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#Kixntix: Pack up your duffel bag and head on safari with the khaki green Longines Spirit #Kixntix: Pack up your duffel bag and head on safari with the khaki green Longines Spirit

#Kixntix: Pack up your duffel bag and head on safari with the khaki green Longines Spirit

Thor Svaboe

The term amalgamation is not particularly sexy, but nonetheless the recipe of success for the Longines Spirit collection. While the brand’s Hydroconquest range is all about cool modernity and the Heritage series revels in vintage delight, the Spirit offers an artful blend of past and present.

Longines Spirit

On one hand there’s the perfectly sized 40mm steel case that’s brushed, with a swathe of sharp polished chamfer bringing a dynamic to the case sides and a proper twinkle in the sun. That same light-catching trick is repeated in the smooth bezel, and this frames  the aforementioned amalgamation of a dial. And believe me, in this case (sorry) that’s a compliment equivalent to the five stars above 6 o’clock.

Longines Spirit

The three stylistic directions of pilot, field and military are inextricably linked in the Spirit, yet somehow brought together in a contemporary way. The exquisitely bevelled case with its broad lugs and big crown says field watch, while the white lacquered vintage hands brings a touch of a military or pilot’s tool. With its stepped design from detailed minute track to a smooth dial with applied numerals, and popping diamond indexes cut into the minute chapter ring, it speaks a refined language perfect for those who want their tool watches with intricate details that speaks of Swiss craftmanship. When we add the full chronometer specs and delightful red-tipped seconds hand the dice are loaded.

But what’s new in this reference? Well, we have the same brilliance of the L888.4 ETA-based movement with a 72 hour power reserve, COSC-rated, but it’s now ready to go on safari. Green is the dial colour du jour, and is here perfectly matched by a roughened up tan leather strap ready for action. And should you want your Spirit in a more contemporary big-wristed style, both leather strap and bracelet versions are available in a 42mm version. Fuel up the Land Rover, we’re off, and packing the right trainers from New Balance.

Longines Spirit

The Bodega x New Balance 990V3 is a perfect match to the tough Spirit, with earthy tones that won a place in Sneaker News’ top 10 of 2021 so far. At $220USD there is a premium to pay for the Bodega partnership, but worth it as Highsnobiety is predicting this to be the comeback of the NB990V3 with its suede-clad comfort.

From the two-tone comfortable sole, to the small colour-pops to liven up the urban desert look, these are available at Bodega, and in line with their rugged motifs seen in other cool sneaker drops. So if these get sold out, stay tuned for more cool kicks, and do try on that Longines Spirit while you’re at it.

The Longines Spirit green dial, price and availability:

The 40mm Longines Spirit is EUR 2,020 on a leather strap

The 42mm Longines Spirit is EUR 2,120 on a leather strap