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.
The Zulu Time of the new millennium is a GMT with an independent second hour hand and a bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel, and the new 2023 version introduces a new 39 mm size alongside the 42 mm variants.
More compact and with a thickness of 13.5 mm, the steel case also offers optimal wearability for those who like aviator watches but are looking for smaller dimensions.
The flagship model in the collection uses yellow gold for the crown and bezel, with a chocolate brown ceramic insert and golden graduation. Also gilded are the indexes and hands, coated with SuperLuminova old radium to emphasise the vintage touch, contrasting with the anthracite colour of the sandblasted dial.
The movement used is the automatic calibre L844.4, produced exclusively by ETA for Longines (the base is ETA A31.411, a variation of 2892-A2), Cosc-certified, with a 3-day 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.
It is fitted with an interchangeable steel bracelet with a folding clasp with a double safety system and push-button-operated opening mechanism.
Price4,700 euro.
