The Longines Spirit Gets a Titanium Case (And Loses the Date)

The Longines Spirit collection was launched in the summer of last year as a new series of watches that were aviation inspired but not exactly vintage influenced. Unlike many of the recent high profile Longines releases, the Spirit watches weren’t recreations of references from their back catalog, but an entirely new venture for the brand, with a fresh design that certainly pulls from mid-century watches, but isn’t a direct copy of any particular watch. Between time and date and chronograph models, the Spirit offered a range of looks in a variety of dial colors, including, of course, a green dial that dropped back in May. The newest Spirit represents a more significant refresh, as a new case metal has been introduced into the line, along with a cleaner no-date dial. Let’s take a look at the new Longines Spirit Titanium. 

This Spirit is befitting of the material that the case is crafted from in that has a very tool-like presentation, with simple satin polished surfaces and an anthracite dial. It’s a darker and more moody watch than last year’s Spirits. The dial is accented with gold tone Arabic numerals and hands, as well as the Longines wordmark and chronometer text in the dial’s lower half. The removal of the date is a clear case of addition by subtraction – this dial is simply better aesthetically. On the first batch of time and date spirits, the date window was cut at an awkward size, appearing significantly smaller than the applied numerals. It looked like something of an afterthought. That’s not the case here, and if you don’t need a date or prefer the look of a dial without one, this is clearly the Spirit for you. 

Part of the value proposition of the Spirit had always been the COSC certified movement, and that’s carried over to the titanium as well. The automatic L888.4 caliber is equipped with a silicon balance spring and keeps a power reserve for 72 hours when fully wound. 

The titanium Spirit is available in two cases, one measuring 40mm in diameter, the other 42. Both are 12.2mm thick and carry a water resistance rating of 100 meters. This all equates to a watch that should wear easily for most, particularly given the lightweight nature of titanium. It’s also mounted to a nylon strap, which should further emphasize its lightness (the Spirit is also available on a full titanium bracelet). 

It’s easy for a watch like the Spirit to get lost in the shuffle. It’s not outwardly aggressive in appearance, and it doesn’t have a trendy gimmick behind it. What it is is a simple, well thought out watch that could easily be worn by almost anyone every single day for nearly any occasion. That might not make it a likely choice for enthusiasts or collectors working through a multi-box watch rotation, but this is the kind of watch that could spark an interest in the hobby if it connects with the right person. 

Pricing on the titanium Spirit in 40mm starts at $2,650 on the strap, and $2,950 on bracelet. Longines