Amazing watch! I have 2 Longines in my collection and Longines has been one of my favorite brands since my father gifted my mother a gold Longines watch for their 15th Aniversary in 1970.
Coming from the swatch group it looks like they took the khaki field auto from Hamilton and made it perfect. Screw down crown , great dial with good lume, a better movement and better finishing. Great, now I gotta go get a new watch. My wife will be thrilled
Khaki field in 38mm is amazing though can't stop looking at it. This one too. Both have the perfect amount of vintage tool look w proportions that are hard to find.
I had no interest in luxury watches, let alone watches in general, until I saw the Longines Spirit Watch in an advertisement on the internet. I haven't worn a watch for two decades now. But I think I've fallen in love with the Longines Spirit Watch that I have this burning desire to have it.
Came here to say the same. How could that atrocity make it to production? Fortunately the 40mm version has the date window replacing the “3”, although I would’ve preferred no date.
Long time Longines owner and new IWC owner. Longines certainly punch way above their price point and I can't deny this competes with IWC pilots. My 39 mm spitfire just edges it for me but I am probably biased and haven't seen the Longines in the flesh. The IWC just has a bit more refinement, but they should be looking over their shoulder and should take strong note of the 100 m water resistance. One thing this video does highlight is no matter how much I like Oris, which are often put on the same level as Longines, Longines are a level above, their cases and crown feel when winding are far superior.
Big fan of Longines - regard them as being excellent value, along with true heritage. Wonderful video for a relaxed Sunday morning; and look forward to seeing this watch at local ADs in near future. Many thanks
I love your videos because they are always elaborate and full of information, One of my absolute favorites. And the new Longines Chronometer is just a great watch .... Thanks for enlightening me
I have been on the fence for a while now trying to decide between this, and the IWC Spitfire and this review has really sealed the deal. This I think, while being just as clean and beautiful as the IWC has a bit more dial dimension. Everything is so so close between the two that I cannot justify the difference in cost. Thank you for a terrific review.
Longines is on to something these days ... their Heritage line is incredible and the Spirit line is looking quite nice. Not going to lie, they are one of the brands that give me the most excitement about a new launch...
At the Longines Board Meeting: CEO: “Gentlemen, we are killing it out there, in fact we’re getting so much love that we’re in danger of burning out. We need some flack urgently. Any ideas? Grey man holding a large plastic 3 and a pair of scissors: “Err, I may have something.....”.
When oh when will a watchmaker invent an offset date-wheel so that no numerals are deleted or clipped? The latter being the slightly larger of two great crimes.
To me, this watch looks like a cross between a field watch and a pilot's watch, but elevated. The lugs and full Arabic numerals say field watch, but the dial design elements say pilots watch. Either way, such a great package. Longines have been killing it lately. Their recent sector dial watch is also wonderful.
I would have dropped the date function altogether and kept the perfect symmetry of the dial, however, it is still so beautiful I'm probably being nit-picky. Great review Armand, as usual!
@@DWilliam1 That would definitely be the way to go. I'm in the process of selling a few watches and saving the pennies so I'll have a look at the 40 and 42 when I've got the cash.
Its about time Longines got back to producing a watch that can and will compete at the level thats being aimed for I like it . I think you can tell I have a 1968 18kt white gold with diamond indices Flag Ship dress watch and i can say that they are getting it back . Keep up the good work 🖖
No doubt the same date wheel as the 40mm, that is one area Longines saved money. Too bad this 42mm with the 3 cutoff looks so thrown together, in my opinion it shows Longines has little respect for their customers watch IQ. The rest of the watch looks nice.
I am buying this watch in large part thanks to your confirmation about how good this watch actually is, especially compared to the IWC and Breitling .. they have a lot of catching up to do now
I own a longines spirit 40mm and compared it to the iwc mark 18, the Longines seems like the watch that should cost 4 grand, the iwc is a nice watch but way overpriced for what it is.
Nice looking watch and very interesting video - lovely macro footage - I wish they'd not bothered with the date window. It would have been nice to see the other colours. I'll be looking out for this in the AD - do you know when it's going to be arriving in stores?
When I think of pilot watches, Breitling and IWC immediately come to mind. Then again, I have both brands. Longines and Tag Heuer were the first Swiss brands that I bought. It has been a long time since I have considered either brand, however, you have peaked my curiosity with this Longines.
Longines is killing it. This watch looks really amazing with premium specs. I am really digging the Tuxedo Chrono.. Really considering getting that one.
I own a few Longines re-editions and have always admired the overall build quality of Longines. I'd certainly purchase this one and most likely will do when I get some spare funds.
I was saving for a IWC mark XVIII, but I don't see how it would be better than this watch in any way (the 40mm). Its simply gorgeous, I absolutely love it. I can hardly wait.
I hear this all the time. There are many alternatives to the mark 18 but the mark series is THE original pilot watch. Predates everything else and has been in production continuously since the second world war. When you pay for the IWC, you pay for the history and the lineage really.
