Longines has once again tapped into its rich aviation history to introduce two new models in the Spirit collection: the simple three-dial Longines Spirit Pilot watch and the Flyback chronograph. These timepieces feature cleaner designs, smaller sizes and advanced mechanisms that will delight pilots and watch enthusiasts alike – all after five years of listening to the community.
Have you ever thought that the watch that helped Charles Lindbergh cross the Atlantic would be sitting on your wrist today during your morning coffee? Longines, the Swiss master with aviation DNA deeper than the ocean Lindbergh flew, is going back to its roots again. This time with two new models in the Spirit line that are like someone took the original 2020 Pilots, put them on a diet, and stripped out the unnecessary clutter. Ironic, right? As if to say, “Hey, five stars were nice, but now we have COSC certification – who needs them?” Let’s see – the Longines Spirit Pilot.
Cleaner dials and better proportions: Longines Spirit Pilot
Five years after the launch of the Spirit collection in 2020, Longines has listened to enthusiasts and removed the excess. Both new models – the Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback – have gotten rid of the five stars on the dial, which once denoted a higher quality movement but are now unnecessary thanks to the COSC chronometer certification. The date window on the three-hour watch has also disappeared, giving the matte black dial with gold Arabic numerals and a railway minute track more breathing space.
The Spirit Pilot measures 39 millimeters in diameter, which is the perfect middle ground between the existing 37 and 40 millimeters versions. With a thickness of 11.5 millimeters and a distance between the lugs of 47.2 millimeters, it will be comfortable to wear on a variety of wrist sizes. This is not just a smaller watch – this is a watch that recognizes that not all of us are pilots with hands like Howard Hughes.
Precision for aerial adventures
At the heart of the Spirit Pilot is the in-house COSC-certified L888.4 automatic movement with a silicon balance spring, offering a 72-hour power reserve and ten times better resistance to magnetism than the ISO 764 standard. The screw-down caseback is a welcome upgrade that adds robustness to the 100-meter water resistance.
What really stands out is the versatility of the straps. In addition to the expected steel bracelet and brown leather strap (both with a micro-adjustable buckle), there’s also a green rubber strap in a textile style. It’s a casual touch that makes the watch suitable not only for the cockpit, but also for the café cockpit – where the only flight is to the next cup of coffee.
Flyback is getting the attention it deserves
The Spirit Pilot Flyback tells an even more compelling story. Longines invented the flyback chronograph in the 1930s – a feature that allows time intervals to be instantly restarted with a single push of a button, instead of the classic stop-reset-start sequence. As if to say: “Why three pushes when you can have one?”
This new 39.5mm model is dramatically smaller than the previous 42mm automatic flyback versions, which measured over 17mm thick. The hand-wound L792.4 movement with column wheel (visible through the sapphire caseback) and 68-hour power reserve have reduced the case to 13.4mm.
The bidirectional ceramic bezel now sports a countdown timer instead of a tachymeter, while the boxy sapphire crystal adds vintage charm without sacrificing modern anti-reflective coatings. It's like a modern interpretation of an old classic – without the nostalgia getting in the way of usability.
Technical details: Longines Spirit Pilot
Model: Spirit Pilot Case size: 39 mm Case thickness: 11.5 mm Case material: Stainless steel Movement: In-house L888.4 automatic Water resistance: 100 m Strap options: Steel bracelet, brown leather, green rubber
Model: Spirit Pilot Flyback Case size: 39.5 mm Case thickness: 13.4 mm Case material: Stainless steel Movement: In-house L792.4 manual-winding column-wheel chronograph with flyback Functions: 30-minute counter, small seconds hand at 9 o'clock, countdown edge Water resistance: 100 m Strap options: Steel bracelet, brown leather
Price and availability
The new models are already available on the Longines website. The Spirit Pilot starts at $2,700, while the Spirit Pilot Flyback starts at $5,350. Prices in the EU are also comparable. These are prices that make aviation history accessible – without the need for your own plane.
Conclusion
Longines is with new Spirit Pilot and the Spirit Pilot Flyback proved that it listens to the community: smaller sizes, cleaner dials, and technological upgrades that honor the past but look to the future. If you're looking for a watch that combines history with everyday wearability, these two are perfect. You may not be flying across the Atlantic, but at least the time will fly accurately
