The Longines Spirit Flyback symbolises the pioneering spirit that has always driven the winged hourglass brand. The collection is now enhanced by two new versions in steel and 18-carat yellow gold
or steel and 18-carat rose gold. Featuring a green or brown dial, these authentic pilot’s watches offer
cutting-edge precision thanks to their exclusive Longines calibre, which is resistant to magnetic fields and chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).
In 2024, the Longines Spirit Flyback line is being expanded with new versions featuring green or brown dials, along with their ceramic bezel inserts, and a case crafted from steel and 18-carat gold. Unveiled last year, the line marks a new chapter in the long history of Longines pilot’s watches.
These flyback chronographs bear witness to Longines’ pioneering role in the development of this technology. The winged hourglass brand produced the first model equipped with a flyback function in 1925, then filed a patent which was registered on 16 June 1936: a world first.
A revolutionary tool for conquering the skies, the flyback complication enabled successive timing of different stages of a flight, thus facilitating navigation.
The high precision of the Longines Spirit Flyback is ensured by the exclusive Longines calibre L791.4. This is equipped with a silicon balancespring and innovative components that make it ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 reference standard. With a power reserve of up to 68 hours, this movement is officially chronometer-certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). A transparent case back reveals the meticulousness of the calibre and its yellow or rose gold oscillating weight engraved with a globe, the emblem of the Longines Spirit collection.
These two new chronographs feature a crown and pushers in 18-carat yellow gold on the green-dial model, and 18-carat rose gold on the brown-dial model. Their bidirectional rotating bezels are enhanced by a yellow or rose gold cap and a green or brown ceramic insert. Topped by a multi-layer anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the dials in shaded matt green or shaded mat brown are flanked by a small sub-seconds dial at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute timer at 3 o’clock. The yellow or rose gold hands and numerals, coated with Super-LumiNova® Old Radium, ensure optimum legibility in all circumstances, whether in the air or on the ground.
Water-resistant up to 10 bar (100 metres), both models are available with green or brown leather straps to match the colour of the dial. Each has a double-security folding clasp with micro-adjustment system.
The flyback function
A watchmaking complication invented by Longines in the 1920s, the flyback function enables a chronograph to measure consecutive intervals of time quickly and easily. Unlike a traditional chronograph, where the 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 pusher. This function proves particularly useful in situations where precision and speed are essential, such as in aviation.
Longines Spirit Flyback in gold Technical Specifications
References
- L3.821.5.53.2
- L3.821.5.59.2
- 5.800 CHF / 6.750 €
Functions
- Hours, minutes, and seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock
- Chronograph complication with flyback function
- 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Movement
- Self-winding mechanical movement
- Exclusive Longines column-wheel calibre L791.4
- COSC-certified chronometer
- Magnetism-resistant (ISO 764), with silicon balance-spring
- 13¼ lines, 28 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour
- Power reserve: up to 68 hours
Case
- Diameter 42 mm; thickness 17 mm
- Round, stainless steel
- Domed sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Bidirectional rotating bezel with 2N 18 ct yellow gold cap or 5N 18 ct rose gold cap and green or brown ceramic insert; numerals and triangle marker with Super-LumiNova® Old Radium treatment
- Screw-in crown and pushers in 2N 18 ct yellow gold or 5N 18 ct rose gold
- Transparent screw-on case back
- Distance between lugs: 22 mm
- Water-resistant up to 10 bars (100 metres)
Dials
- Matt shaded green or matt shaded brown
- Arabic numerals, with Super-LumiNova® Old Radium treatment
- Yellow gold-plated or rose gold-plated, with Super-LumiNova® Old Radium treatment
Strap
- Green leather on model with shaded matt green dial
- Brown leather on model with shaded matt brown dial
- Double-security folding clasp and pusher-operated opening mechanism; micro-adjustment
- Interchangeability system
About Longines
Longines has been based in 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 sporting 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 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.