Kenn Stephenson keep saving. The Mark XVIII is hands down a more handsome watch. Yes it’s date window is slightly misplace but it’s a terrific watch especially the PP blue dial just stunning. The Longines date and three combo is just wrong. When looking at the watch this defect is all I would see.
@@bobbydazzler1780 got the spirit in 40mm and compared it to the mark 18, the spirit was in a different league, it was way better looking and felt like the watch that should have cost 4k,the iwc is really overpriced.
Do you think that a throwaway, non adjustable movement should be the standard? I assume you’re comparing with the movement that Tissot, Certina and Hamilton are using at the moment.
That is one of the most GORGEOUS watches I can remember. I am not sure why... I saw the review, but there is even more making this watch so alluring. I believe, mostly, is just HAS to be the care that was given as it was constructed. PLUS, though not "cheap", is it attainable. (looking through the desk for the card with no balance that is for day-trips "only")
Usual top delivery on the review narration, script, videography. Bravo. Since 42mm is allowable for a pilot watch my only real gripe is the hideously butchered '3'. It is otherwise so beautifully designed and executed, surely Longines could have found a better solution in proximity to the six.
Nice to see polished beveling, Longines watches in the recent past were usually single polished. I think the dial on the 40mm version looks more balanced.Great looking piece.
Looks very similar to the Hamilton Khaki Field watches. I'm sure it can double up in those shoes as well even though such a beautifully finished watch doesn't deserve to be knocked around. Probably a very good daily driver.
Now.....this looks superb. The 40mm would be more my style. 38mm without date even more so. This would be a good pairing for my Heritage conquest. Defo worth a visit to the AD to check it out. Really enjoyed the video.
This can be a great everyday watch. The quality of finishing reminds me of my Aqua Terra and the case design for My Khaki King; without the day function and much more detail. If I didn't own those two watches of jump on this.
Superb. Too many tradition snobs on here. Perfect update to many of the overpriced under featured pilot's watches. It's got a nice vintage detail to it as well. Agree on the cut off 3 but not enough to stop me from buying. 37/38mm is too small for many men.
I just bought the 42mm blue dial on a bracelet. I love it. I have a large wrist so no need to remove any links either. There is a fantastic feature of this watch I've not really heard mentioned/discussed on reviews so far, which is the sand blasted hands! I'm getting on (60) and my eyesight is getting poorer, highly polished hands are a nightmare to read in daylight as found on my gorgeous Hamilton intra-matic, and I no longer wear it due to this. These sandblasted hands jump out of the dial at a glance and it's these little attention to detail features where Longines have nailed it. I own Omega's and Rolex but the sober look and details of this watch beats them IMO. I bought it as ex-shop display never worn complete with tags and stickers for £500 below retail..😎
Thank you for the review. It is very helpful. It glad to hear someone give equal time to the 42mm version. Everyone seems to be encouraging the 40mm version or the 37mm version. It would help to know the size of your wrist. If you mentioned it, I missed it.
I was a pilot for SAS and wore a previous version of Longines Spirit with my uniform. Can't remember the vintage but it looked gorgeous in my humble opinion. Lume and legibility was absolutely outstanding too.
Looking at the Longines web site this watch at the 40mm version doesn't have the 3 so the issue with it being deformed is not applicable. It's a lovely watch no doubt about it. Such a specification and quality for a quite rude cheap price.
Glad to see Longines getting some well deserved praise. At this price point there are few watch brands that can stand toe to toe. Even then Conquest GMT is king of that space. I've looked so hard to find a good GMT in quarts, GMT watches need accuracy over brand cachet or mechanical shortcomings WRT to accuracy in my opinion. Longines delivers, great innovation, breath taking accuracy at a stellar price. Compared to the GS GMT 9f's, Breitling SuperQuarts, and to some extent the Bulova and Citizen Chrono, Longines is a fraction of the price and beats the competition hands down. The finish may not be up to GS standards but it's a fine finish non the less. I've been looking at a Damasco for a field / flieger watch and now The Spirit is making me re-assess. Thanks for a great video.
Was considering the Longines Record Chronometer. This one is beautiful and really good value for money. Thanks for the detailed review. I’ll go for the 42mm.
Great review. Yesterday I tried on the white chronograph and the black 40mm. These watches are stunning in person and the finishing is top notch. What I really like about these watches is they are shiny without having a lot of polished surfaces. For the price there is really nothing comparable. I even think it is finished to a better standard than IWCs Le Petit Prince. Regarding the date and the 3: I think it doesn't look bad as it keeps the number circle closed. Maybe they could have done a horizontal lume marker.
Out of all the watches I've owned, the spirit in 40mm is my favourite, I've had Rolex, Tag and others. It's such a nice watch, nothing comes close for the money. I was thinking the iwc might be better, would like to handle one in the metal and compare as that's the only other watch I would want.
Beautiful watch. Note of caution: it's said that it has a 'very effective underside AR coating'. The Spirit has coatings on BOTH sides of the crystal. I had the outer layer removed because the coating gets scratched. After that, you're left with underside coating only, which diminishes the anti-reflective properties of the crystal.
