Buffy Acacia
Longines' GMT take on the Spirit is finally available in titanium as a standard model.The Spirit Zulu Time Titanium boasts favourable dimensions as well as lightweight properties, with a 39mm diameter and 13.5mm thickness.It's powered by a COSC-certified calibre L844.4, a true traveller's GMT automatic movement.In the last decade, few brands have nailed the balance between heritage and modern luxury like Longines has. The Spirit catalogue in particular has seen a huge amount of detail-oriented tool watches, inspired by Longines' piloting history. Considering that the time-only and chronograph references of the Longines Spirit have been available for several years now, it's about time that the Zulu Time Titanium should bring a GMT into the lightweight, hypoallergenic fold – at least as a standard production model.The new Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium has a case made from grade 5 titanium specifically, meaning that it's alloyed with aluminium and vanadium. This gives it both a slightly higher hardness than stainless steel, and a brighter lustre than commercially pure grade 2 titanium, but retaining the attractive grey hue. It's also approximately 40% lighter than steel, so it can be superbly comfortable even on a full bracelet. Considering the 39mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, and 46.7mm lug-to-lug length, it harkens back to vintage watch sizing without sacrificing too much wrist presence. The 100 metres of water resistance also ensures you can swim with it, so it's as much of a tool watch as any.Even a quick glance at the dial oozes sophistication. Black and gold is an all-time legendary colour combination, and there's a bit more gold on display here than most dials going for the same vibe. The applied winged hourglass logo and stars work with the polished gold ring around the dial's perimeter to add dimension, as does the raised chapter ring with the printed grey minute markers for some subtle extra depth. The recessed diamond hour markers accentuate that depth, and mirror the pointed tips of the hand set. Pops of red on the GMT hand and the Zulu Time printed text bring your eye to the GMT complication when needed, but they don't distract from the overall balance. Similarly, the black and grey ceramic bezel helps distinguish the day and night time hours without being as bright as a true bi-colour arrangement.Behind a solid titanium caseback with a winged hourglass and globe etching lies the Longines calibre L844.4, which being a Swatch Group brand, uses an ETA base (A31, i.e. 2892-A2). It's a pretty nice movement considering the 25,200vph beat rate and 72-hour power reserve, with automatic winding and an individually adjustable GMT hand. Its most attractive aspect in this context is the COSC certification, ensuring an accuracy within -4/+6 seconds per day. Performance aside, it's always satisfying to see the word “chronometer” printed on the dial. If you're one to experiment with straps, the 21mm lug width may be a little frustrating, however the provided titanium bracelet is finished beautifully with vertical brushing and some polished edges for a touch of class.Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium price and availabilityThe Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium is available now. Price: US$4,275BrandLonginesModelSpirit Zulu Time TitaniumCase Dimensions39mm (D) x 13.5mm (T) x 46.7mm (LTL)Case MaterialGrade 5 titaniumWater Resistance100 metres, screw-down crownCrystal(s)SapphireDialBlack giltLug Width21mmBracelet and strapsTitanium bracelet, folding claspMovementLongines L844.4, ETA A31.L01 base, automatic, COSC-certifiedPower Reserve72 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, GMTAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceUS$4,275
15.08.24