The New Longines Spirit Zulu Time (Hands-On Review, Video & Price)

Longines is a brand with a rich history, and in many fields. One that stands out above the others is, without doubt, the field of aviation watches… Longines has drawn inspiration from this heritage to create the vintage-inspired Spirit watches, celebrating pilots, military personnel and sportsman that relied on Longines throughout its history. Launched in 2020, the Spirit featured COSC automatic movements and a choice of time-and-date or chronograph models. Combining old-school design cues with a contemporary execution, it relies on classic codes of the genre. But the Spirit hasn’t been designed using an existing vintage watch. For 2022, the brand with the winged hourglass introduces a new model with a particularly relevant function for an aviation-themed watch, a second time zone or GMT indication. Meet the Longines Spirit Zulu Time.

The name Zulu Time is a reference at the first Longines wristwatch to indicate a second time zone, the 1925 Zulu Time that was emblazoned with a Z-flag on the dial. Z stands for Zulu Time, used in the military and in navigation generally as a term for Universal Coordinated Time. 

The new Longines Spirit Zulu Time is presented in a 42mm steel case, with a height of 13.90mm. For the occasion, it has been fitted with a bidirectional rotating bezel that operates precisely and smoothly. The ceramic insert comes in black, green or blue with a Super-LumiNova triangle. The case is mostly brushed with several striking, large polished bevels. Courtesy of the easy-to-grip screw-in crown and of the full case back fastened with 6 screws, the water resistance is rated at 100m.

In line with the other models from the collection, the retro-inspired dial focuses on legibility with applied luminescent Arabic numerals, diamond-shaped hour markers and baton hands. It comes in 3 different colours: matte black, anthracite sandblasted or sunray-brushed blue. The brand’s winged hourglass logo and the five stars appear in relief. The second time zone is indicated by a contrasting arrow-shaped hand linked to a 24-hour scale. The sapphire crystal is slightly domed and features anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Inside the watch is the automatic calibre L844.4, an exclusive and extensively modified version of the calibre ETA A31. It is a chronometer whose precision is certified by the COSC. This movement runs at 25,200 vibrations per hour and features a silicon balance spring for antimagnetic properties. It comes with a comfortable, week-end proof, 72-hour power reserve. It displays the hours, minutes, seconds and the date via an aperture at 6 o’clock. Last and most importantly here, there is a 24-hour hand for the second time zone indication.

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time is worn either on a leather strap or on a three-link bracelet that feels well-built, robust and comfortable. Both the straps and the bracelet are fitted with a practical interchangeability system that allows you to swap these and change the personality of your watch in seconds, with no tool. The safety folding clasp is released by a pair of pushers and has micro-adjustment.

On the wrist, this versatile watch is compelling, it feels robust and precisely executed. The addition of the second time zone function is both practical, while interestingly changing its look… In a similar vein but slightly more tool-ish than the classic versions of the Longines Spirit. Price is set at CHF 2,750 on a leather strap and CHF 2,850 on a steel bracelet.

For more information on the Longines Spirit Zulu Time, please visit longines.com.