A Fingers-On Introduction To The New Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT Watch

From time to time, it seems like the celebrities align for a model. A current mannequin turns into vastly standard as a result of its sensible design, and the model follows up with a assured subsequent step. All the things comes collectively and ends in perfection. That is precisely how the brand new Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT feels. The watch represents a maturation of the model’s Spirit line and an thrilling step in the suitable route. It maintains all of the design parts that made the Spirit fashions so standard and builds on the strong basis established in 2020. Although the Spirit chronograph was already a shocking riff on the time-only mannequin, this newest take brings a complete new stage of potential to the Spirit. It additionally ties in superbly with the model’s wealthy aviation-watch historical past, paying tribute to a Longines dual-time watch from 1925.

However why name it the Zulu Time? The identify finds its roots within the Zulu flag featured on the dial of the 1925 watch. The NATO phonetic alphabet, utilized by pilots of their radio transmissions, makes use of the phrase “Zulu” for the letter “Z”, which, in flip, designates common time. This designation is utilized by pilots and members of the armed forces alike. In line with the Spirit line’s adventurous ambitions, the Zulu Time GMT is an ideal companion for many who discover themselves leaping from timezone to timezone regularly. Bringing collectively heritage with the model’s spirit of innovation, this newest providing from Longines is not only a ravishing watch. It’s additionally one which evokes a way of journey, hearkening again to the times of its predecessors.

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Worn on the wrists of many adventurers, Longines watches performed a key position within the security and navigation of aviators. These record-setting globetrotters, like Amy Johnson, Clyde Pangborn, and Hugh Herndon all relied on their Longines timepieces for his or her success. Now, nearly a century after their achievements, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time is made out there to modern-day pioneers.

The watch might be out there in three totally different colorways, two of which you’ll be able to see pictured within the article at the moment. First, there’s a vintage-tinted model with a darkish inexperienced bezel, a black dial, and gilt accents. There may be additionally a extra modern-looking model with a black bezel, a black dial, and blue accents. The third choice is the sportiest of the three and includes a blue bezel, a blue dial, and an orange GMT hand. All three of the watches function the Longines COSC-certified caliber L844.4 (A31.L411) with a 72-hour energy reserve and 25,200vph frequency. You’ll even be glad to know that it is a flyer-style GMT watch. As such, it options an independently adjustable native hour hand, which could be set with out interrupting the watch’s timekeeping.

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In terms of aesthetics, the Spirit Zulu Time falls in keeping with the earlier choices within the Spirit assortment. The 42mm stainless-steel case options sharp lugs, an outsized crown, and a brand new bi-directional 24-hour bezel with a ceramic insert. The numerals on the insert are lacquered, and the triangle is stuffed with Tremendous-LumiNova. The dial, seen by way of a domed and AR-coated sapphire crystal, has all the attractive depth that you recognize, love, and anticipate from the Spirit line. The outer minute monitor includes a distinctive brushed texture with a steel ring separating it from the principle dial. Embossed diamond-shaped hour markers sit inside that ring, aligning superbly with the diamond-tipped sweeping seconds hand.

Particulars that rely

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time has a strong metal case again held in place by six screws. This provides the watch 100m of water resistance, which is loads for many adventures. And relying on the local weather — or private desire — you’ll be capable to take pleasure in this watch on the unbelievable metal bracelet or on a beautiful leather-based strap. Personally, I’m a bracelet man 99% of the time. However the leather-based strap choice that Longines supplies for the watch is completely sensible. Extra particularly, it’s the deployment clasp used that’s the actual pièce de resistance. It includes a cleverly built-in ratcheting micro-adjust system! This lets you alter as much as one entire place with the push of a button within the clasp itself.

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The Spirit Zulu Time wears superbly on the wrist. The 42mm measurement is elevated considerably by the lengthy lugs, giving the watch a 49mm wingspan. Nevertheless, due to its 13.9mm peak and downwards-sloping lugs, it hugs the wrist properly. I had no hassle having fun with it on my 18cm wrist. Each on the bracelet and on the strap, the watch feels strong and appears unbelievable. It’s a superbly completed case, with properly contrasting brushed and polished surfaces. It mirrors the basic Spirit line’s design and is a very sharp quantity. The basic appears to be like can be appreciated dial-side, the place an utilized Longines “winged hourglass” brand sits under 12 o’clock. The utilized particulars proceed with Arabic-numeral indices and the 5 stars that sit under the “Zulu Time” textual content. These stars are a historic component featured on Longines watches as a sign of the motion’s accuracy and supreme high quality.

Remaining ideas

As you’ve seen, the brand new Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT watches not solely function an excellent total design. Additionally they provide worth all the way down to the smallest element, from the intricacies on the dial to an excellent micro-adjustable clasp and even a silicon stability spring within the chronometer-certified motion. Moreover, these watches don’t compromise by way of providing “true” flyer-GMT performance. Should you’re available in the market for an excellent go-anywhere, do-anything GMT watch, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a higher choice on this part of the market.

Costs for the Spirit Zulu Time begin at €2,680 on the leather-based strap, and vary as much as slightly below €3K on the metal bracelet.

For extra info on costs and availability, please go to the Longines web site.

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