THE HOME OF WATCH CULTURE

Club
The new Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium addresses a point of contention within the collection The new Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium addresses a point of contention within the collection
Introducing
i/trending 6493

The new Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium addresses a point of contention within the collection

Zach Blass
  • The first Longines Spirit Flyback to use grade 5 titanium.
  • It looks nearly identical to the anthracite dial steel model, but is distinguished with red dial accents.
  • The titanium model carries a US$650 premium over its steel counterpart

Longines Spirit Flyback titanium duo

The Longines Spirit Collection has been largely celebrated by watch enthusiasts for presenting a rock-solid offering at an attractive price point. First time only, then Zulu Time GMT and Flyback, each reference reveals itself as a rather strong proposition when stacked up against its competition. With the Spirit Flyback, to have a near weekend-proof flyback chronograph, 100 metres of water-resistance, and a COSC-certified movement that uses a silicon balance spring is an attractive offering at its price point. The one con, perhaps, is the fact that the 42mm chronograph watch commands a thickness of 17mm. This new Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium, while it retains the previous dimensions, may mitigate this point of contention for those who were concerned with its thickness.

Longines Spirit Flyback titanium 11

Titanium is about 40% lighter than your standard stainless steel, so for those who may have found the steel Spirit Flyback a bit too imposing on the wrist, the lighter and more robust material should help with the heft and presence, while making it even more daily-wear capable. Aside from the material, you would be forgiven for having a bit of deja vu looking at this new model as its aesthetic is nearly identical to the steel model with an anthracite dial and bezel. Of course, titanium is a touch darker in hue – and on the wrist its lighter weight would make its novelty apparent. From a dial perspective, however, the subtle delineator is the introduction of red accents on the tip of the central chronograph second hand and the flyback text at the 6 o’clock position.

Longines Spirit Flyback titanium 7

This single debuting anthracite dial and bezel Spirit Flyback Titanium is available in two strap configurations – one paired with a black and grey NATO and another affixed on a case-matching grade 5 titanium bracelet with an quick release system. While both pair well with the watch, I would personally suggest you stretch your dollar for the bracelet configuration because the NATO, with its fabric passing under the caseback, will add a touch more thickness on the wrist. Longines produces quick-release leather straps for the steel model that I imagine are compatible with this titanium model, so you could always opt for factory or aftermarket strap options that would complement the bracelet. Inside remains the COSC-certified L791.4 automatic flyback chronograph calibre with 68 hours of power reserve and a silicon balance spring that adds welcome resistance against magnetism.

Considering the sole deviation from its predecessors is the new case material, for a more in-depth run through of the core Spirit Flyback offering I encourage you to watch our hands-on review of the steel model. This is not to diminish this new launch, as I have already pointed out the value titanium adds within the context of this segment of the collection. For a watch of this size, I firmly believe the lightweight nature of titanium will have it wear and feel very differently for those previously concerned with the feel of the steel models. I also have to reaffirm and applaud Longines for offering a 100-metre water-resistant COSC-certified flyback chronograph, with a handsome timeless aesthetic, and scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert at this price.

Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium pricing and availability

Longines Spirit Flyback titanium 5

The Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium is available now for purchase. Price: A$8,075, US$4,850 (NATO), A$8,600, US$5,200 (bracelet)

Brand Longines
Model Spirit Flyback Titanium
Case Dimensions 42mm (D) x 17mm (T)
Case Material Grade 5 titanium
Water Resistance 100 metres, screw-down crown
Crystal(s) Sapphire crystal front and caseback
Dial Black
Strap Grade 5 titanium bracelet or black NATO-style strap
Movement L791.4, ETA A08.L11 base, silicon escapement, COSC-certified
Power Reserve 68 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, flyback chronograph
Availability Now
Price A$8,075, US$4,850 (NATO)
A$8,600, US$5,200 (bracelet)