Following the success of the initial 42mm Longines launches, the 39mm Spirit Zulu Time is now here. With its GMT function and COSC-certified movement, the 42mm Spirit Zulu Time was a hit with fans in 2022. However, following suit with many other brands, Longines has decreased the case size by 3mm for this launch. This case downsizing follows the current industry-wide trend of more compact case sizes that’s forecasted to be huge this year. Packaging all of the 42mm’s beloved functionality into a more ergonomic case, the 39mm is a streamlined enhancement of its predecessor. Read on to find out what we love about the new 39mm Spirit Zulu Time watches.
The New Longines Launches: 39mm Spirit Zulu Time Watches
Case and Dial Design
Forming the base for each of the models is a stainless steel case, which measures 39 mm in diameter. The smaller case design improves the comfort of the Spirit Zulu Time collection, as it allows the watch to fit more snugly to the wrist. However, with its 13.5mm thickness, the watch’s sturdy build means it still sits loudly and proudly.
The layout of the dials and the way they are complicated is universal across the whole range. Even though there is limited space to work with due to its compact 39mm case, the dial is heavily complicated. Adorning the dial are luminescent Arabic numeral indices, which sit against an outer track ring. This ring doubles as a minute track and as indices for the model’s GMT hand. On the bidirectional ceramic bezel, there are 24-hour markers for added clarity. Replacing the hour marker at the dial’s 6 o’clock position is a rectangular date display. Finishing the design is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which is coated with anti-reflective treatment for improved legibility. Even with all of these functions, impressively, the watch looks far from overcrowded. In fact, the dial design optimises the space incredibly well to maintain an effortlessly clean look.
Dial Colourways
The beauty of this launch is that there is a variety of colourways to choose from. Two of the nine new models feature a matte black dial and a matching bezel, one with a bracelet (L38024536) and the other with a strap (L38024532). They feature silvered indices and polished hands, with a blue contrasting GMT hand.
For a warmer touch, there are also two models with an anthracite dial and warmer gilt accents, coming in a bracelet (L38025536) or a strap (L38025532) option. Both of these models feature a bezel with an 18-karat yellow gold cap 200 for an added luxury touch.
The next models in the collection also feature an anthracite black dial and gilt accents. However, they have a green framing bezel for a pop of muted colour. Just as before, one is available with a bracelet (L38024636) and the other a strap (L38024632).
A little more daring than the rest, there are also two that feature a blue dial and bezel. Available with either a bracelet (L38024936) or strap (L38024932), it also features cool silvered hands and indices with a red accented GMT hand.
There is also one model which has a black dial and a brown bezel (L38025539). This model features gilt hands and indices, as well as the sumptuous 18-karat yellow gold bezel frame.
Movement
Longines movements have a reputation for being some of the most masterful in the industry. Luckily, the Spirit Zulu Time is no exception. Powering the watches across the collection is the brand’s in-house L844.4 calibre automatic mechanical movement. This boasts a power reserve of up to 72 hours and beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour. Moreover, it is fitted with a monocrystalline silicon balance spring to protect against magnetic interference and thermal changes. In turn, this preserves the movement’s high precision as it is less likely to be skewed by external influences.
However, above all, the most impressive aspect of the movement is its COSC certification. Awarded by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, this is a prestigious accolade only a select few watches bear. In short, it means that the movement has been put through a series of rigorous tests by the COSC. This is to ensure it can retain its accuracy under harsh conditions and therefore is worthy of the ‘COSC-certified chronometer’ label. Having successfully passed this testing, you can be assured that the Spirit Zulu Time is incredibly precise.
Finishing Touches
Across the range, there is a generous choice of straps. For instance, on each of the colourways, there is an elegant stainless steel bracelet option available. The bracelet fastens with a double safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism for extra security.
For a more vintage charm, there is also a leather strap option for each colourway. For the black matching bezel and dial model, there is a cool brown leather strap option with white topstitching (L38024532). The same strap comes with the gold-accented black dial colourway too (L38025532). Similarly, on the model with a black dial and green bezel, there is also a brown leather strap option (L38024632). However, this brown is lighter and slightly warmer than its predecessor to enhance the green. As expected, the blue model comes with a blue leather strap with white contrast stitching (L38024932).
However, the only colourway exempt from the option between a bracelet or strap is the brown bezel model (L38025539). By default, this model comes with a beige synthetic strap that fastens with a buckle. But, thanks to the Longines interchangeable system, the straps across the range can be switched. This means that you can easily refresh your watch’s look quickly, easily, and whenever you please.
As Longines launches the 39mm Spirit Zulu Time, what do you think of the case downsizing trend? Let us know below!
