In the history of wrist chronograph development, Longines is credited with introducing the flyback function in 1936. Created for aeronautical needs to time the various phases of flight, it allows, once the chronograph is already in motion, the measurement of several intervals in continuous succession by pressing and releasing a single pushpiece, instead of having to perform the stop-start sequence in rapid succession. The patent, filed by Longines on 12 June 1935, was granted on 16 June 1936.
Moreover, the brand's history accompanied the development of civil and military aviation throughout the first half of the 20th century and can boast a long list of aviators and explorers who relied on its timepieces for their adventurous journeys.
Like Richard Byrd who in the 1920s, with the help of Longines instruments, was the first man to fly over the South Pole. And it is with the Spirit collection that the brand now offers instrument watches that pay tribute to this pioneering spirit. A collection that is now enriched by a version with a flyback function, to give new lustre to its great past and to one of its records.
Obviously, the Spirit Flyback is a child of the new millennium and introduces a latest-generation mechanism: the automatic L791.4 calibre with a column wheel and silicon balance spring, resistant to magnetic fields, with a 68-hour power reserve and Cosc chronometer certificate, visible on the back side.
With a 42 mm steel case, equipped with a bidirectional bezel with a coloured ceramic insert, it is available with a black or sun-blue dial. Excellent legibility is provided by bronze-coloured indexes and hands with SuperLuminova.
The interchangeability system allows the option of choosing between a steel bracelet or a blue fabric or brown leather strap, but a beige Nato strap is also available.
Prices4,850 to 5,000 euro.