Just got this watch it’s a winner! 👍 And I also don’t have a problem with the 3. It’s a minor issue. The watch itself is amazing. There’s no such thing as a perfect watch!
Im very interested by this new Longines’ watch , very nice looking and features. Between this one and a Breitling Navitimer (or now Aviator) 8 Automatic 41, which one giving the best price-quality ratio? Is the Breitling one really worth the additional €1600 ? Thank you ! (By the way, great video!)
I'm waiting to hold one in my hands, but from photos and this video I'm struggling with the date window, and the corresponding numeral, that just don't seem to fit. If I can get past that when I see it in the flesh, the sunburst blue will be my new 'in the office' daily driver I think.
Just bought spirit Chrono blue dial with steel bracelet 42mm. My first automatic chronograph column wheel silicon hairspring etc. Magnificent watch, but one thing to note for potential buyers as prices are down a lot from the 3100 usd list. First the watch head is perfectly executed and elegant. Stunning steel blue satin dial (I have a few dozen blue watches nothing close to this color) against crisp white hands. Lume is on par with my Seikos, visible til morning. I don't have a small wrist and the 51.5mm lug to lug is right at the limit on my left and better for my slightly wider right wrist. Beware of this, try it out first if you have a wider flatter wrist it will be perfect. If you have a narrower rounded risk or small wrist, you may have the lugs hanging off your arm fyi, not necessarily expected with a 42mm case. Now onto the less good. The steel bracelet is paper thin and has limited adjustability. Also it is rather short. I usually remove 3 or even 4 links on bracelets, but only 2 on this one. If you have a large wrist, the steel bracelet may not be long enough. I knew about the adjustability and it's ok for me although I can't get it perfect on the left wrist, and will probably take out the half link in winter and it will likely be better in colder dryer air. But the real surprise is the bracelet, it's so thin I really can't believe it, I'm almost worried about robustness. Given the length of the lugs, I can't think of any good reason to have such a thin bracelet. Maybe this is the luxury pilot experience, not sure who made that decision at Longines. The could have made a shorter slightly thicker lug with more curve down and doubled the thickness of the bracelet. I'm planning to ask them why. The thick protruding end link further confuses the bracelet choice since the watch head is thick heavy and elegant, but robust. The potential to slide around is there due to the weight on wrist. Puzzling. Also the lacquered box I'm not a big fan of, it says luxury but I would rather have a nice cardboard box (Alpina, Tissot...) and a better bracelet. Despite the bracelet the watch oozes quality and elegant robustness with an ultra clear 3d view of the face. So a thicker bracelet to match the robust head, 1 mm shorter lugs and a sapphire case back would make this watch even better for me. And last but not least, I wish all automatics could include a power reserve indicator, especially for technical watches like pilot's and divers where it wouldn't be out of place. This would add tremendous value.
I am impressed with both, the watch and the presentation. This is why subscribed and granted with👍. The diameter should be a bit bigger 44-45mm. Did you check the time keeping?what’s the accuracy?
This is a handsome watch. Longines are bringing out some beautiful designs, which is a testament to their design department. Not like the recent range of Rolex's that clearly show a laziness into invest in serious new product design. Look at the 'Longines Heritage 1935 Pilot' set against that cushion shape..........magnificent. I was late in learning about this particular model (as it was a limited run) and failed to buy one. Even to this day, I am still on the lookout for one! Keep it Longines...........
I loved your review and have just subscribed. Dare I say that Longines has developed a fine watch not for the “every man” but for the sensible person who sees this as a sensible person’s Explorer with a date function? I believe that considering Longines’ current direction in pursuit of their quest for excellence in a few short years their value retention on the secondary market will improve regardless of their lack of scarcity but because of their standards.
Finding an excellent used Longines (a good looking one you would actually wear) on the used market is a challenge. Resale value is moot if there is no supply. I can find 10 times more Omega, 100 times more Rolex on the pre-owned market. If supply and demand mattered, used Rolex's would be $1000 each at most. You are correct, standards are important. Ask your local AD how many Longines go in for service within a few years of purchase...if at all. They will tell you. Ask an AD how many Rolex and you will NOT EVER get an answer. Longines has always had an excellent reputation for quality, and now the execution of the design is what we are seeing here. This is the value benchmark. I had been looking at IWC recently, just because of their reputation...and then this caught my eye. This watch wins.
That numeral 3 is terrible; I do not recall seeing any watches with this design detail. Other watch brands have managed to come up with far better solutions.
They just needed to extend the beginning and end of the 3 by a fraction of a mm and it would have looked good. That kind of 3 I expect from a Hamilton, not a Longines.
I’m just trying to imagine how in this world the 42mm went into production with such a hideous date window + Arabic 3 combination. Who in Longines actually thought it looked good? Like you said, the 40mm is the way to go.
The matte finished hands will GREATLY aid in visualizing the time. Polished silver hands against a glossy black dial are almost invisible. Nice job Longines.
