A complete review of the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium, ref. L3.802.1.53.6, a lightweight version of its GMT pilot's watch. Price €4,550
Longines is launching the Spirit Zulu Time Titanium, ref. L3.802.1.53.6, a lightweight version crafted from Grade 5 titanium of the successful GMT pilot's watch introduced in 2022 in a 42 mm diameter case and followed in 2023 by 39 mm variations.
Part of the Longines Spirit collection, the line owes its Zulu Time name to the first Longines dual time-zone wristwatch produced in 1925, which featured the Zulu flag on its dial. Zulu Time—where 'Zulu' refers to the letter Z—is another term for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), commonly used in aviation and the military.
We had the possibility to preview and wear the new Spirit Zulu Time Titanium and we are now delighted to share our impressions and pictures with our readers.
The new model comes in a 39 mm diameter and 13.50 mm thick case crafted from Grade 5 titanium, an alloy (composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium) renowned for its lightweight and corrosion resistance. Its high mechanical strength makes it complex to work with but also more hard-wearing.
Offering the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metal, Grade 5 titanium is also darker than steel for a more technical look.
Surfaces are mainly satin-brushed with polished details to highlight the dynamic design. The large screw-in crown helps ensure water-resistance up to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).
The case is equipped with a bidirectional bezel featuring a ceramic bezel with a 24-hour scale divided in two shades, matt black and intense polished black, to indicate the hours of the day and night, respectively.
Protected by a domed sapphire crystal with a multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides, the sanded anthracite dial features applied Arabic numerals and polished yellow gold hands
The matt black GMT hand stands out for its arrow tip in the same red colour as the “Zulu Time” inscription on the dial. This 24-hour hand can be used to track multiple time zones in combination with the bidirectional rotating bezel, also graduated over 24 hours.
A date aperture at 6 o'clock completes the indications.
For enhanced legibility in low-light conditions, the numerals and the four hands, along with the bezel's arrow at 12 o'clock, are treated with Super-LumiNova glowing blue in the dark.
The new in-house Calibre L844.4 (A31.L411) makes it possible to adjust the hour hand independently of the GMT indicator.
All functions are easily controlled via the crown. After unscrewing it, in Position 1, you can manually wind the movement.
In Position 2, the hour hand indicating local time moves in 1-hour steps without altering the reference time in the 24-hour format. The date, which is linked to the local time, will automatically adjust when the hour hand passes midnight.
In Position 3, the crown adjusts the time, with the GMT hand moving accordingly.
Equipped with a silicon balance-spring offering exceptional resistance to magnetic fields, this self-winding movement beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 72 hours and is chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) as confirmed by the five stars stamped on the dial which, in the history of Longines, is a guarantee of a movement of the highest quality.
The solid caseback is secured with six screws and engraved with a stylised winged hourglass and, on the background, the globe representing the Longines Spirit collection.
The three-link bracelet is crafted from Grade 5 titanium and features a fast exchange system. It is secured to the wrist by a double folding clasp with security push buttons. The lug width is 21 mm.
The ideal size and the overall lightness ensure comfortable wearability on average wrists. For reference, the wrist in our pictures measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches.
The new Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium, ref. L3.802.1.53.6, has a suggested retail price of €4,550. Combining a captivating look and excellent performance, this watch is a standout choice if you are looking for a GMT sport model. longines.com
Very nice GMT model. I love the two-tone bezel. Now the question is: steel or titanium?
ReplyDeleteNow we have a grade 5 titanium watch that I think is the perfect one yet - anthracite dial, gold-plated hands and indexes, white numerals on the bezel, monochromatic bi-color bezel, red accent on the gmt hand, COSC-certified movement with silicon balance spring made in Switzerland, quick release bracelet. I would love to see a quick adjust clasp at some time, similar to what they did with the legend diver 29mm for which they recently introduced such a clasp.
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