Building on a tradition spanning almost a century in the creation of watches dedicated to the world of aviation, Longines presents the new Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback.
Longines presents two new timepieces that expand the Spirit collection: the Spirit Pilot and the Spirit Pilot Flyback. These new pilot's watches combine a highly recognisable design with two types of movements, time-only and flyback chronograph. With almost a century of aeronautical heritage behind it, the Saint-Imier company confirms its privileged position in the instrument-watch sector by presenting timepieces that embody the pioneering spirit of the aviators who conquered the skies relying on Longines precision.
In particular, the new Longines Spirit Pilot represents a return to the collection's origins, proposing a three-sphere model characterised by clean lines and pure functionality. The 39 mm steel case has been completely redesigned, with great attention paid to ergonomics and comfort.
The Spirit Pilot's matt black dial eliminates all distractions, favouring maximum clarity. Unlike the original Spirit, this updated version features an even more minimalist design, without the five-star logo and with redesigned small parts for optimal readability. The golden hands and applied Arabic numerals (all coated with SuperLuminova) create a striking contrast, which allows the time to be read in all light conditions, giving the watch an unmistakable vintage charm.
The Longines Spirit Pilot is driven by the calibre L888.4 (25,200 vibrations per hour), a self-winding mechanical movement. Equipped with a silicon balance spring, this calibre offers a resistance to magnetic fields ten times higher than the ISO 764 standard, an essential feature for professional aviators. With a power reserve of up to 72 hours and chronometer certification issued by the Cosc, this movement guarantees excellent reliability. Finally, the new screw-down case back represents a significant change in the architecture of the timepiece, improving the protection of the movement.
Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback: a chronograph for aviators
Alongside the Spirit Pilot solotempo, Longines is also presenting the new Spirit Pilot Flyback, an automatic chronograph with a 'retour en vol' function.
The new Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback celebrates one of Longines' most important inventions: the flyback function, developed in the early 1930s and patented in 1935. This chronograph testifies to the brand's pioneering role in the development of watchmaking complications essential to aviation.
With a steel case 39.5 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick, the Spirit Pilot Flyback offers an elegant and comfortable profile. The bidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert features a countdown timer for the first time, with an improved rotation system that makes it easy to use even when wearing gloves. The box-type sapphire crystal and matt black dial recall the distinctive aesthetics of vintage aviation instruments, while the gold-plated hands and applied numerals coated with SuperLuminova ensure excellent visibility in all situations.
The new Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback is driven by the hand-wound L792.4 calibre (28,800 vibrations per hour, chrono functions by means of a column wheel), which can be seen through the screw-down transparent case back. It is equipped with a flyback function, which allows timing to be reset and restarted with a single push of the button, an essential feature for professional timing in aviation. With 68 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring for greater resistance to magnetic fields and Cosc certification, this exclusive Longines calibre guarantees performance worthy of professional cockpit instruments.
Longines Spirit Pilot: bracelet or strap
Both new Spirit Pilot models are available with a steel bracelet or strap.
Both of the new models in Longines' Spirit Pilot collection offer different options for attaching them to the wrist, with either a steel bracelet or a strap, to suit every style and occasion. The steel bracelet with folding clasp and micro-adjustment system ensures optimal comfort, while the interchangeable brown leather straps offer a more classic and elegant look. An interesting novelty is the green rubber strap with textile print, which is only available for the Spirit Pilot three-hander. The straps are equipped with a steel pin buckle.
With guaranteed water resistance to 10 atmospheres (100 metres) The new Longines Spirit Pilot is fitted with a sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, a screw-down crown and screw-down case backs. Finally, all Spirit Pilot models benefit from the 5-year Longines warranty, testimony to the build quality and reliability of silicon balance spring movements. This extended warranty reflects the Swiss manufacturer's confidence in the durability and performance of its timepieces.
Prices2,600 to 3,000 euros (Spirit Pilot); 5,250 euros (Spirit Pilot Flyback with leather strap); 5,500 euros (Spirit Pilot Flyback with steel bracelet).