Just picked up the 42mm in blue with the steel bracelet. I got a nice discount from my AD, so the price/performance ratio is through the roof on this one. I have an Omega Aqua Terra Pyeongchang special edition and I have to say that the Spirit's fit and finish is right on par, if not better. Honestly, I give the Spirit the edge on style points with the masterful blending of brushed and polished surfaces and a more interesting and dimensional dial. To me, the Omega AT is a bit staid and boring in comparison. The chopped 3 at the date window is a little odd, but it's one of those quirks that has quickly grown on me and I actually like it now. I was only slightly concerned about the 52mm lug to lug length and the male end links because I have worn larger in the past with success, but no worries, this one fits my 7.7" wrist like a glove. I may still be on the honeymoon, but I find myself staring at this one a lot more than I have the other watches in my collection when they were new.
I compared the Longines to an omega aqua terra and your absolutely correct in saying it's on par, was really surprised, I personally think the omega is overpriced and should cost no more than £3k.
Nice. I prefer the 40. No botched 3. Yeah shame about a date, but at least they colour matched the window. 'Bout time Longine stepped up from the 'bling it and blue it' or 'pink it and shrink it' school of watch design, inhabited by lots of comfy Swiss. Indeed, the One Watch. Whups IWC, hits hard at Sinn. Hamilton is a tougher, contender, but I find there is something wrong with a Hamilton - too big, too small, fauxtina - the features you want are always on 5 different watches (like Omega, Panerai, IWC etc as well).
Looks a lot like my Citizen Eco-Drive Super Titanium BM8560-88E. Mine has day-date, compared to just date. Mine is in Titanium, compared to steel/ leader. Both have safire glass. Both go to 10 ATM. Mine will keep time more precisely, and has a power reserve of +365 days compared to 64 hours. Mine is more a beater watch compared with the more fragile Longines. Mine costs 10 times less and is much cheaper in repairs.
As a watchmaker, it ticks all the right boxes, it's simply beautiful, and you are absolutly right, good luck to IWC and all the rest.
The Longines Spirit is another reason Longines is my favorite watch brand.The Spirit is a stunning watch.
Thank you for giving Longines the love it so rightfully deserves.
Amazing watch! I have 2 Longines in my collection and Longines has been one of my favorite brands since my father gifted my mother a gold Longines watch for their 15th Aniversary in 1970.
Coming from the swatch group it looks like they took the khaki field auto from Hamilton and made it perfect. Screw down crown , great dial with good lume, a better movement and better finishing. Great, now I gotta go get a new watch. My wife will be thrilled
I have both watches and agree, it's like they have perfected the Hamilton khaki.
Such great observation!
Khaki field in 38mm is amazing though can't stop looking at it. This one too. Both have the perfect amount of vintage tool look w proportions that are hard to find.
I had no interest in luxury watches, let alone watches in general, until I saw the Longines Spirit Watch in an advertisement on the internet. I haven't worn a watch for two decades now. But I think I've fallen in love with the Longines Spirit Watch that I have this burning desire to have it.
Down the rabbit hole you go...
Longines and Baume and Mercer have bought out some really good watches recently
Wow, stunning effort from Longines. If they hadn't botched the 3 this could have been flawless.
Came here to say the same. How could that atrocity make it to production? Fortunately the 40mm version has the date window replacing the “3”, although I would’ve preferred no date.
Agree
I’d like then all more without date tbh, but i’m bot ashamed to admit my watchboner for all of these 🤣
I like the three
It’s close enough. It’s a fantastic watch, and at least it has a date window.
This is such a good review that it convinced me to buy one! Picking it up at the AD tomorrow 😁
Beautiful . Longines seem to have suddenly become fantastic at watch making again
The 42mm blue dial leather strap is a gorgeous piece. The cut off 3 is unique, looks cool and I kinda like it. I am loving it 👍🏼
Long time Longines owner and new IWC owner. Longines certainly punch way above their price point and I can't deny this competes with IWC pilots. My 39 mm spitfire just edges it for me but I am probably biased and haven't seen the Longines in the flesh. The IWC just has a bit more refinement, but they should be looking over their shoulder and should take strong note of the 100 m water resistance. One thing this video does highlight is no matter how much I like Oris, which are often put on the same level as Longines, Longines are a level above, their cases and crown feel when winding are far superior.
Big fan of Longines - regard them as being excellent value, along with true heritage. Wonderful video for a relaxed Sunday morning; and look forward to seeing this watch at local ADs in near future. Many thanks
I love your videos because they are always elaborate and full of information, One of my absolute favorites. And the new Longines Chronometer is just a great watch .... Thanks for enlightening me
+Jens Barslund: Thank you very much for the kind words. It's a delightful watch and, I think, a new chapter for Longines.
I have been on the fence for a while now trying to decide between this, and the IWC Spitfire and this review has really sealed the deal. This I think, while being just as clean and beautiful as the IWC has a bit more dial dimension. Everything is so so close between the two that I cannot justify the difference in cost. Thank you for a terrific review.
