Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925

Longines has introduced new iterations within its Spirit Zulu Time collection, notably the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925, a timepiece that acknowledges a significant milestone in the brand's long history of crafting instruments for aviators and explorers. This release, along with other new models, builds upon a lineage of multiple time zone watches that dates back over a century, reflecting the company's continued development in this specialized area of watchmaking.

The concept of "Zulu Time," a term rooted in aviation and maritime communication, refers to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0), the time at the zero meridian in Greenwich, London. This standardized time is crucial for pilots and navigators to ensure unambiguous communication across different regions, eliminating potential confusion arising from local time variations and AM/PM designations. Longines was an early contributor to this field, addressing the needs of professionals operating across multiple meridians.



As early as 1908, Longines was producing pocket watches for the Ottoman Empire capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously, known as "Turkish Watches." This early work laid the groundwork for future innovations. A significant development came in 1925 when Longines created its first wristwatch incorporating a dual time zone function. This watch featured the distinctive "Z" flag on its dial, a maritime signal representing the letter Z, which in the phonetic alphabet used by military and aviation, corresponds to "Zulu." This historical timepiece is the direct inspiration for the modern Spirit Zulu Time collection.

The contemporary Longines Spirit Zulu Time line was first presented in 2022, aiming to combine historical inspiration with current watchmaking technology. These watches were designed for individuals who frequently travel or need to keep track of time in different parts of the world. The collection has since expanded, with variations in size and materials, including a titanium model introduced in 2024, catering to a wider range of preferences and requirements.

Marking the centenary of the original 1925 Zulu Time wristwatch, Longines unveils the Spirit Zulu Time 1925. This commemorative model serves as a focal point for the brand's 2025 offerings. It is designed to pay respect to its historical predecessor while incorporating contemporary watchmaking standards and materials. The launch is accompanied by a campaign featuring Longines Ambassador Henry Cavill, which centers on the theme of maintaining connections across distances and time zones.

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 commemorative edition (reference L3.803.5.53.6) is presented in a 39 mm stainless steel case. A key feature of this model is its bidirectional rotating bezel, which is distinguished by an 18K rose-gold cap. This rose gold element has a circular-brushed insert, a finish new to the collection, and features a 24-hour scale with meticulously engraved numerals and indexes. The use of rose gold, which contains copper, is a deliberate nod to the copper strip marking the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, itself celebrating its 350th anniversary. This bezel allows the wearer to track a third time zone.



Visually, the watch offers a distinct appearance. The warm tone of the rose gold bezel contrasts sharply with the cool utilitarianism of the stainless steel case. The brushed finish on the gold cap is intended to diffuse light subtly, while the engraved numerals on the bezel provide both functional clarity and a textural detail. The watch exhibits a balanced profile on the wrist, with the 39mm diameter appealing to those who prefer a more moderately sized timepiece.

The dial of the commemorative model is a matt black, providing a high-contrast background for the rose-gold-colored hands and applied Arabic numerals. This combination is chosen for optimal legibility, a critical attribute for any pilot or travel watch. Both the hands and hour markers are treated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring readability in low-light conditions. The GMT hand, which indicates the second time zone, is black with a rose gold-plated arrow tip, also luminous.

Further distinguishing the dial are five applied stars positioned above the 6 o’clock marker, a historical Longines emblem signifying quality and precision. A discreet date window is located at 6 o’clock. Subtly engraved on the dial in a tone-on-tone finish are the years "1925 – 2025," directly referencing the centennial celebration. This engraving is designed to be noticeable upon closer inspection without cluttering the primary time-telling functions of the dial.

A notable feature for the Longines Spirit Zulu Time collection, appearing for the first time on this commemorative edition, is a transparent case back. This sapphire crystal window reveals the movement within, specifically a rotor that has been given a 5N PVD rose-gold coloring. The rotor is further distinguished with a special engraving of a planisphere, with the Prime Meridian highlighted running through its center, reinforcing the watch's connection to global timekeeping. The case back itself is secured by six screws, and the circumference carries a special "1925 – 2025" engraving.



