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When I think of Longines’ current catalog, my mind first goes to their heritage timepieces. Often crowd-pleasers, these sexy throwbacks highlight cool watches from the brand’s 188 years of manufacturing (well, most really come from the mid-twentieth century, but that’s still an impressive run). Next, it jumps over to their modern watches. Less on my personal radar, but still wildly popular, they tend to have a classic Swiss-luxury flair, and occasionally some interesting complications. The new Longines Spirit collection, however, kind of fits into neither category. Slotted into their “sport” sub-genre, they are not part of their heritage line, but not nearly as modern as their “Conquest” siblings.
The Spirit collection is named for the “pioneer spirit” of early and iconic aviators and adventurers who are believed to have used Longines equipment in their excursions. As such, the watches are inspired by the watches of this period, being the early to mid-twentieth century. But rather than creating watches that could be mistaken as being from that era, Longines infused these concepts into modern watch designs. The results are vintage-inspired timepieces with a distinct early to mid-twentieth century pilot/military feel and appealingly modern trappings.
To kick this collection off, Longines went wide, offering three-hand models in three colors and two sizes, with or without bracelets. There are also “prestige editions” which include three straps. Further, Longines created chronographs in the same three colors, also available on or off bracelets. All chronometer rated, and with a starting price of $2,150, the Longines Spirit collection represents an exciting new, luxurious take on the early 20th-century pilot’s watch.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Longines Spirit L3.810.4.73.2, which is the 40mm model with a silver dial and leather strap. At $2,150, this watch is at the entry point of the collection.