Longines is on to something these days ... their Heritage line is incredible and the Spirit line is looking quite nice. Not going to lie, they are one of the brands that give me the most excitement about a new launch...
Absolutely stunning watch!
At the Longines Board Meeting:
CEO: “Gentlemen, we are killing it out there, in fact we’re getting so much love that we’re in danger of burning out. We need some flack urgently. Any ideas?
Grey man holding a large plastic 3 and a pair of scissors: “Err, I may have something.....”.
When oh when will a watchmaker invent an offset date-wheel so that no numerals are deleted or clipped? The latter being the slightly larger of two great crimes.
Only just noticed that
@@TheMurrut Damasko has done it.
@@TheMurrut Damasko DA36 for example
To me, this watch looks like a cross between a field watch and a pilot's watch, but elevated. The lugs and full Arabic numerals say field watch, but the dial design elements say pilots watch. Either way, such a great package. Longines have been killing it lately. Their recent sector dial watch is also wonderful.
I would have dropped the date function altogether and kept the perfect symmetry of the dial, however, it is still so beautiful I'm probably being nit-picky. Great review Armand, as usual!
Just purchased this beautiful piece in blue dial , absolutely love it.
I'm trying to get myself down to a 2 watch collection and you've just shown me a serious contender to pair with my Seamaster. Thanks.
That would be a killer collection!
+M.H W: That sounds like a superb pairing! Two watches to deal with pretty much anything.
If you get the black face and put it on a leather strap that would work since you can get away with wearing this in a more formal setting.
@@DWilliam1 That would definitely be the way to go. I'm in the process of selling a few watches and saving the pennies so I'll have a look at the 40 and 42 when I've got the cash.
@@larsvargas8479 Which Seamaster??? Two watch collection? C'mon get real.
Its about time Longines got back to producing a watch that can and will compete at the level thats being aimed for I like it . I think you can tell I have a 1968 18kt white gold with diamond indices Flag Ship dress watch and i can say that they are getting it back . Keep up the good work 🖖
For me, the date window is a MUST HAVE in all the watches of my collection. This piece is beautiful, but I would choose the blue dial one.
This is a genuinely exciting new watch. Thanks for the review.
The date window cutting the numeral 3 is disturbing.
+Walter Ferrer: I can see the problem, though the 40 mm version solves that issue.
Wow, there's a 40mm version??!
No doubt the same date wheel as the 40mm, that is one area Longines saved money. Too bad this 42mm with the 3 cutoff looks so thrown together, in my opinion it shows Longines has little respect for their customers watch IQ.
The rest of the watch looks nice.
The 3 looks like the Mcdonalds m on its sides. Not to mention the holes in the printing of the mintute track
atleast they could've offered a no date version
and maybe true to pilots watches only handwinding movements.
I am buying this watch in large part thanks to your confirmation about how good this watch actually is, especially compared to the IWC and Breitling .. they have a lot of catching up to do now
I own a longines spirit 40mm and compared it to the iwc mark 18, the Longines seems like the watch that should cost 4 grand, the iwc is a nice watch but way overpriced for what it is.
Beautiful Gorgeous watch. Love it !
The stars on the dial reminds me of a silver star I once got in kindergarten for being a good pupil.
Nice looking watch and very interesting video - lovely macro footage - I wish they'd not bothered with the date window. It would have been nice to see the other colours. I'll be looking out for this in the AD - do you know when it's going to be arriving in stores?
Nice clean looking watch, with the usual Longines classic look.
When I think of pilot watches, Breitling and IWC immediately come to mind. Then again, I have both brands. Longines and Tag Heuer were the first Swiss brands that I bought. It has been a long time since I have considered either brand, however, you have peaked my curiosity with this Longines.
Its a beautiful watch. That deep blue is so beautiful combined with the applied indices and anti reflective coating sapphire crystal.
I agree about the colour .
Longines is killing it. This watch looks really amazing with premium specs. I am really digging the Tuxedo Chrono.. Really considering getting that one.
It’s beautiful. An alternative might be a B&M Clifton or Clifton Baumatic but Longines is really back.
Absolutely gorgeous.
I own a few Longines re-editions and have always admired the overall build quality of Longines. I'd certainly purchase this one and most likely will do when I get some spare funds.
I was saving for a IWC mark XVIII, but I don't see how it would be better than this watch in any way (the 40mm). Its simply gorgeous, I absolutely love it. I can hardly wait.
I hear this all the time. There are many alternatives to the mark 18 but the mark series is THE original pilot watch. Predates everything else and has been in production continuously since the second world war. When you pay for the IWC, you pay for the history and the lineage really.
Kenn Stephenson keep saving. The Mark XVIII is hands down a more handsome watch. Yes it’s date window is slightly misplace but it’s a terrific watch especially the PP blue dial just stunning. The Longines date and three combo is just wrong. When looking at the watch this defect is all I would see.
@@bobbydazzler1780 got the spirit in 40mm and compared it to the mark 18, the spirit was in a different league, it was way better looking and felt like the watch that should have cost 4k,the iwc is really overpriced.
