Longines have recently launched the latest model in the Spirit family. The new Longines Spirit Titanium represents the brand’s new step forward into the age of titanium. Titanium is often considered to be a fairly futuristic material and many watch brands are beginning to use it in the creation of their timepieces. Longines have chosen to use titanium for this new watch as an homage to the world of aviation that heavily inspired the Spirit collection. The material contributes to the strong, sleek aesthetic of the watch design and combines it with state of the art technology. The new Longines Spirit Titanium watch is available in two different sizes with a choice of strap designs, ensuring that there is a perfect combination for every collector.
The Dial
The dial of a watch is what catches the eye of most collectors, making it an integral element of any timepiece. The dial of this watch is a striking anthracite colour, providing a dark backdrop for the details to stand out from. Applied gold Arabic indices provide a pleasant contrast to their dark backdrop. They are accompanied by gold hour and minute hands. The gold second hand has a bold red tip, ensuring that it is easy to track on the dial. Both the indices and hands are detailed with Swiss Superluminova so that the dial can be read easily, even in the dark.
A lens made of sapphire crystal protects the dial, providing a hard wearing finish to the watch. This crystal is treated with multiple anti-reflective layers on each side to ensure that the time can be read in bright lights. Some eagle eyed collectors may notice that this watch does not feature a date aperture. Longines have made this choice to accentuate the aeronautical symmetry of the timepiece.
The Case
The signature element of this timepiece is its high quality titanium case. Titanium is much lighter and more hardwearing than steel, making it a desirable choice in watchmaking. This metal is also darker and more matte than traditional steel, so it provides the watch with a contemporary look. The Spirit watches are distinctive for the finesse of their execution, so the introduction of this desirable metal only serves to further the elegance of the timepiece. The watch is available in two different case sizes, allowing collectors to select the one that sits most comfortably on their wrist. The watch is available in a 40mm case and a 42mm case. Both sizes measure 12.2mm in thickness. Additionally, the watch is water resistant up to 100 metres, or 10 bar. This allows the watch to be worn for some water based activities and is aided by the screw-in crown.
The Movement
This watch is made unique by its COSC certification, meaning that it is a certified chronometer. This means that the watch is incredibly precise and reliable and can be entirely depended upon. The watch is powered by an automatic L888.4 self winding mechanical movement. The movement beats at 25’200 vibrations per hour and features a mono-crystalline silicone balance spring. This movement provides the watch with a generous power reserve of up to 72 hours.
The Finishing Touches
Longines say that the design of this watch marks the timeless link between light and shadow, sky and earth, and history and innovation. To emphasise the versatility of the watch, Longines offer it with two straps. These options provide very different finishes for the watch, and can be changed easily using the Longines interchangeable system. Both the L38101532 (40mm) and L38111532 (42mm) watches are finished with an anthracite coloured synthetic fabric strap. This strap is fastened using a buckle. Alternatively, the L38101536 (40mm) and L38111536 (42mm) models are secured using a titanium bracelet to match the titanium case. This bracelet is fastened using a triple safety folding clap and push piece opening mechanism.
What do you think of the new Longines Spirit Titanium watch? Would you consider adding one to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
