In 2022 Longines launched the Spirit Zulu Time, continuing its long tradition of making watches with dual time displays. The name comes from a 1925 model, which was the first wristwatch to feature an independent second hour hand. What characterised it was the presence of the Zulu symbol on the dial in reference to the letter 'Z', which stands for universal time in aviation.
Taking the recent new 39 mm size (more compact and 13.5 mm thick) and introducing some special modifications, the Spirit Zulu Time Limited Edition for Hodinkee is made of grade 5 titanium, which is light, strong and hypoallergenic. A distinctive feature is the bidirectional rotating bezel, here in brushed titanium with a laser-engraved 24-hour scale.
The sandblasted anthracite dial features polished PVD titanium Arabic hour markers and hands with SuperLuminova old radium coating. The date window is positioned at 3 o'clock and the matt black GMT central hand has a yellow tip with a luminescent arrow, the same colour as the 'Zulu Time' inscription at 6 o'clock. Water-resistant to 100 metres, it is fitted with a new titanium bracelet with a folding clasp.
The movement used is the automatic calibre L844.4, exclusively manufactured by ETA for Longines, Cosc-certified, with a 72-hour power reserve and a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. The silicon balance spring ensures resistance to magnetic fields of up to 800 gauss according to the ISO764 standard. The name and number of the edition are engraved on the screw-down case back. This is a limited edition of 500 pieces, on sale for €4,250.