Yes the new standard for watches is 80 hours power reserve and silicone hairspring. Any watch that doesn't have that is behind the times.
Do you think that a throwaway, non adjustable movement should be the standard? I assume you’re comparing with the movement that Tissot, Certina and Hamilton are using at the moment.
Longines are a great, yet underrated, watch manufacturer.
That is one of the most GORGEOUS watches I can remember. I am not sure why... I saw the review, but there is even more making this watch so alluring. I believe, mostly, is just HAS to be the care that was given as it was constructed. PLUS, though not "cheap", is it attainable. (looking through the desk for the card with no balance that is for day-trips "only")
Like the colour and finish of the dial !
Absolutely exquisite....meant the video. Watch is quite nice as well! Thank you much!
Usual top delivery on the review narration, script, videography. Bravo. Since 42mm is allowable for a pilot watch my only real gripe is the hideously butchered '3'. It is otherwise so beautifully designed and executed, surely Longines could have found a better solution in proximity to the six.
The 40mm ver exists without the butchered 3
Nice to see polished beveling, Longines watches in the recent past were usually single polished. I think the dial on the 40mm version looks more balanced.Great looking piece.
I love that blue diamond Parker 51 at 5:22
This has the Tudor Ranger in its sights, and seems to offer a far better movement and value for money.
Looks very similar to the Hamilton Khaki Field watches. I'm sure it can double up in those shoes as well even though such a beautifully finished watch doesn't deserve to be knocked around.
Probably a very good daily driver.
This is very beautiful watch
Now.....this looks superb. The 40mm would be more my style. 38mm without date even more so.
This would be a good pairing for my Heritage conquest.
Defo worth a visit to the AD to check it out.
Really enjoyed the video.
The 40mm version has the advantage of a date window replacing the atrocious Arabic “3” of the 42mm version.
If it came in a blue dial, I wouldnt think twice. Its an all around watch. Very complete review.
But it comes in a blue dial.
This can be a great everyday watch. The quality of finishing reminds me of my Aqua Terra and the case design for My Khaki King; without the day function and much more detail. If I didn't own those two watches of jump on this.
Superb. Too many tradition snobs on here. Perfect update to many of the overpriced under featured pilot's watches. It's got a nice vintage detail to it as well. Agree on the cut off 3 but not enough to stop me from buying. 37/38mm is too small for many men.
I just bought the 42mm blue dial on a bracelet. I love it. I have a large wrist so no need to remove any links either. There is a fantastic feature of this watch I've not really heard mentioned/discussed on reviews so far, which is the sand blasted hands! I'm getting on (60) and my eyesight is getting poorer, highly polished hands are a nightmare to read in daylight as found on my gorgeous Hamilton intra-matic, and I no longer wear it due to this. These sandblasted hands jump out of the dial at a glance and it's these little attention to detail features where Longines have nailed it. I own Omega's and Rolex but the sober look and details of this watch beats them IMO. I bought it as ex-shop display never worn complete with tags and stickers for £500 below retail..😎
Thank you for the review. It is very helpful. It glad to hear someone give equal time to the 42mm version. Everyone seems to be encouraging the 40mm version or the 37mm version. It would help to know the size of your wrist. If you mentioned it, I missed it.
I was a pilot for SAS and wore a previous version of Longines Spirit with my uniform. Can't remember the vintage but it looked gorgeous in my humble opinion. Lume and legibility was absolutely outstanding too.
Which SAS?
Great video sir. I have watched lots of your videos and have enjoyed them but this one is the best. Perfect review 👌
I just bought this exact watch on the strap from watchmaxx for $1,539. I love it. Fits perfectly with the strap on my 7.25 inch wrist.
A great all-arounder for sure. Nice job
My next piece. Only question is blue or black.
What a beauty...Wish you showed the seconds hand move during the night...just the diamond shaped lume would move.
Looking at the Longines web site this watch at the 40mm version doesn't have the 3 so the issue with it being deformed is not applicable. It's a lovely watch no doubt about it. Such a specification and quality for a quite rude cheap price.
Excellent review, beautiful piece 👍
I just grabbed a 37m in blue today this watch is fire 🔥
Glad to see Longines getting some well deserved praise. At this price point there are few watch brands that can stand toe to toe. Even then Conquest GMT is king of that space. I've looked so hard to find a good GMT in quarts, GMT watches need accuracy over brand cachet or mechanical shortcomings WRT to accuracy in my opinion. Longines delivers, great innovation, breath taking accuracy at a stellar price. Compared to the GS GMT 9f's, Breitling SuperQuarts, and to some extent the Bulova and Citizen Chrono, Longines is a fraction of the price and beats the competition hands down. The finish may not be up to GS standards but it's a fine finish non the less. I've been looking at a Damasco for a field / flieger watch and now The Spirit is making me re-assess. Thanks for a great video.
I really like this one and the Spirit chronograph. Now I have to choose between these two and the Big Eye.
On their website Longines offers the 37mm version of this watch also for women. Does this work? Or isn't 37mm still too big for a 15cm wrist?
