To honour some of the world’s most legendary pilots, Longines have unveiled an entire new Longines Spirit watch collection which brings to life the bravery, aptitude, and expertise of pioneers like Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, Elinor Smith and Paul-Emilie Victor.
Since their founding in 1832, Longines have become renowned for their iconic pilot watches relied on by aviators all across the globe. Charles Lindbergh is one of the most illustrious names associated with Longines, having achieved the first non-stop transatlantic solo flight in 1927 with a Longines watch strapped to his wrist to time his record. Paul Emilie Victor also trusted in the accuracy of his Longines watch which survived extreme temperatures up to -40°C for months on end. To commemorate aviators of all kinds, the new Longines Spirit watch collection combines stunning vintage aesthetics, oversized winding crowns, legible dial designs and chronometer certified movements for optimal application in the cockpit.
There are two versions of the Longines Spirit watch to choose from: the Longines Spirit Date and the Longines Spirit Chronograph. Both are presented in classically shaped pilot stainless steel cases with sleek lugs, an oversized crown made to be adjusted while wearing gloves and a raised brushed and polished fixed bezel. Domed sapphire crystal glass is used to protect the dial and a screw down case back ensures a water resistant rating of 100 metres.
The Longines Spirit Date is available in two sizes, 40mm or 42mm and is available on a leather strap in brown, black or blue or a classic three-link stainless steel bracelet with folding buckle. The Longines Spirit Chronograph, on the other hand, is only available in 42mm but is available on the same colour choices of leather straps or steel bracelet.
Both the Longines Spirit Date and the Longines Spirit Chronograph are available in three different dial colours including matte black, grained silver and sunray blue. They are purposely decorated for high contrast and to achieve optimal legibility for pilots flying during both the day and night. Superluminova coated hands and numerals are found on both variations while the chronograph features flanges on the counters to add brightness and aesthetic balance, similar to that of the wings of an airplane.
One of the most important aspects of a pilot’s watch is its reliability, and Longines have taken no chances with the Longines Spirit watch collection and fitted each timepiece with a COSC certified automatic winding movement. To power the Longines Spirit Date, the L888.4 calibre is used which provides a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and a 64 hour power reserve. The movement also comes equipped with the brand’s legendary silicon balance spring to ensure outstanding quality and the constant precision of time. Its silicon construction makes it lighter and more durable than a traditional balance spring – just as the flight of an aircraft depends on the fine balance of its wings.
The Longines Spirit Chronograph boasts Longines’ proprietary automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, the L688.4 calibre, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 60 hours. This also comes equipped with a silicon balance spring while the cam-lever device is replaced by a nobler more accurate column wheel system. Like the Longines Spirit Date, the chronograph is guaranteed a chronometer certificate which promises an accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds per day.
Retailing from £1,650, the Longines Spirit watch collection is expected to be fully released in September but until then, you can pre-order the entire range on the Jura Watches website here available with interest free finance and free next day delivery!
Specifications: Longines Spirit Watches
- Case Size: 40mm or 42mm (Date), 42mm (Chronograph)
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Case Back: Screw down
- Crown: Screw in
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: L888.4 automatic (Date), L688.4 automatic (Chronograph)
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date (Date), hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, date, three subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hour counters (Chronograph)
- Power Reserve: 64 hours (Date), 60 hours (Chronograph)
- Jewels: 21 (Date), 27 (Chronograph)
- Frequency: 25,200vph (Date), 28,800vph (Chronograph)
- COSC Certified: Yes
- Dial: Blue, black or silver
- Strap: Leather or steel bracelet
- RRP: Starting from £1,650
- Release Date: September 2020