At the core of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is the exclusive Longines calibre L844.4. This is a self-winding mechanical movement that incorporates a silicon balance spring. Silicon is utilized for its beneficial properties: it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and largely unaffected by normal temperature variations and magnetic fields. These characteristics contribute to the movement's precision and durability. The movement is engineered to be up to ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 standard demands.

The L844.4 operates at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and contains 21 jewels. It provides a substantial power reserve of up to 72 hours, meaning the watch can be taken off for a long weekend and will still be running when picked up again. Importantly, this movement is a "true" GMT (also known as a "flyer" GMT). This means the main hour hand can be adjusted independently in one-hour increments, forwards or backwards, without affecting the running of the minutes, seconds, or the 24-hour GMT hand. This functionality is particularly convenient for travelers, as it allows for quick adjustment to new local times while the GMT hand continues to track home time or UTC. Each L844.4 movement is chronometer-certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), attesting to its high precision.

The commemorative Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is supplied with two options for wear: a stainless steel bracelet equipped with a double-folding safety clasp and a push-piece opening mechanism, and a black NATO strap with a traditional pin buckle. The inclusion of both allows the owner to adapt the watch's character, from a more robust, metallic presence with the bracelet to a more utilitarian, fabric feel with the NATO strap. The watch features an interchangeability system for easily swapping between them. This anniversary timepiece is presented in a special-edition box designed to reflect its commemorative nature.

Beyond the centennial model, Longines is also broadening the main Spirit Zulu Time collection with new stainless steel versions, available in both 39 mm (reference L3.802.4.xx.x) and 42 mm (reference L3.812.4.xx.x) diameters. These new additions offer different aesthetic choices while maintaining the core functionality and performance of the collection. Like the anniversary edition, these models feature solid, six-screw case backs.



One set of these new stainless steel models features a bidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert. This insert has a 24-hour scale divided into two distinct shades: matt black and an intense polished black, providing a subtle day/night indication for the second time zone. The numerals and the triangular reference mark on this ceramic bezel are lacquered and treated with Super-LumiNova. These versions pair the black ceramic bezel with a sophisticated matt black dial and rose gold accents on the applied Arabic numerals and hands, creating a cohesive look that ties into the anniversary model's color scheme but with a different bezel material and finish. The case thickness for the 39mm version is 13.50 mm, while the 42mm version measures 14.10 mm thick.

Another new variant within the core Spirit Zulu Time line introduces a blue ceramic bezel. These models (references L3.802.4.60.6 for 39mm and L3.812.4.60.6 for 42mm) present a different color profile, pairing the vibrant blue bezel with a sanded anthracite dial. The applied Arabic numerals and hands on these versions are yellow gold-plated and treated with "Old Radium" style Super-LumiNova, lending a slightly vintage warmth to the display. The black GMT hand features a yellow gold-plated arrow, also luminescent. The blue of the ceramic bezel offers a pronounced contrast against the anthracite dial and the steel case, providing a visually distinct option for those who prefer a touch of color.

The campaign featuring Henry Cavill, titled "What time is it there?", aims to link the functional aspects of the Spirit Zulu Time with the emotional experience of global connectivity. It portrays the watch as a tool that helps bridge distances between people, allowing them to synchronize their lives despite being in different time zones. This narrative positions the timepiece not merely as an instrument for tracking multiple times but as a personal object that facilitates connection in an increasingly interconnected world.



Longines' dedication to movements is underscored by its use of the silicon balance-spring in all its automatic timepieces. This material choice enhances precision and longevity, leading the brand to offer a 5-year warranty on these models. The development of exclusive calibres like the L844.4 demonstrates a commitment to providing advanced technical features tailored to the specific functions of their watches, such as the true GMT capability in the Spirit Zulu Time.

The commemorative Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 (reference L3.803.5.53.6), featuring the 18K rose gold capped bezel, is priced at $4,350. The new stainless steel models equipped with ceramic bezels, including both the black ceramic (references L3.802.4.50.6 for 39mm and L3.812.4.50.6 for 42mm) and blue ceramic (references L3.802.4.60.6 for 39mm and L3.812.4.60.6 for 42mm) options, are available for $3,300. These watches can be acquired through Longines authorized dealers and the official Longines website.