Was considering the Longines Record Chronometer. This one is beautiful and really good value for money. Thanks for the detailed review. I’ll go for the 42mm.
That night legibility is incredible.
Great review. Yesterday I tried on the white chronograph and the black 40mm. These watches are stunning in person and the finishing is top notch.
What I really like about these watches is they are shiny without having a lot of polished surfaces.
For the price there is really nothing comparable. I even think it is finished to a better standard than IWCs Le Petit Prince.
Regarding the date and the 3: I think it doesn't look bad as it keeps the number circle closed. Maybe they could have done a horizontal lume marker.
Out of all the watches I've owned, the spirit in 40mm is my favourite, I've had Rolex, Tag and others. It's such a nice watch, nothing comes close for the money. I was thinking the iwc might be better, would like to handle one in the metal and compare as that's the only other watch I would want.
Can you please tell me the seize of your wrist wearing the 42mm version? The black dial is stunning beyond words!
Beautiful watch. Note of caution: it's said that it has a 'very effective underside AR coating'. The Spirit has coatings on BOTH sides of the crystal. I had the outer layer removed because the coating gets scratched. After that, you're left with underside coating only, which diminishes the anti-reflective properties of the crystal.
Just got this watch it’s a winner! 👍 And I also don’t have a problem with the 3. It’s a minor issue. The watch itself is amazing. There’s no such thing as a perfect watch!
Im very interested by this new Longines’ watch , very nice looking and features. Between this one and a Breitling Navitimer (or now Aviator) 8 Automatic 41, which one giving the best price-quality ratio? Is the Breitling one really worth the additional €1600 ? Thank you ! (By the way, great video!)
No. You’re welcome.
I'm waiting to hold one in my hands, but from photos and this video I'm struggling with the date window, and the corresponding numeral, that just don't seem to fit. If I can get past that when I see it in the flesh, the sunburst blue will be my new 'in the office' daily driver I think.
when you asked what a pictured when you say luxury pilot watch, actually it was the Zenith Type 20 that popped into my head, not an IWC
Just bought spirit Chrono blue dial with steel bracelet 42mm. My first automatic chronograph column wheel silicon hairspring etc. Magnificent watch, but one thing to note for potential buyers as prices are down a lot from the 3100 usd list. First the watch head is perfectly executed and elegant. Stunning steel blue satin dial (I have a few dozen blue watches nothing close to this color) against crisp white hands. Lume is on par with my Seikos, visible til morning. I don't have a small wrist and the 51.5mm lug to lug is right at the limit on my left and better for my slightly wider right wrist. Beware of this, try it out first if you have a wider flatter wrist it will be perfect. If you have a narrower rounded risk or small wrist, you may have the lugs hanging off your arm fyi, not necessarily expected with a 42mm case. Now onto the less good. The steel bracelet is paper thin and has limited adjustability. Also it is rather short. I usually remove 3 or even 4 links on bracelets, but only 2 on this one. If you have a large wrist, the steel bracelet may not be long enough. I knew about the adjustability and it's ok for me although I can't get it perfect on the left wrist, and will probably take out the half link in winter and it will likely be better in colder dryer air. But the real surprise is the bracelet, it's so thin I really can't believe it, I'm almost worried about robustness. Given the length of the lugs, I can't think of any good reason to have such a thin bracelet. Maybe this is the luxury pilot experience, not sure who made that decision at Longines. The could have made a shorter slightly thicker lug with more curve down and doubled the thickness of the bracelet. I'm planning to ask them why. The thick protruding end link further confuses the bracelet choice since the watch head is thick heavy and elegant, but robust. The potential to slide around is there due to the weight on wrist. Puzzling. Also the lacquered box I'm not a big fan of, it says luxury but I would rather have a nice cardboard box (Alpina, Tissot...) and a better bracelet. Despite the bracelet the watch oozes quality and elegant robustness with an ultra clear 3d view of the face. So a thicker bracelet to match the robust head, 1 mm shorter lugs and a sapphire case back would make this watch even better for me. And last but not least, I wish all automatics could include a power reserve indicator, especially for technical watches like pilot's and divers where it wouldn't be out of place. This would add tremendous value.
Excellent video! Bravo..... Made me subscribe to your channel.....
What a shame they've ruined the dial with the date pos.
I am impressed with both, the watch and the presentation. This is why subscribed and granted with👍. The diameter should be a bit bigger 44-45mm. Did you check the time keeping?what’s the accuracy?
This is a handsome watch. Longines are bringing out some beautiful designs, which is a testament to their design department. Not like the recent range of Rolex's that clearly show a laziness into invest in serious new product design. Look at the 'Longines Heritage 1935 Pilot' set against that cushion shape..........magnificent. I was late in learning about this particular model (as it was a limited run) and failed to buy one. Even to this day, I am still on the lookout for one! Keep it Longines...........
I loved your review and have just subscribed.
Dare I say that Longines has developed a fine watch not for the “every man” but for the sensible person who sees this as a sensible person’s Explorer with a date function?
