Reviewing the NEW Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm Watches
Thursday - 22 June 2023
Down-sizing watches seems to be a recurring trend within the luxury watch industry at the moment. The latest watch brand to join this shift is Longines with the release of its new GMT models, offered in black and blue dial options with matching and non-matching bezel colours and a choice of different strap options.
Just recently, Tissot unveiled a 35mm version of its PRX Powermatic 80 watch – a downsized version of a popular sports model equipped with an automatic calibre that provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch is just one example of the industry’s shift towards smaller-sized timepieces. Joining that trend is Longines. The Saint Imier-based watchmaker has honed into the fact that fans of the not-so-old Longines Spirit watch collection may need a more compact design in light of the recent trend. Thus it has recently announced the unveiling of the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm watch. As one of its most prominent product lines, it is sure to reshape public perception of what is stylish in a watch, especially since the Spirit watch was such an immediate success following its launch back in 2020.
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time watch is a branch off the core Spirit watch collection and was initially released back in 2002 in a 42mm diameter. The next offspring belonging to the same sub-series now boasts a sleeker silhouette on the wrist and better reflects the vintage-inspired styling that Longines initially set out to capture with the original collection. The new GMT watch from Longines is a full 3mm smaller than its predecessor. This difference delivers a totally different experience on the wrist and is sure to appeal to those with smaller-sized wrists who felt the original sizing was too large and imposing. Its overall profile, however, still reflects the same sports watch aesthetic with a sharp outline that will look smart with casual or formal attire alike. From the angular tapering of the lugs to the polished chamfers on the sides of the case, every element of the new 39mm Longines Spirit Zulu Time watch is impactful and sophisticated for hour-upon-hour on the wrist. Mirrored polishing effects and brushed finishes are all part of its compelling design, as is the way that expert designers at Longines have managed to divide the thickness of the case, the caseback and the coin-edged bezel perfectly to distribute the proportions out across the wrist whilst still retaining a sense of masculinity.
There are 8 versions of the new line-up. These comprise a stainless steel version with a black dial and matching black bezel, a stainless steel version with a black dial and green bezel, a stainless steel version with a coordinating blue dial and bezel, and a two-tone version crafted from stainless steel and 18ct yellow gold with a black dial with a matching black bezel. All models feature a screwed-down unguarded crown at 3 o’clock. Whilst the two-tone version features gilt elements across its black dial, the other iterations remain relatively parred back with rhodium elements. The glossy bezels are filled with ceramic and feature the 24-hour scale upon their surfaces that can be read via the arrow-tipped GMT hand – silver for the other models and gold coloured for the two-tone versions. The back of each watch is solid stainless steel and has been engraved with details that denote the watch’s 100-meter water resistance, as well as the famous winged hourglass logo that is synonymous with the brand.
The new Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm watches feature clean and crisp Arabic numerals against their respective black and blue dials. The edge of the dial has a raised chapter ring displaying the minutes and seconds, and the dials also feature a date window underneath the 5 chronometer stars that denote the automatic COSC-certified status of the movement that sits within each watch. All of the new release models are powered by the automatic L844.4 movement – a self-winding calibre that performs at a rate of 25,200 vibrations per hour and provides an impressive 72-hour power reserve once fully wound. The testing period of the movement promises stellar accuracy of just +2 seconds per day, plus you have the added benefit of quickly adjusting the local hour hand on the fly. It’s a no-brainer and a classic option to wear every day of the week. The watch is offered on a mahogany brown leather band for the black stainless steel & 18ct yellow gold version and the black dial with black bezel option, or there is a light brown strap for the black dial option with the green bezel. These options also come on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. You can also choose from a blue leather band or stainless steel bracelet for the steel and blue model. All leather band options come with stainless steel deployant clasps engraved with the Longines logo.
Whether you prefer the luxe take on the new Zulu Time watch or the classic black dials or blue dial options, you’re sure to enjoy the decidedly attractive and more compact Longines Spirit watch for 2023. If you’d like more information on any of these models, you can check out the new additions here or call and speak to a member of our sales team at Jura Watches today on 01335 453453.
