Here at the Watches of Switzerland Group we are delighted to be the exclusive stockists of two of the new Spirit Zulu timepieces for 6 weeks. These 42mm watches have a vintage colour lume and sandblasted anthracite dial, combined with a deep and rich green bezel which creates a beautiful colourway combination. With a 72-hour power reserve, GMT indicator and bidirectional rotating bezel we are very excited to introduce these to the Spirit collection. Sophie Conroy, Expert Buyer
The Swiss luxury watch brand Longines first introduced a dual time watch in 1925; it’s a vintage timepiece not too many will be familiar with, but the innovation signalled the start of Longines’ influence in the world of aviation. Now, almost a century later, the introduction of the new Zulu Time into the Longines Spirit collection is more than just a tribute to their first dual watch; it’s a love letter to where it all began.
Why Zulu Time?
To truly understand the history behind the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time, it’s first worth revisiting where it all began. A trip back to 1925 pinpoints the exact year Longines made their strides in becoming watch-making aviation giants, when integrating a second time zone and placing a Z-flag on their dial – a clear nod to the universal time format used in both aviation and military – the Swiss luxury brand introduced their first Zulu Time watch. Since then, a plethora of famous adventurers have crossed the world’s time zones with determination and passion in their hearts, and a Longines watch proudly guiding them on their wrists.
From Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, to Clyde Pangborn & Hugh Herndon, two daring American aviators who completed the world’s first nonstop flight from Japan to the United States – Longines were there with them; every ascent, descent, knot, altitude, and turbulent moment along the way.
Just under a hundred years later, Longines are paying homage to their aviation roots and have introduced the new Zulu Time into the Longines Spirt collection, signalling a new chapter to their pilot watch history.
It’s all in the detail
Available to purchase with either a steel bracelet for £2,480 or leather strap for £2,400, Longines have packed in an incredible amount of detail into the Zulu Time making the timepiece a steal at its price point. The new Longines in-house calibre with a silicon balance-spring guarantees the accurate indication of time zones, whilst the bidirectional coin edge bezel featuring a classic engraved 24-hour hand sets it apart from the rest of the collection. The timepiece also boasts a 72-hour power reserve, ensuring accuracy is at the very heart of the design.
But perhaps the most impressive element of this handsome watch from Longines comes in the execution and care given to the various aesthetic finishes. The dial, available in matt black, sandblasted anthracite or sunray blue, has a beautiful depth enhanced only by the bezel with a coloured ceramic insert. All the hands and numerals are coated in Super-LumiNova for excellent timekeeping under any circumstances.
Moreover, the option of either a stainless-steel bracelet or a brown, beige, or blue leather strap to accompany the 42mm stainless steel case will ensure you’ll be fit for any event or occasion.
Longines meticulous attention to detail in this timepiece guarantees that it is once again the perfect companion for the globetrotters amongst us, but the aesthetics of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time means it’s also certain to be a must-have to audiences beyond adventurers and pioneers.
Explore more from Longines here at Mappin & Webb.
