Longines’ commitment to take its historical models and revisit them in a modern key is a well-defined direction the brand has taken, and at our notice, it definitely seems to be the right direction.
With the Spirit Flyback Chronograph collection, the second novelty unveiled in 2023 after the vintage inspiration brought with the Pilot Majetek, Longines continues to tread this path expertly and effectively.
Pioneers of flyback chronographs
The history of this complication originated nearly 100 years ago, when in 1925 the brand with the winged hourglass created the first ever chronograph with flyback function. The idea behind this special mechanism was born thanks to Longines’ relationship with aviation, which it has cultivated since its earliest days. Pilots needed chronographs that could measure times at speed without having to constantly stop, reset and restart the chrono.
Over time the brand evolved greatly, keeping up with the demands of the wearers of these timepieces. The first examples created between 1925 and 1929 were series of a few watches, while in 1936, after obtaining a patent, mass production of flyback chronographs began: thus began the story of the famous Caliber 13ZN.
Between ’36 and ’68, the brand’s pioneering spirit was undoubtedly not lacking; oversize chronographs were made, the 30CH caliber was developed, and dive watches were made with this function.
Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph
The second new addition of the year for Longines, following the launch of the Pilot Majetek that we reported on here, is a modern interpretation of the Flyback Chronograph, included in the Spirit collection.
As the name of the collection suggests, these watches embody the spirit of the Maison de Le Sentier in every sense, but with different sizes, materials and technologies. Models with two subdials, at 3 and 6 o’clock, in two configurations were designed for the occasion.
The 42 mm steel case is offered with a black ceramic or blue ceramic bezel, each matching the dial. We then have rose gold-colored details in the outer circumference of the dial, logo, and hands. This gives a very intriguing touch compared to the classic silver hands that most watches have.
As for size, we think the 42 mm is very comfortable in the metal bracelet or NATO strap version, but you have to be used to wearing such watches.
Functioning of a flyback chronograph
The operation of a chronograph is very simple; it is used to measure a precise amount of elapsed time, which is done through the buttons on the case, which allow the display to be started, stopped, and reset. This whole process takes a few seconds, but how could we do it if we had to measure particularly close times with the same timepiece?
This is where the chronograph “flyback” chronograph was born, a term that implies the movement of the hand that resets to zero “flying,” thus with immediacy. With the Spirit Flyback Chronograph, it is therefore possible to restart the measurement without stoppage, by simply clicking the reset button: the hand will return to zero and start running forward again.
The caliber beating inside is a brand-new, COSC-certified, antimagnetic mechanism with 68 hours of power reserve, and is visible through the transparent sapphire case back. Underscoring the caliber’s modernity is the silicon balance spring in it.
Price and availability
The new Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph has a retail price of EUR 4,850.00 in the version with a leather or NATO strap, and EUR 5,000.00 in the version with a steel bracelet.
Longines is repositioning all of its collections, making the case for the history it has amassed over more than 190 years, balancing between new releases tied strongly to its heritage and others (like this one) with a very sporty, modern character.
What do you think about this new watch?
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