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 (see box below).
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 Titanium Technical Specifications
References
- L3.821.1.53.6 – 5700€
- L3.821.1.53.2 – 5350€
Movement
- 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®
- Watcher resistance: Up to 10 bar (100 metres)
Dial
- Sunray anthracite
- Applied Arabic numerals, with Super- LumiNova®
- Hands: Gilt with Super-LumiNova® with a red pointer for the central chronograph seconds hand
Strap & Buckle
- 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
The flyback function
The flyback function, first invented by Longines, is a watchmaking complication that enables a chronograph to measure consecutive intervals of time smoothly and quickly. Unlike 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, such as in aviation.
About Longines movements
Backed by centuries of watchmaking expertise, Longines has pioneered many technical advances and still displays an unfailing will to innovate. Its constant pursuit of excellence has led Longines to equip all its automatic timepieces with cutting-edge movements whose features include a silicon balance-spring. Silicon is not only lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but also sensitive to normal temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields. Silicon is not only lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but also sensitive to normal temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields. Its unique properties boost the watch’s precision and longevity and allow Longines to guarantee these models for 5 years.
About Longines
Longines has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. With many years of experience as a timekeeper for world championships in sport and as a partner of international sports federations, Longines has forged solid and lasting links with the world of sport over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. The brand with the winged hourglass as its emblem has outlets in over 150 countries.