The Compact and Streamlined Longines Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback

Since its introduction in 2020, the Longines Spirit collection, the brand’s vision of a contemporary-spec’d pilot’s watch with a retro-styled design, has evolved into a full-fledged range, featuring multiple materials, practical complications, larger or smaller models, as well as lightweight chronographs. In short, we thought we had seen them all. But no, Longines has decided to expand the collection once more, with the new Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback. And what seemed at first sight to be a mild evolution is actually a duo of focused, streamlined and much more compact watches that have quite some appeal. 

Let me begin with a more personal reflection on these two new additions to the Spirit collection. Just as I did when I first saw these, you’re probably wondering what’s new here… You’re probably telling yourself that not much has changed, which, to a certain extent, isn’t entirely wrong. Also, you could argue that the Pilot moniker feels a bit redundant, since the main objective of the Spirit collection was to offer a blend of contemporary aviation specs within a lightly retro-styled package. Let me tell you this: if the new Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback are not revolutionary on paper, these are very nice additions to the collection that alter the initial concept more deeply than you might think – specifically the chronograph, which undergoes a profound revamp. Longines has listened to the crowd’s feedback, and you can tell by looking at these new models.

The 39mm Longines Spirit Pilot

Let’s start with the most classic and expected version, the time-only Spirit Pilot… But first, you might want to refresh your memory and have a look at what is still the “standard” Spirit model, a watch available in 40mm, 42mm or 37mm cases, all with a date window (at 3 or 6 o’clock depending on the chosen size), with the 5-star logo applied on the dial, numerals on the minute scale, silver-toned markers and hands, and neutral tone for the lume.

Now, there’s this new Spirit Pilot. At first, the recipe is pretty familiar. The case, for instance, hasn’t changed much and retains the same sharp edges, fine mix of brushed surfaces and polished bevels, a screw-down crown and 100m water-resistance. It has, however, been slightly redesigned to now measure 39mm in diameter, 11.5mm in thickness (minus 0.5mm) and improved ergonomics for better comfort on the wrist, with a 47.20mm lug-to-lug (minus 2mm compared to the 40mm date version). The solid steel caseback with 6 screws has also been replaced by a screwed element.

The cleaning process continues on the dial. The Spirit Pilot is now a time-only watch, since the date window has been removed. The same is true for the 5-star logo, an old feature used to indicate higher grade movements and chronometer capacities, which is now gone and replaced by a classic “Chronometer Officially Certified” mention. The two-layer dial, with its nicely designed flange with cutouts around the markers, is retained but now treated in black with a more matte effect. Adding charm to this edition, the applied numerals, logo, text and tracks are all executed in gold tones. Finally, the minute track has been refined for enhanced clarity – now a simpler railroad scale – and the Automatic mention at 12 o’clock has been removed.

Under the solid caseback, no changes. The Spirit Pilot relies on the Longines-exclusive calibre L888.4, an evolution of the ETA 2892 beating at 3.5Hz, featuring a magnetic-resistant silicon hairspring and delivering 72 hours of power reserve. Its precision is certified by the COSC. This version is offered in a variety of styles, with a 3-link steel bracelet or a brown leather strap. Both are equipped with an interchangeability system and a micro-adjustable folding clasp. Alternatively, you can opt for a textile-style green rubber strap with a pin buckle. Prices are EUR 2,950 on steel bracelet, EUR 2,700 on leather strap and EUR 2,600 on rubber strap.

The compact Spirit Pilot Flyback

The Spirit Pilot collection also includes a second watch, this time with a flyback chronograph function, a must for an aviation-oriented model and an invention of Longines back in the 1930s. This isn’t the first chronograph in the collection, nor the first to come equipped with a retour en vol. All of these models were, however, fairly large at 42mm in diameter and a thickness ranging from 16.5mm to 17mm – due to the automatic movement inside. Not for every wrist, you’ll admit.

I’m happy to present this new Spirit Pilot Flyback, as it marks a drastic evolution for the collection, in particular regarding the proportions of the watch. Thanks to a hand-wound movement, the case has been significantly reduced, both in diameter (39.5mm, minus 2.5mm), in thickness (13.4mm, minus 3mm to 3.5mm), and in length (47.40mm, minus 2mm to 4mm), resulting in a sleeker and much more comfortable watch on the wrist. And despite the smaller case, Longines includes a rotating bezel with a ceramic insert, which for the first time features a countdown timer. The latter frames a new vintage-styled box-shaped sapphire crystal, and, despite the absence of a screw-down crown, it is water-resistant to 100 metres.

The dial of this 2025 Spirit Pilot Flyback follows the same principles as the time-only model, with a matte black surface, no date or 5-star logo and gilt-toned hands, markers, logos and tracks. Compared to the automatic, 42mm flyback version, the two-register dial feels cleaner, better proportioned and yet more charming. The same is true for the bezel insert, which no longer features the slightly odd recessed square markers.

Under the sapphire caseback is the Longines-exclusive calibre L792.4, a deeply modified Valjoux 7750 base. This hand-wound movement has been upgraded with a column wheel to command the chronograph’s start-stop-reset functions, as well as a practical flyback function and a silicon hairspring. The power reserve is now rated at 68 hours, and the movement is chronometer-certified by COSC.

The 2025 Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback is available on a stainless steel bracelet or a brown leather strap, both equipped with a micro-adjustable folding clasp, and priced respectively at EUR 5,400 and EUR 5,150. For more details, please visit longines.com.