Jewellery & Watch News
Did you know that titanium accounts for almost fifty percent of all alloys used in aircraft applications? No, us neither. But now that we do, it seems all the more fitting that Longines has chosen to update their iconic Spirit line with a series of stunning titanium models.
This time last summer, Swiss watch manufacturer Longines launched a brand new collection of Sprit watches designed in honour of aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, Elinor Smith and Paul-Emilie Victor. Longines are certainly no strangers to pilot’s watches, having accumulated a rather hefty portfolio of aviation designs ever since their founding in 1832. One of their most famous remains the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle watch which was designed and worn by Charles Lindenburg as he achieved a non-stop transatlantic solo flight in 1927. The Longines Spirit watch marks a new chapter for the brand however, combining old-school design codes with some of their best modern technologies.
The Longines Spirit collection already holds a wide selection of designs including several time-only displays and chronograph models. Also just recently released is a new duo of green-dialled Spirit watches. Despite their differing dial colours, strap designs and case sizes, all previous Longines Spirit watches have been engineered from stainless steel, until now. For the first time, the familiar architecture is finished in titanium, a material renowned for its scratch resistance, lightness and history within the aviation industry.
There are currently four Longines Spirit Titanium watches to choose from, two of which measure to 40mm and the second pair in 42mm. Both sizes are then available with a titanium bracelet or an anthracite woven nylon strap. Both the bracelet and the case are engineered from grade 5 titanium and when comparing it to the collection’s previous steel counterparts, there is more difference than just the weight and durability. The finish of the case is satin-polished and yet it appears darker and more matte. It’s a really nice contemporary finish and looks great beside the matching anthracite dial colour.
The dial of the Longines Spirit Titanium is also a new addition to the series with the sandblasted anthracite-grey finish never used before. The tone of grey used alongside the hints of mellow gold evoke a beautiful retro finish while the hands and numerals are treated to a helping of contemporary “Blue Line” Superluminova. Mellow gold accents can be found on the hands, numerals, hourglass logo and stars motif and the seconds hand is painted in red for additional contrast and legibility.
Compared to previous Longines Spirit watches, the new titanium models are the first to neglect a date window, a choice we’re sure many luxury watch collectors will be pleased with. Instead, the Longines L888.4 automatic winding movement powers the classic hours, minutes and seconds hands and ensures a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement also boasts 21 jewels, a frequency of 25,200vph and has been chronometer certified.
If the Longines Spirit Titanium watches take your fancy, you can shop the full collection on the C W Sellors website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at [email protected].
Specifications: Longines Spirit Titanium Watches
- Case Size: 40mm or 42mm
- Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down, titanium
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Calibre L888.4 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
- COSC: Yes
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Frequency: 25,200vph
- Jewels: 21
- Dial: Anthracite with Superluminova markings
- Strap: Titanium bracelet with folding buckle or anthracite woven nylon with pin buckle
- RRP: Starting from £2,170
- Release Date: Available now
