for me, with its lighter weight making the dimensions at least feel more wearable. Price: $6,500. 

What We Think

Longines continues to execute solid, good-looking watches at a reasonable price. The titanium Spirit Zulu Time in 39mm was a natural extension of the lineup, perhaps even expected after last year’s limited edition. Last year, James went hands-on with the black-green-gold steel Zulu Time and he said he didn’t care for that color and would’ve preferred the modern blue. 

I’m more partial to gilt accents than James (we bicker about it all the time) – they’ve never bothered me on some of Longines’ (or Tudor’s) other watches, and I actually kind of like the green-and-gold on that Zulu Time. But I’m not sure if gilt accents are my favorite choice on a titanium watch. I might’ve preferred Longines playing this one with a straight-up modern aesthetic. But, perhaps that’s to come. Anyway, executing a grey monochromatic vibe on a titanium watch has already become something of a cliche (Longines and Zenith have done it recently, for example), but now I’m starting to argue with myself. Okay, maybe the gilt is fine here! 

Beyond the color choices, there’s not much else to add – read James’ full review for a full take on the fit and finish, those controversial 5 stars at 6 o’clock, and what he calls a “confident crown.”  

The story’s much the same with the two-tone Spirit Flybacks. There’s an option with a brown dial and 5N pink gold or a green dial with yellow gold; again, green and gold for me, if only because they were the colors of my grade school – Fly Eagles Fly! – and honestly it looks like they haven’t changed their website one bit since I graduated in the mid-aughts, which was just delightful to discover. 

Much like my little grade school, Longines doesn’t need to change much either. It should probably slim down that Flyback by a few millimeters, but the Zulu Time 39 is such a winner in my book that I don’t really care. The market for flyer GMTs is crowded nowadays, but Longines’ offerings are more than competitive. 

The Basics

Brand: Longines
Model: Spirit Zulu Time
Reference Number: L3.802.1.53.6
Diameter: 39mm
Thickness: 13.5mm
Lug width: 21mm (why are brands doing this to us?!)
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Dial: Sanded anthracite with applied Arabic numerals
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, and NATO-style options (see above)

The Movement

Caliber: Longines L844.4 (ETA A31.L411 base)
Functions: Date, 24-hour GMT
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour
Jewels: 21
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC certified
Additional Details: Silicon balance spring

Pricing & Availability

Price: $4,275

For more, check out the Longines Spirit Collection.

​Hodinkee 

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