Longines, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, has recently released the Longines Spirit Flyback, a 42mm stainless steel chronograph with a flyback function. It’s available in two dial colors, blue and black. This new addition to the Longines Spirit collection pays homage to the brand’s rich history while boasting modern features.
The Flyback Function
The Flyback function is not a new concept, but it’s a technical feature that remains relevant for modern pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It allows the chronograph to reset and restart in just one action, making it easy to perform multiple calculations in a row, without any delay period. This feature has been mostly seen in pilot’s chronographs, and Longines has been incorporating it into their watches since 1925.
The Design
The Longines Spirit Flyback is not a reproduction of anything vintage. Instead, it’s a modern-looking watch that stands out in the collection. It features a two-register layout with sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock. The dial and sub-dials have polished rims, and at 12 o’clock, there’s the Longines hourglass logo. At 6 o’clock, you will find the five stars that belong to the modern Spirit collection, as well as the “Flyback” and “Chronometer” wording. The watch’s hands and hour markers are coated with lume for optimal legibility.
The case of the Longines Spirit Flyback is made of stainless steel and is similar to other chronographs in the collection. The diameter is on the larger side, at 42mm, and the height is 17mm, making it a watch that wears large. However, the watch’s thickness is explained by the automatic chronograph, a comfortable level of resistance, and the presence of a new, bi-directional bezel on top. Equipped with a 60-minute scale, the bezel is made of black or blue ceramic, and all white markings are coated in Super-LumiNova, making it easy to read in low-light conditions.
The Movement
The Longines Spirit Flyback is equipped with a refined engine produced by ETA but exclusive to Longines. The calibre L791.4 is a deeply modified 7753 movement, equipped with a column wheel, a flyback function, a silicon balance spring, a revised 3.5Hz frequency, and a comfortable 68-hour power reserve. The decoration has been revised, with perlage and blued elements, as well as the collection’s signature globe logo engraved on the rotor. The movement is also certified chronometer by the COSC.
Editions and Price
The Longines Spirit Flyback is released in five different editions, according to the choice of strap/bracelet. It can be fitted with a brushed and polished 3-link steel bracelet (for black and blue), a brown leather strap (black dial), or a blue textile strap (blue dial), both closed by a folding clasp fitted with a new micro-adjustment system for maximum comfort. Finally, the black dial can be fitted with a beige NATO strap. All options feature an interchangeable system.
The Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph on straps retails for 4,750€, while the model on a steel bracelet is priced at 4,850€.
Final Thoughts
The Longines Spirit Flyback is a unique addition to the brand’s Spirit collection, combining vintage roots with modern features. The Flyback function, refined movement, and choice of interchangeable straps/bracelets make it a watch that stands out in any collection. If you’re looking for a modern chronograph with vintage roots, the Longines Spirit Flyback is a perfect choice. For more information, please visit longines.com.
Model: Spirit Flyback
Reference Number: L3.821.4.53.2/6/9 L3.821.4.93.2/6
The Case
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 17mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Sunray black or sunray blue
Indexes: Applied Arabic numerals
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Brown leather or blue fabric strap, beige NATO, or stainless steel bracelet.
The Movement
Caliber: L791.4
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, flyback function
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Winding: Self-winding column wheel
Frequency: 25,200 vph
Jewels: 28
Chronometer Certified: Yes
Price: 4,750€ / 4,850€
