LONGINES COMMEMORATES THE ZULU TIME WATCH’S 100th ANNIVERSARY WITH THE NEW LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU 1925

By The Time Place Magazine

Henry Cavill asks “What time is it there?” upon landing at his next port of arrival. As the actor hastens from one location to another, he reiterates the all too familiar question to himself or rather to a mystery caller. Is it a friend, or perhaps a family member? Whoever it is, each time he utters those words, Henry’s hand instinctively moves towards his Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925, allowing him to stay present in two different time zones.

Founded in 1832, Swiss haute horologist Longines has built a repertoire of ground-breaking novelties and has gained the trust of the crème de la crème of society. One such invention, the dual time zoned wristwatch, dates all the way back to the 1900s when Longines created similar pocket watches for the Ottoman Empire. Following its success, Longines went on to revolutionise the dual time zone “Zulu Time” watch in 1925, which rapidly became a staple piece for pilots and navigators. This year, the renowned brand commemorates the watch’s 100th anniversary with the launch of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925, with Ambassador of Elegance Henry Cavill starring in the campaign.

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 campaign paints a picture of the modern-day era, where international travels and connections are more important than ever. A versatile companion, the stainless steel watch features a sleek black dial and the renowned bidirectional rotating bezel. Though its silhouette resembles that of its recent revivals, the latest Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is now offered in new hues that add a touch of warmth to the iconic timepiece.

At 39 mm in diameter, the easy-to-adjust bezel serves the primary function of a secondary time zone. As the bezel orbits the dial, gold plated hands rotate with ease and without interference. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is equipped with the robust calibre L844.4 featuring silicon balance springs. Not only is the wristwatch resistant to magnetic fields, it is also COSC chronometer-certified thereby ensuring unmatched accuracy regardless of one’s travels. Beating at 25,200 vibrations per hour, one can also rely on the model’s longevity as it is equipped with a substantial 72-hour power reserve.

With features as dependable as this, it proved crucial for Longines to sheath the movement with a timeless exterior. For the special anniversary, the watch manufacturer juxtaposes the black dial with an 18-carat rose gold cap on the black ceramic insert, while another version features a blue ceramic bezel insert. Unlike prior models, the hour indexes are either engraved or lacquered in rose or yellow gold, providing a soft foil to the otherwise cool-toned watch.

Akin to preceding models, the Longines Spirit Zulu 1925 displays a classic matt black or sanded anthracite dial, the latter of which is unique to the blue ceramic bezel variation. In addition to the iconic five stars, the watch has gold-plated Arabic hour numerals. In place of the 6 o’clock hour mark is a slim date window, which much like the hour appliques, are coated in Super-LumiNova®. Be it from the front or the back, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal, thus providing its owners a clear view of this masterpiece.

As the brand’s first dual time zone wristwatch from 1925 enters its 100th anniversary, Longines celebrates one of its many triumphs in the world of quality watchmaking. Since the 19th century, Longines’ vision of tasteful yet superlative timepieces has garnered the following of global clientele and reputable partners. From being an official partner of competitive sporting events to unveiling trailblazing novelties such as the Legend Diver and the Master Collection, Longines’ promise of excellence will continue to influence luxury watchmaking trends into the future.

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