Introducing: The New Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time is a fan favorite for good reason. Whether you prefer the 42mm or the 39mm, you get a fantastic daily travel-friendly watch with outstanding finishing that trumps most rivals. With two sizes and many colors already available, we knew the day would come when Longines would add a titanium version. After all, Longines already uses the lightweight material for several other Spirit models. Well, Fratelli, here it is. Introducing the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in titanium.
The new Grade 5 titanium Longines Spirit Zulu Time features a 39mm case. Additionally, we get a rather special new ceramic bezel insert, which is partly polished and partly matt. Let’s have a closer look.
Some Longines Spirit Zulu Time background
Longines introduced the Zulu Time back in the spring of 2022. It showed that Longines saw great potential in the Spirit line, a prediction that proved correct. Starting with the basics: “Zulu” refers to the NATO phonetic alphabet. Pilots use it in radio communication. Zulu refers to the letter Z, which in turn refers to universal time. It is a fitting name for a pilot’s watch with GMT functionality.
The original Zulu Time came in three colors. Additionally, you could pick a bracelet or a leather strap. All versions shared a stainless steel build, measuring 42mm across by 49mm in length. The 13.9mm thickness partly enabled a 100-meter-rated water resistance. Inside ticks the Longines COSC-certified caliber L844.4 (A31.L411) with a 72-hour power reserve and 25,200vph frequency. To many aficionados’ enthusiasm, the GMT complication was of the flyer or traveler’s kind. Lastly, there is a date at six, a key ingredient for a travel watch.
Then, a little over a year later, Longines added a 39mm version to its collection. The more compact model measured 47mm lug-to-lug and 13.5mm thick. This release, particularly, triggered smiles at Fratello HQ. The slightly more compact size made the watch quite a lot more versatile.
The new Spirit Zulu Time Titanium
Longines first applies the titanium treatment to the 39mm model. I can only assume that the 42mm model will follow at some point. After all, titanium versions of the Spirit chronographs in the larger size are already available. You could argue that the choice for the 39mm model makes sense from a comfort perspective. Titanium is particularly attractive if you seek the feeling of wearing no watch at all. The smaller model, made of the lighter material will maximize that effect.
Only two things change spec-wise compared to the steel Spirit Zulu time: the material and the bezel insert. The case remains wearable at 39mm × 47mm × 13.5mm and is reted to a water-resistant of 100 meters. The caliber inside is still the L844.4 we know from the steel models.
The biggest news is the ceramic bezel insert. As you know, most ceramic bezels are glossy, and matte ceramic bezels are quite rare. Longines, however, has combined the two textures to visualize the distinction between day and night. As you might suspect, daytime is glossy, and nighttime is matte. The result is very cool indeed, and I suspect we will see more of it in the future.
Initial impressions
This is probably my favorite version of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time. The titanium’s slightly darker tone complements the watch’s overall look. I also really like the new split-texture bezel insert. Two-tone bezels always remind me too much of a certain brand that shall not be named here. To see a brand find a new and original way to distinguish between day and night is really cool. The effect is subtle and refined, which I applaud.
I could do without the gilt accents on the dial and hands. This watch has its roots firmly planted in horological heritage, so it doesn’t need to lean overly vintage. To me, it would look more confident and fresh if it just dared to be modern. On the other hand, if you ignore the vintage connotations of gilt, the accents do add warmth to an otherwise fairly clinical design.
Overall, I think Longines has another winner on its hands. The Spirit collection excels with great finishing and build quality at competitive prices. In fact, I could not point at many watches that rival the crispness and sharpness of its surfaces, especially not under €10k. The new Zulu Time titanium only adds more choice to a comprehensive and highly attractive lineup. This new model is priced at €4,500.
What do you think of the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium? Let us know in the comments section below!