I believe that considering Longines’ current direction in pursuit of their quest for excellence in a few short years their value retention on the secondary market will improve regardless of their lack of scarcity but because of their standards.
Finding an excellent used Longines (a good looking one you would actually wear) on the used market is a challenge. Resale value is moot if there is no supply. I can find 10 times more Omega, 100 times more Rolex on the pre-owned market. If supply and demand mattered, used Rolex's would be $1000 each at most. You are correct, standards are important. Ask your local AD how many Longines go in for service within a few years of purchase...if at all. They will tell you. Ask an AD how many Rolex and you will NOT EVER get an answer. Longines has always had an excellent reputation for quality, and now the execution of the design is what we are seeing here. This is the value benchmark. I had been looking at IWC recently, just because of their reputation...and then this caught my eye. This watch wins.
Yeah you need to go 40mm with this, so you don't get that travesty of 3 numeral on the 42mm
That numeral 3 is terrible; I do not recall seeing any watches with this design detail. Other watch brands have managed to come up with far better solutions.
Agreed.
They just needed to extend the beginning and end of the 3 by a fraction of a mm and it would have looked good. That kind of 3 I expect from a Hamilton, not a Longines.
I’m just trying to imagine how in this world the 42mm went into production with such a hideous date window + Arabic 3 combination. Who in Longines actually thought it looked good? Like you said, the 40mm is the way to go.
The 42mm Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium in Black PVD does the same. It was a deal-breaker for me.
Beautiful watch just bought one !
Looks fantastic and Longines seem to be on a bit of a roll back to form.
Do you know what the lug to lug measurement is on the 40mm version?
lovely - but again why destroy the design with that date window? Is there a no date version? I love my Oris Big Crown VFM
Watch the video again, and this time, listen to what's being said. You're welcome.
I looked for it, can’t find. Where do I go to purchase? Why no link in your info??
The matte finished hands will GREATLY aid in visualizing the time. Polished silver hands against a glossy black dial are almost invisible. Nice job Longines.
Beautiful watch, the only thing I would change would be a higher beat rate and lower power reserve for a smoother sweep.
Just picked up the 42mm in blue with the steel bracelet. I got a nice discount from my AD, so the price/performance ratio is through the roof on this one. I have an Omega Aqua Terra Pyeongchang special edition and I have to say that the Spirit's fit and finish is right on par, if not better. Honestly, I give the Spirit the edge on style points with the masterful blending of brushed and polished surfaces and a more interesting and dimensional dial. To me, the Omega AT is a bit staid and boring in comparison. The chopped 3 at the date window is a little odd, but it's one of those quirks that has quickly grown on me and I actually like it now. I was only slightly concerned about the 52mm lug to lug length and the male end links because I have worn larger in the past with success, but no worries, this one fits my 7.7" wrist like a glove. I may still be on the honeymoon, but I find myself staring at this one a lot more than I have the other watches in my collection when they were new.
I've had my spirit for over 6 months and I still stare at it, got the black in 40mm.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 The only one that gets more looks from me (and only at night) is my Ball Engineer Marvelight with the rainbow tritium tubes. LOL
@@Romans724ok I like Ball watches, the lume on the Longines is pretty good too, find it glows all night.
I compared the Longines to an omega aqua terra and your absolutely correct in saying it's on par, was really surprised, I personally think the omega is overpriced and should cost no more than £3k.
Same here, got the blue 42mm 3 weeks ago. Im glad i chose this over the AT 😁😁
Longines watches are really good-looking. Never realised the Longines pilots are that pretty.
I agree, Armand... this is a stunning pilots watch. I agree with all the comments regarding the 3 numeral, however.
For me a perfect design
Nice. I prefer the 40. No botched 3. Yeah shame about a date, but at least they colour matched the window. 'Bout time Longine stepped up from the 'bling it and blue it' or 'pink it and shrink it' school of watch design, inhabited by lots of comfy Swiss. Indeed, the One Watch. Whups IWC, hits hard at Sinn. Hamilton is a tougher, contender, but I find there is something wrong with a Hamilton - too big, too small, fauxtina - the features you want are always on 5 different watches (like Omega, Panerai, IWC etc as well).
Stunning watch and definitely puts them as one of front runners with bb58 on watch front this year. 👌🏻👍🏻🏴
LOVE those applied, polished stars!
I’m really looking forward to buy this watch. The only issue is I don’t know when it would be available at the AD.
September.
maybe my next watch
Watch Chronicler if proves a worthwhile subject, interested in your picks for ‘Big Date’ watches from quartz to mechanical.
Looks a lot like my Citizen Eco-Drive Super Titanium BM8560-88E. Mine has day-date, compared to just date. Mine is in Titanium, compared to steel/ leader. Both have safire glass. Both go to 10 ATM. Mine will keep time more precisely, and has a power reserve of +365 days compared to 64 hours. Mine is more a beater watch compared with the more fragile Longines. Mine costs 10 times less and is much cheaper in repairs.