Okay, so, I’ve been meaning to share this experience for a while now, and finally got around to it. It’s about that Longines Spirit Zulu Time Hodinkee edition watch. I’ve had my eye on it for a while, and man, it was a whole process getting it.
First off, I started digging around about the Spirit collection from Longines. I found out these watches are pretty new, trying to mix that old-school look with the functions you want in a modern sports watch. They say it’s for pilots, but I think it works great as an everyday watch. When Longines dropped this collection, it felt like they were really trying something new.
Then I started looking into the movement. It’s not exactly made in-house by Longines, but it’s their own special thing. It’s automatic, got that chronometer certification which means it’s super accurate, and it’s got a 72-hour power reserve. That means I can take it off for a couple days and it’ll still be ticking. It beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour, has a date thing, and has 21-jewels. It just feels high quality.
Then comes the Spirit Zulu Time, the one I was after. It’s a “true” GMT, which means it can track multiple time zones, and it’s 39mm. A perfect size! I managed to get my hands on it and wore it around for a few weeks. Let me tell you, for the price, Longines is really bringing it.
The Whole Process
I started by researching, trying to find the right one. This titanium version of the Zulu Time is 39mm and has this cool two-toned bezel, matte and polished black. Looked real sharp.
They say it’s the first of many for Longines, focused on pilot watches. And this Zulu Time is their newest addition. A GMT that can track multiple time zones? That’s what got me. They call it “Greenwich Mean Time,” which is a fancy way of saying it’s based on the time in Greenwich, England.
Getting into the specifics, this thing has a grade 5 titanium case. It’s 39mm wide, 13.5mm thick, and 46.7mm from lug to lug, you know, where the strap connects. The bracelet tapers down from 21mm to 16mm at the clasp.
I found out that it is called the Spirit Zulu Time because it has some history with Longines’ first dual time zone wristwatch. And this one’s out of stock everywhere! Called the Anthracite version.
So then, Longines and Hodinkee, they teamed up for this limited edition. That’s the one I wanted.
Finally Got It
Longines used this ETA-based movement, they call it the Calibre L844.4. It’s automatic, it’s a GMT, and it’s got that COSC chronometer certification, so it’s really accurate. It also has a silicon hairspring, which is supposed to be better for dealing with magnetism.
After a lot of searching and waiting, I finally snagged one. It was a bit of a hassle, but totally worth it. This Longines Spirit Zulu Time Hodinkee edition is a real gem. It’s got that vintage vibe, but it’s packed with modern features. And that GMT function? Perfect for someone like me who’s always thinking about different time zones.
Wearing it around, it felt great on the wrist. Not too big, not too small. The titanium makes it light, and that bezel is just beautiful. I’ve gotten a few compliments on it already.
All in all, it was quite the journey getting this watch. From researching to finally getting it on my wrist, it was a fun ride. And now, I’ve got this awesome timepiece to show for it.
