New: Longines Spirit Flyback in titanium

Longines updates their Spirit Flyback collection with a new flagship model in titanium, available with a titanium case and bracelet or NATO strap.

Press release information with commentary in italics.

Chief Editor’s Note: We are holding back the usual selection of six watches this Sunday. As we are traveling and mid-air on our way to the AkriLVa event in Santa Barbara. We will bring you a “near live” report as we see the novelty as we are able. We think we should be able to file the report by the afternoon of November 9, Los Angeles time. This launch is quite special as it sees Louis Vuitton collaborating with independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi for a new, complicated watch.

New: Longines Spirit Flyback in titanium

The Longines Spirit flyback is available with a NATO strap or with a titanium bracelet. The prices are SGD 7,350 for the L3.821.1.53.2 on strap and SGD 7,830 for the L3.821.1.53.6 on bracelet. Prices are inclusive of GST and available at the Longines Boutiques in Marina Bay Sands and Wisma Atria.

Commentary

Most collectors of modern watches are either not aware, or forgotten that it was Longines who first introduced the flyback function to the chronograph almost a century ago in 1925. A patent was registered on 16 June 1936. In the genre of aviation watches, Longines proposes two collections: the Spirit collection which this novelty is part of, and the other being the Avigation. The collection was refreshed in 2020, and is a sizeable family, with time and date, chronograph, no date and GMT Zulu time models in various case sizes.

The flagship model of the collection is the Flyback Chronograph, first released in a stainless steel case earlier this year in 2023 in a black or blue dial. This novelty brings titanium to the case material and bracelet, and introduced with an anthracite sunray dial. It can be kitted out with either a titanium three link bracelet or a NATO strap.

The flyback function is now seen as a standard feature in many chronographs, especially for those which are flight related. The complication allows the chronograph to measure consecutive intervals of time quickly. Unlike in a traditional chronograph, whose seconds hand has to be stopped, reset and restarted, the flyback function enables the hand to return instantly to zero and start measuring time again with a single press of the push-button. This function proves particularly useful in situations where precision and speed are essential.

The movement is the Longines L791.4, a COSC chronometer certified automatic winding calibre also used in the steel versions. The movement has a power reserve of 68 hours and equipped with a silicon balance. Water resistance is 100m.

Release information

Unveiled this year, the LONGINES SPIRIT FLYBACK marks a new chapter in the long history of LONGINES pilot’s watches. The line has now been extended to include a titanium version – also certified by COSC (Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres) – combining lightness, bold design and cutting-edge precision.  

The Longines Spirit Flyback line symbolises the pioneering spirit that has always driven the brand. This chronograph watch with flyback function is testimony to Longines’ pioneering role in developing the technology. The winged-hourglass brand actually produced the first model equipped with a flyback function in 1925, then filed a patent that was registered on 16 June 1936: a world first. A revolutionary tool for conquering the skies, the flyback complication enables successive timing of different stages of a flight, thus facilitating navigation.

A veritable tool watch, the Longines Spirit Flyback is now adorned with Grade 5 titanium, an alloy that is both lighter and tougher than steel.  Aesthetically, the chronograph is notable for its 42mm case with a satin-polished finish that plays on the contrasts between dark shades and subtle shine. A strong, sleek design coupled with cutting-edge technology gives this new timepiece an exceptional character.

The high precision of the Longines Spirit Flyback is ensured by the exclusive Longines L791.4 calibre, which is resistant to magnetic fields and equipped with a silicon balance-spring. Endowed with a power reserve of up to 68 hours, this movement is chronometer certified by COSC (Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres). A transparent case back reveals every tiny detail of the calibre and its oscillating weight, which is engraved with a globe, the emblem of the Longines Spirit collection.  

This new version features a bidirectional rotating bezel enhanced by a black ceramic insert with luminescent markers. Topped by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the anthracite dial is flanked by a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The gilt hands and numerals, coated with Super-LumiNova®, ensure optimum legibility in all circumstances, whether in the air or on the ground.  

Water-resistant up to 10 bar (100 metres), the watch comes with an interchangeable titanium bracelet or black and grey NATO strap developed especially for this model.

Longines Spirit Flyback specifications

REFERENCE NUMBERS

L3.821.1.53.6 and L3.821.1.53.2

CALIBRE

Self-winding mechanical movement 
Exclusive Longines column-wheel calibre, L791.4

COSC-certified chronometer 

With silicon balance-spring and magnetic resistant 

13¼ lines, 28 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour

Power reserve: up to 68 hours

FUNCTIONS

Hours, minutes, and small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock

Chronograph complication with flyback function

30-minute counter at 3 o’clock

CASE

Diameter 42mm, 17mm thickness

Round, Grade 5 Titanium

6-screw case back

Screw-in crown

Domed sapphire glass with multi-layer anti-reflective coating 
on both sides

Bidirectional rotating bezel with black ceramic insert 

Arabic numerals, squares and triangle coated with Super-LumiNova®

DIAL

Sunray anthracite

Applied Arabic numerals, with Super- LumiNova®

HANDS

Gilt with Super-LumiNova®

with a red pointer for the central chronograph seconds hand

WATER-RESISTANCE

Up to 10 bar (100 metres)

BRACELET AND STRAPS

Grade 5 titanium with double-safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism, fitted with interchangeability system

Black and grey NATO with titanium tongue buckle on model L3.821.1.53.2