Longines has been experiencing vital success within the fanatic house since their pilot-style Spirit line of watches launched. Over the previous few years, they’ve launched 39mm variants and a GMT model referred to as the Spirit Zulu Time. Zulu time is a army time period that refers to Common Time Coordinated (UTC). These timepieces, also called GMT watches, can present a second time zone utilizing a 3rd hand and a 24-hour scale on the dial. In December 2023, Longines partnered with Hodinkee to provide a particular model of the Zulu Time in grade 5 titanium, that includes a 39mm case and restricted to solely 500 items worldwide.
This particular version bore a putting resemblance to one other model’s well-liked GMT watch however was considerably thinner and far much less slab-sided, which appealed to many collectors. As profitable as that mannequin was, Longines did step away from the unique appeal of the Spirit assortment, leaving fans wanting a grade 5 Titanium GMT watch that was not a restricted version. They’ve heard the decision and have simply introduced a brand new 39mm Spirit Zulu Time on this materials, which inserts proper in with all of the others within the lineup.
Why are we explicitly mentioning the titanium grade utilized in these watches? In wristwatches, there are typically two kinds of titanium used. Grade 2 and grade 5, and whereas they each have the important thing qualities that make the fabric particular (they’re each very mild), there’s a tangible distinction. Grade 2 titanium is commercially pure titanium, which makes it barely extra corrosion-resistant. Alternatively, grade 5 titanium is an alloy containing 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. This alloy is extra strong, sturdy, and, most notably for watches, extra scratch-resistant. It’s much more scratch-resistant than 316L stainless-steel whereas being 45% lighter.
Sadly, grade 5 titanium is often costlier than grade 2 titanium due to its extra complicated manufacturing course of. Nonetheless, the extra value is commonly justified in high-performance functions the place power and sturdiness are essential. For this reason you will note some manufacturers utilizing grade 5 for particular components that encounter arduous surfaces whereas utilizing grade 2 for components which are primarily involved along with your wrist. This helps to maintain prices down whereas benefiting from scratch resistance the place it’s most wanted. Longines didn’t minimize corners; the watch and its bracelet are fabricated from grade 5.
Apart from its 39mm diameter, it’s 13.5mm thick and has a lug-to-lug size of 46.8mm. This looks as if a magical dimension on paper, however these watches have male end-links, including a couple of millimeters throughout the wrist. Whereas it ought to nonetheless match most individuals very comfortably, it’s important to maintain this in thoughts, because it wears barely bigger than the 39mm would make you consider. Additionally it is surprisingly light-weight, which can be sudden for these unfamiliar with titanium watches. It weighs solely 95g on its full-length bracelet, in comparison with 147g for its stainless-steel counterpart. The distinction makes it way more snug, as you’ll be able to think about.
The dial is sandblasted anthracite with gold-tone Arabic numerals matching the primary palms. The GMT hand is painted black with a pink tip arrow pointer, which matches the “ZULU TIME” textual content on the dial. There may be additionally a beneficiant quantity of SuperLuminova coating on all these options for enhanced visibility in low-light circumstances. The bidirectional rotating bezel, that includes a ceramic insert, is black and gray, permitting the wearer to time a 3rd time zone by aligning it with the GMT hand. Powering the palms is an unique ETA caliber L844.4, made solely for Longines. It operates at an unconventional 25,200 vibrations per hour, is COSC chronometer-certified, and has a 72-hour energy reserve and an anti-magnetic silicon stability spring.
The brand new Longines Spirit Zulu is secured to your wrist by an identical grade 5 titanium bracelet. It’s 21mm between the lugs and tapers barely to satisfy the double-security folding clasp that includes a twin-trigger opening mechanism. It additionally contains a toolless elimination system, making it straightforward and pleasurable to vary straps. Due to its screw-down crown and case again, 100 meters of water resistance and peace of thoughts are supplied, making this watch a really perfect journey companion. Talking of journey, you’ll be able to even modify the hour hand with out stopping the timekeeping, as this can be a correct traveler’s GMT watch.
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time in titanium is priced at $4,275. Longines
