Longines Spirit Pilot & Spirit Flyback Chronograph: Pioneering Heritage, Modern Precision

Aviation watches have long represented more than just timekeeping instruments. They reflect an era of exploration, technical progress, and the practical needs of pilots navigating under challenging conditions.

Closely linked to this history for nearly a century, Longines instruments have accompanied aviators and explorers on record-setting flights and demanding expeditions across land, sea, and ice.

In 2020, the brand introduced the Spirit collection, designed to connect its aviation heritage with contemporary watchmaking. For 2025, this vision continues with the introduction of the Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback.

Both models remain rooted in tradition while incorporating modern precision and technical refinements, demonstrating how the pilot’s watch remains relevant for today’s collectors as much as it once was for professionals in the cockpit.

The new Spirit Pilot presents itself as a refined evolution of the three-hand Spirit model. Its 39mm stainless steel case has been carefully reworked to achieve improved ergonomics, offering a balanced presence on the wrist that is both comfortable and versatile. Subtle adjustments to the silhouette give it a more streamlined and timeless profile.
 

Moreover, the matte black dial has been simplified for clarity, while the five-star dial graphic and date window seen on earlier versions have been removed, resulting in a clean, functional layout. Gold-colored Arabic numerals and hands provide a strong contrast against the dark background, ensuring legibility and recalling the look of historical cockpit instruments. A redesigned minute track enhances precision in time reading, reinforcing the model’s aviation inspiration.
 

At its core is the calibre L888.4, a COSC-certified self-winding movement equipped with a silicon balance spring and antimagnetic components that exceed ISO standards. It delivers a 72-hour power reserve and reliable performance, making it suitable for both everyday use and demanding conditions. A screw-down caseback further secures the movement.
 

The overall versatility of the new Spirit Pilot is further enhanced by an interchangeable strap system, which allows the watch to transition between a stainless steel bracelet, a brown leather strap, and a green rubber strap with a textile finish. Each option is fitted with a micro-adjustable clasp for optimal comfort and adaptability.
 

The Spirit Pilot combines traditional pilot-watch functionality with modern refinements, offering a reliable and understated timepiece for a wide range of settings.

The Spirit Pilot Flyback builds on Longines’ historic role in chronograph development. The brand patented the flyback function in 1935, a complication that allowed pilots to reset and restart the chronograph with a single press – an innovation designed to save time when accuracy was critical and an instantaneous reset prevented you from veering miles off course.
 

The modern Spirit Pilot Flyback houses the calibre L792.4, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a silicon balance spring, COSC certification, and a 68-hour power reserve. A transparent screw-down caseback provides a view of the movement’s mechanics, highlighting Longines’ technical expertise.
 

The watch is housed in a 39.5mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 13.4mm, giving it a balanced profile on the wrist. Its matte black dial, box-shaped sapphire crystal, and vintage-inspired numerals evoke traditional cockpit instruments, while gold-toned hands with Super-LumiNova ensure legibility in all lighting conditions.

Additional functionality is provided by a bidirectional rotating bezel with countdown capability, expanding the watch’s usability beyond aviation contexts. Strap options include a stainless steel bracelet and brown leather, both fitted with a micro-adjustable clasp.
 

The Spirit Pilot Flyback combines Longines’ historical innovation with modern refinements, offering a versatile chronograph that reflects both heritage and contemporary performance standards.

In the meantime, Longines has unveiled its new flagship boutique at 65 Bahnhofstrasse, one of Zurich’s most prestigious addresses. Spanning 166 m², the boutique ranks among the largest of the brand worldwide, bringing a refined elegance to the heart of the city.
 

This new opening marks a key milestone for Longines on its home market, as the store embodies both the heritage and innovation that define the Maison. The façade, blending the original stone architecture with elegant Art Nouveau details, leads into an interior where timeless aesthetic codes meet contemporary design, creating a space that highlights the brand’s watchmaking expertise.
 

Beyond its role as a retail location, the Zurich flagship is conceived as a true living space. Guests can enjoy a serene veranda that serves as a meeting and relaxation area, as well as the exclusive Collectors Corner, where carefully restored historical models are displayed for enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
 

Decorative elements and thematic areas retrace the company’s milestones, from pioneering achievements in aviation to its deep ties with equestrian sports and its official role in alpine skiing. By harmonizing Longines’ 190-year legacy with Zurich’s cultural identity, the boutique offers a unique experience that reflects the brand’s values of elegance, tradition, and performance, welcoming Swiss clients and international visitors alike.

The Spirit Pilot and Spirit Pilot Flyback stand out not only for their technical precision but also for their heritage. Both models reflect Longines’ history in aviation while meeting the expectations of modern watch enthusiasts for accuracy, durability, and versatility.

Offered in three versions, the Spirit Pilot presents a refined interpretation of the classic pilot’s watch, while the Flyback, available in two versions, reintroduces a historic complication in a contemporary form. Together, they demonstrate how tradition and innovation can coexist in a cohesive collection.

For more information, please visit the Longines website.