Longines has unveiled the Spirit Zulu Time 1925, a sophisticated two-tone interpretation of their popular travel watch that commemorates a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of the brand’s first dual time zone timepiece.
While bearing no visual resemblance to its 1925 predecessor, this latest addition to the 39mm Spirit collection carries forward the legacy of horological innovation that has defined Longines’ approach to travel watches for a full century.
Century of Travel
The most striking evolution in this anniversary edition lies in its circularly brushed 5N 18k rose gold capped bezel insert, which introduces a warm, coppery accent to the stainless steel case architecture.
The twenty-four-hour numerals are cleanly engraved without infill, creating a refined metallic aesthetic that balances precious metal luxury with utilitarian functionality. This restrained approach to gold application gives the watch an appealing wrist presence that satisfies desires for premium materials while maintaining the tool watch character essential to serious travel timepieces.
The matte black dial serves as an elegant canvas for rose gold-colored accents throughout the applied numerals, handset, and dial printing. One of the collection’s most distinctive features—the chamfered metal ring connecting diamond-shaped Super-LumiNova hour markers—continues to add dimensional depth as it catches and reflects surrounding light.
The controversial five applied stars between “Zulu Time” and “Chronometer” remain present, though a subtle “1925-2025” engraving beneath the 6 o’clock date window provides understated centennial recognition.
Case dimensions remain consistent with the Spirit Zulu Time family at 39mm diameter, 13.5mm height, and 46.7mm lug-to-lug, ensuring compatibility with existing bracelet and strap options. The included steel bracelet features polished center chamfers and five-point microadjustment capability, while an additional black NATO strap provides sporting versatility.
Sapphire Display Movement
For the first time in the Spirit Zulu Time collection, the 1925 edition features a sapphire exhibition caseback that reveals the impressive ETA-manufactured, Longines-exclusive caliber L844.4. This flyer GMT movement operates with silicon balance spring technology, delivering 72-hour power reserve alongside COSC chronometer certification for exceptional accuracy standards.
The transparent caseback unveils a previously unseen rotor finished in rose gold PVD coating and engraved with a world map featuring vertical Prime Meridian indication—a thoughtful detail that reinforces the watch’s global travel mission. This visual connection between the movement’s geography and the watch’s dual time zone functionality demonstrates Longines’ attention to thematic coherence throughout the design.
The L844.4 caliber represents sophisticated GMT complications in an accessible package, offering independent hour hand adjustment for seamless time zone transitions while maintaining running seconds and date accuracy. Operating at 25,200 vibrations per hour with 21 jewels, the movement provides reliable performance for frequent travelers who demand precision across multiple time zones.
Priced at $4,350, the Spirit Zulu Time 1925 presents compelling value compared to its $4,800 yellow gold counterpart, despite appearing to feature more prominent gold presence through the substantial bezel treatment. This pricing strategy makes rose gold GMT functionality more accessible while maintaining the premium aesthetics that elevate the Spirit collection above standard steel sports watches.
For collectors seeking travel watch functionality enhanced by precious metal elegance, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 offers a refined solution that honors both horological heritage and contemporary style preferences within the established Spirit family framework.
