What We Know
Not all of the releases we cover are horological heavy hitters or groundbreaking mechanical inventions. Yes, plenty are, but sometimes a simple new dial color is worth talking about. And in the context of Longines’ mighty newsworthy year, with several extremely well-received launches like the Hydroconquest and the Master Collection Monopushers already in the recent catalog, a new colorway for the Spirit Pilot and Pilot Flyback still feels worth discussing.
The new time-only Spirit Pilot in blue.
Image, courtesy Longines.
The second iteration of these two watches, since its update last year, introduces a matte blue dial (and a glossy blue ceramic bezel insert on the chronograph). At a high level, that’s kind of it. But with the change from a gilt-style look, swapping the golden accents of the applied numerals, chapter ring chamfer, and printing, this is the first time the latest generation of Spirit Pilot feels like a decidedly modern product. Yes, you lose a little bit of the vintage charm, but the new versions are not replacing those “gilt” editions, so now you have the same models in two very different aesthetic contexts.
I won’t spend too much time on specs because they remain unchanged—the time-only Spirit Pilot is 39mm by 11.5mm, with a lug-to-lug of 47.2mm, and the Flyback chronograph is 39.5mm by 13.4mm with a lug-to-lug of 47.4mm. The time-only model features the automatic L888.4 caliber, which is COSC-certified and offers a 72-hour power reserve with a silicon balance spring. The flyback chronograph sports the manual L792.4 column-wheel chronograph movement, which is also COSC-certified with a silicon balance spring, and has a power reserve of 68 hours. Both movements are produced by ETA and are exclusive to Longines.
While both models are available on a blue rubber strap, I think the bracelet variant is the way to go, with on-the-fly micro-adjustments in the clasp. The Longines Spirit Pilot is priced at $3,100 on bracelet and $2,700 on strap, while the Spirit Pilot Flyback is priced at $5,550 on bracelet and $5,250 on strap.
What We Think
I’ve always been vocal about not being the biggest blue-dial guy, but I’m paying attention to this release because it shows that Longines is still experimenting with different aesthetic codes even on the same model. It’s nice to know that this Spirit Pilot redesign isn’t just pigeonholed into a vintage feel—the new modern look makes me hopeful for other combinations down the line. If there’s anything to take away from this year’s Hydroconquest, it’s that we might see some nice modern color combinations for this. I could see myself picking up a green or gray flyback chronograph, since the base watch remains a handsome and competitive offering.
The Basics
Brand: Longines
Model: Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback
Reference Number: L3.809.4.93.6 / L3.809.4.93.9 (Spirit Pilot); L3.721.4.93.6 / L3.721.4.93.9 (Flyback)
Diameter: 39mm (Spirit Pilot); 39.5mm (Flyback)
Thickness: 11.5mm (Spirit Pilot); 13.4mm (Flyback)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Blue
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet or rubber strap, both with quick-adjust
The Movement
Caliber: L888.4 (Spirit Pilot); L792.4 (Flyback)
Power Reserve: 72 hours (Spirit Pilot); 68 hours (Flyback)
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 VpH (Spirit Pilot); 28,800 VpH (Flyback)
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC-certified
Pricing & Availability
Price: $2,700/$3,100 (Spirit Pilot on Strap/Bracelet); $5,250/$5,550 (Spirit Pilot Flyback on Strap/Bracelet)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No.
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