Calling back to their heritage once more, Longines have introduced a new rendition of the Spirit in a duo of new, clean models!
Since its founding in 1832, Longines has been steeped in both luxury and aviation history — far more than many other aviation-focused watch brands might care to admit. From Amelia Earhart to Howard Hughes, Longines has long cemented its reputation as a trusted companion for explorers and pilots alike. In 2020, this heritage was highlighted with the introduction of the Spirit collection: a modern take on the quintessential pilot’s watch. Its popularity quickly soared, and the Spirit line soon expanded to include three-handers, GMT models, and chronographs.
Characterised by vintage-inspired design and robust construction, the Spirit collection has often evolved with input from its dedicated fanbase, guiding both aesthetic and technological updates. In 2025, this spirit of collaborative growth and innovation has reached a peak — resulting in the dual release of the Longines Spirit Pilot line.
Both the Longines Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback models mark the brand’s move towards compact, wearable pilot’s watches. The Spirit Pilot measures 39mm in diameter, 47.2mm lug-to-lug, and 11.5mm thick — a near-universal set of proportions that strikes a balance between modern wrist presence and versatile comfort.
The Spirit Pilot Flyback is slightly larger at 39.5mm wide, 47.4mm long, and 13.4mm thick. Representing a more technical iteration of the collection, it presents a streamlined silhouette compared with its larger 42mm cousins. The reduction in case diameter is a smart move: despite the chronograph complication, it maintains the same level of wearability as its time-only counterpart. Both models are crafted in stainless steel and offer 100 metres of water resistance, ensuring durability without compromising the Spirit’s identity.
Perhaps the biggest focus of the Spirit Pilot collection is the refreshed dial layout of both models, featuring matte black dials with gilt-toned Arabic numerals and hands. Adding a touch of heritage-style luxury and contrast, their eye-catching design is complemented by the removal of the five-star emblem, replaced with ‘Chronometer Officially Certified’ text to reflect COSC certification. This aesthetic change has long been requested by avid fans and may well draw more enthusiasts to Longines.
The time-only model features a clean three-hand layout without a date window — a feature previously seen only on the titanium 40mm editions — improving visual clarity and emphasising the minimalist approach. The minute track has also been refined into a simple, readable railroad scale.
The Flyback chronograph adopts a two-register layout that balances functionality and legibility, comprising a 60-second small-seconds subdial and a 30-minute register. Replacing the solid steel bezel, the Flyback now features a bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with a countdown scale, offering more practical everyday use. Both watches retain signature Longines details, such as chamfered dials and applied numerals, while embracing a restrained, purposeful aesthetic that reflects both aviation heritage and modern refinement. Strap options include a micro-adjustable stainless steel bracelet, brown leather, and a green textile-style rubber strap for the Pilot three-hander, allowing wearability in all scenarios.
Having long partnered with Swatch Group’s movement arm, ETA, Longines’ mechanical craftsmanship comes as little surprise — though it remains no less impressive. The Spirit Pilot is powered by Longines’ Calibre L888.4, a derivative of the renowned ETA 2892 line. It beats at a unique 3.5Hz (25,200VpH) with a 72-hour power reserve, and features COSC Chronometer certification as well as enhanced magnetic resistance thanks to a silicon balance spring.
The Pilot Flyback, meanwhile, is driven by the hand-wound Calibre L792.4, based on the ETA 7750 but extensively modified. Replacing the standard cam mechanism, the Calibre L792.4 incorporates a column wheel for smoother chronograph operation, as well as a flyback function that allows instant reset and restart with a single press. Also COSC Chronometer-certified, this movement delivers a 4Hz (28,800VpH) beat rate with a 68-hour power reserve, and features the same silicon balance spring as the standard Pilot model.
My Thoughts
The Longines Spirit line is one I’ve long stared at through the boutique window — probably to the mild alarm of the client advisors inside. Yet it always felt like something was slightly off about the collection. Not that anything was glaringly wrong, but there was a peculiar feeling in my gut suggesting I might not enjoy the watch as much as I expected. I thought perhaps it was the date window that bothered me — but if that were the case, I would have bought the 40mm titanium Spirit by now. Or maybe, like many other watch enthusiasts, it was the five-star emblem cluttering the dial. Or perhaps the case dimensions didn’t sit right. Who knows!
With the release of the 2025 Spirit Pilot line, Longines has successfully addressed all three concerns. By removing the five-star emblem, eliminating the date window, and reducing case sizes, the brand has created watches that feel both historically resonant and aesthetically refined. These seemingly small changes make the models more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, from aviation aficionados to enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated, functional tool watch.
In short, Longines’ ability not only to listen but to respond to feedback has resulted in perhaps one of their strongest releases to date. Quite frankly, I’m excited to see where the Spirit line goes from here. It presents a far more serious aesthetic without pretension — one that may well find its way into many collectors’ hands sooner rather than later.
References:
- Spirit Pilot: L3.809.4.53′.6′ (Steel bracelet) / ‘.2’ (Leather strap) / ‘9’ (Rubber strap)
- Spirit Pilot Flyback: L3.721.4.53′.6′ (Steel bracelet) / ‘.2’ (Leather strap)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 39mm case diameter x 47.2mm lug-to-lug x 11.5mm thickness (Pilot) / 43mm case diameter x 47.4mm lug-to-lug x 39.5mm thickness (Flyback)
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Black with gilded accents & Arabic numerals
- Movement: Automatic Cal. L888.4 with COSC Chronometer Certification (Pilot) / Manual wind Cal. L792 with COSC Chronometer Certification & flyback chronograph (30min register) complication (Flyback)
- Power Reserve: 72h (Pilot) / 68h (flyback)
- Beat Rate: 3.5Hz (25,200VpH, Pilot) / 4Hz (28,800VpH, Flyback)
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Steel bracelet with micro-adjustable folding clasp, or brown leather / green rubber strap (Pilot) with steel buckle
Australian RRPs:
- Spirit Pilot: AU$4,550 (Steel bracelet) / $4,200 (Leather strap) / $4,000 (Rubber strap)
- Spirit Pilot Flyback: AU$8,375 (Steel bracelet) / $8,000 (Leather strap)