Rose Gold Bezel

Case: 39 mm, 13.50 mm thick; round stainless steel. Domed sapphire crystal, multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Bidirectional rotating bezel with 18K 5N rose gold cap insert, engraved 24-hour scale. Steel screw-down crown. Transparent 6-screw case back with special 1925 – 2025 engraving on circumference. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 metres). Lug distance: 21 mm.

Movement: Exclusive Longines calibre L844.4; self-winding mechanical. COSC-certified chronometer. Silicon balance spring, resistant to magnetic fields (ISO 764). 11 lines, 21 jewels, 25,200 vibrations per hour. Power reserve: up to 72 hours. 5N PVD rose-coloured rotor with planisphere and prime meridian engraving. Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 6 o’clock, GMT.

Dial: Matt black. 11 applied rose gold-plated Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova. Engraving "1925 – 2025" at 6 o’clock. Hands: Rose gold-plated, Super-LumiNova. Black GMT hand with rose gold-plated arrow, Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with double-folding safety clasp and push-piece opening mechanism; interchangeable. Additional black NATO strap with pin buckle included.

Price: $4,350

Reference Number: L3.803.5.53.6

Notes: Commemorative 100th-anniversary edition (1925-2025). Features an 18K rose gold capped bezel and a transparent case back revealing a specially engraved PVD rose gold rotor. Presented in a special-edition box with two straps.



Black Ceramic Bezel

Case: 39 mm (13.50 mm thick, 21 mm lugs) or 42 mm (14.10 mm thick, 22 mm lugs); round stainless steel. Domed sapphire crystal, multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Bidirectional rotating bezel with two-tone ceramic insert (matt black and intense polished black), lacquered 24-hour scale with Super-LumiNova. Steel screw-down crown. 6-screw solid case back. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 metres).

Movement: Exclusive Longines calibre L844.4; self-winding mechanical. COSC-certified chronometer. Silicon balance spring, resistant to magnetic fields (ISO 764). 11 lines, 21 jewels, 25,200 vibrations per hour. Power reserve: up to 72 hours. Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 6 o’clock, GMT.

Dial: Matt black. 11 applied rose-gold Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova. Engraving "1925 – 2025" at 6 o’clock. Hands: Rose gold-plated, Super-LumiNova. Black GMT hand with rose gold-plated arrow, Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with double-folding safety clasp and push-piece opening mechanism; interchangeable.

Price: $3,300

Reference Number: L3.802.4.50.6 (39mm) / L3.812.4.50.6 (42mm)

Notes: Features a bidirectional rotating bezel with a two-tone black ceramic insert (matt and polished) indicating day/night hours. Rose gold dial accents. Available in two case sizes.



Blue Ceramic Bezel

Case: 39 mm (13.50 mm thick, 21 mm lugs) or 42 mm (14.10 mm thick, 22 mm lugs); round stainless steel. Domed sapphire crystal, multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Bidirectional rotating bezel with blue ceramic insert, lacquered 24-hour scale with Old Radium Light Super-LumiNova. Steel screw-down crown. 6-screw solid case back. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 metres).

Movement: Exclusive Longines calibre L844.4; self-winding mechanical. COSC-certified chronometer. Silicon balance spring, resistant to magnetic fields (ISO 764). 11 lines, 21 jewels, 25,200 vibrations per hour. Power reserve: up to 72 hours. Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 6 o’clock, GMT.

Dial: Sanded anthracite. 11 applied yellow gold Arabic numerals with Old Radium Light Super-LumiNova. Hands: Yellow gold-plated, Super-LumiNova (likely Old Radium Light). Black GMT hand with yellow gold-plated arrow, Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with double-folding safety clasp and push-piece opening mechanism; interchangeable.

Price: $3,300

Reference Number: L3.802.4.60.6 (39mm) / L3.812.4.60.6 (42mm)

Notes: Features a blue ceramic bezel and a sanded anthracite dial. Yellow gold accents and Old Radium Light Super-LumiNova provide a distinct aesthetic. Available in two case sizes.