The New Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph

There isn’t a denying that Longines’ newest and most prolific assortment, the Spirit, has been fairly a hit throughout its two years of existence. With its engaging mixture of recent options and historic references to the model’s aviation previous, the Spirit has already been launched in a number of editions, together with time-and-date, chronograph, no-date and just lately, GMT Zulu time. And now, it seems in its most intricate version to date, a brand new chronograph that’s pretty totally different from this traditional model that pays tribute to an vital operate for the winged hourglass. Let’s uncover the brand new Longines Spirit Flyback.

Longines’ experience within the area of aviation-related watches and chronographs is plain. We’ve defined this within the first article overlaying the Spirit assortment. What issues most immediately truly has to do with what’s underneath the hood, with a complication or operate that has rather a lot to do with Longines: the flyback chronograph or retour-en-vol operate.

Fast technical reminder concerning the flyback

On a traditional, two-pusher chronograph (which means the overwhelming majority of the manufacturing), the sequence to reset and restart the chronograph consists of three steps. When the chronograph is operating, it’s essential to pause it by urgent the pusher at 2, then reset it by urgent the pusher at 4, after which relaunch it by urgent the pusher at 2. An appropriate manoeuvre, so long as you don’t must make a number of timing periods in a row. Within the context of flight calculations in a airplane, it’s not a sensible technique to measure common velocity.

Enter the flyback operate, which is generally seen in pilot’s chronographs (e.g. the Sort 20 sequence). The concept was to simplify to the utmost the stop-reset-start sequence. The retour-en-vol or flyback operate permits the execution of this sequence in only one motion, by urgent the pusher at 4 when the chronograph is operating. This enables performing a number of calculations in a row, with out a delay interval.

Whereas the authorship of the flyback complication is a subject that’s nonetheless mentioned (most sources point out 1923, Breitling), examples of flyback actions at Longines will be traced again already to 1925, with the model’s wristwatch chronograph with two unbiased pushers and flyback operate in Longines’ archives – outfitted with a modified calibre 13.33Z. Nonetheless, if the creation of the operate itself stays arduous to exhibit (with out in depth analysis), an important issue is that Longines filed a patent for the flyback on 12 June 1935, which went on to be registered on 16 June 1936. That very same yr, the model launched the primary serial chronograph with a flyback operate, the all-time nice calibre 13ZN. Simply after WWII, Longines developed yet one more emblematic motion, the calibre 30CH, which, as soon as once more, was outfitted with a flyback mechanism.

The brand new Longines Spirit Flyback

If the Spirit Zulu Time was to be seen as the larger brother of the traditional 3-hand fashions, the identical may very well be stated concerning the Spirit Flyback subsequent to the traditional automated chronograph. In each circumstances, we’ve got sportier watches with an exterior rotating bezel and a extra superior motion. And while you take a look at the specification sheet of this new Spirit Flyback, Longines has been working arduous to deliver its finest sport: superior supplies in and out, certifications, fashionable options and conventional mechanical options. Totally outfitted.

The case of the Longines Spirit Flyback depends on the identical general proportions as different chronographs within the assortment. The diameter is thus on the massive facet, at 42mm. And whereas already comparatively thick in its commonplace configuration, this new Flyback model is thick. At 17mm in top, it received’t be a watch that wears underneath a cuff. Explaining this stoutness is the mix of an automated chronograph, a snug degree of resistance and the presence of a brand new, bi-directional bezel on prime. Geared up with a 60-minute scale, it’s fairly particular. Made from black or blue ceramic, all white markings are coated in Tremendous-LumiNova, and the remainder of the markers are in detrimental aid (fairly cool).

The remainder of the case is acquainted Longines Spirit, with a mixture of brushed surfaces and properly executed polished bevels on the facet. The big crown, which screws down, is straightforward to function, and so are the outsized pushers. The caseback is fitted with a see-through crystal and secured by six screws. Water-resistance is rated at 100m, which is at all times nice for an aviation-oriented chronograph. General, the standard of the watch is spectacular. However little question, it seems and wears massive.

The dial of the Longines Spirit Flyback, accessible in sunray black or sunray blue (with an identical bezel insert), doesn’t differ a lot from different watches within the assortment. It retains the identical stepped interior flange with diamond cutouts for the markers, utilized Arabic numerals and an general fairly luxurious really feel, regardless of the environment friendly legibility. The primary distinction with the traditional chronograph is the show, right here a balanced and symmetrical two-register fashion. Not simply seen in our photographs, the fingers and markers are bronze-coloured, including a heat retro contact. Longines as soon as once more selected a no-date show, and the 5 stars at 6 o’clock point out the presence of a precision motion.

Talking of the motion, this new mannequin is provided with a refined engine, produced by ETA however unique to Longines. The calibre L791.4 is a deeply modified 7753, now outfitted with a column wheel, a flyback operate, a silicon stability spring (with anti-magnetic properties), a revised 3.5Hz frequency and a snug 68-hour energy reserve. The ornament has been revised, with perlage and blued components, in addition to the gathering’s signature globe brand engraved on the rotor. Lastly, the motion is licensed chronometer by the COSC.

The brand new Longines Spirit Flyback is launched in 5 totally different editions, in line with the selection of strap/bracelet. It may be fitted with a brushed and polished 3-link metal bracelet (for black and blue). Additionally, it may be chosen on a brown leather-based strap (black dial) or a blue textile strap (blue dial), each closed by a folding clasp fitted with a brand new micro-adjustment system for max consolation. Lastly, the black dial will be fitted with a beige NATO strap. All choices function an interchangeable system.

The Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph is a mechanically superior but sizeable addition to the gathering. As at all times, the standard is plain. The mannequin on straps retail for CHF 4,200, whereas the mannequin on metal bracelet is priced at CHF 4,300. For extra particulars, please go to www.longines.com.