New Longines Spirit Zulu Time in 39mm
Last year Longines launched an addition to the Spirit line in the form of a watch with a GMT complication that was well received by watch enthusiasts around the world. This year the collection is broadened with a new size and a completely new model in gold and steel.
Text: Aleksandar Mladenovic
Last year Longines launched an addition to the Spirit series in the form of a watch with a GMT complication that was well received by watch enthusiasts around the world. This year the collection is broadened with a new size and a completely new model in gold and steel.
Last year we took a closer look at Longines' ”flagship” for the year, Spirit Zulu Time. A watch that was appreciated by the great masses but where a significant portion of the watch enthusiasts asked for a smaller and slightly more wearable size. Longines listens to its customers by releasing a new version of Spirit Zulu Time this year in a size of 39mm.
Earlier this year they presented this year's flagship in the form of the Spirit Flyback Chronograph and now comes yet another interesting release. Longines does not seem to be resting on its laurels and we know that they have even more interesting releases coming during the year, but let us focus on the new Spirit Zulu Time for the moment.
Broadly speaking there is not that much that differs beyond the size of the new models (if we disregard the new combination with a dark grey dial, brown bezel insert and bezel in gold, we will come back to that a little further down).
The case has thus shrunk by 3mm and now measures 39mm, likewise the thickness has decreased by 0.4mm and the model is 13.5mm thick. The case is brushed and the characteristic wide chamfer along the lugs is of course also found on this model. The model is still water resistant down to 100m and the crown is screwed down.
The model is found in 4 versions where we recognise 3 of them from last year: blue dial with blue bezel, black dial with black bezel and a dark grey dial with green bezel. The new version has a dark grey dial with applied indices and details in gold as well as a crown and bezel in solid gold. The bezel insert, ceramic like the remaining models, has a chocolate brown colour.
The dials have applied indices, logotype and the cut-out diamond shaped markers with luminous material along the inner ring that separates the minute markings and the indices. Hands and indices are filled with Super Luminova.
A small but quite important detail is the placement of the date window. On the 42mm large model the date window did not quite follow the curvature of the applied indices, something that has now been fixed and that gives a more harmonious design.
The watches are available on both a steel bracelet and leather strap (as well as a brown NATO strap for the model in gold and steel) where both options have micro adjustment and quick release fittings that make quick and easy strap changes possible.
Inside the watches calibre L444.4 continues to tick, which is a reworked movement from ETA (calibre A31) that is exclusive to Longines. The movement is chronometer certified by COSC, has a power reserve of 72 hours and ticks at 25,200 beats per hour. The balance spring is made of silicon in order to better withstand magnetism.
Prices start at 36,800kr on a strap and 38,100kr on a bracelet for the models in steel and 50,850kr for the model in steel and gold on a strap and 52,200kr on a bracelet.
More information about the watch at Longines
