The New Longines Spirit Zulu Time In 39mm Soars

I can’t think of a better way to say it, but pilot watches are just, well, cool. Even in their most modern forms, they generally carry a very classic, utilitarian-meets-style look to them, as well as some honest respect for aviation history and the spirit of those who choose the still daring, dashing activity of piloting an aircraft into the wild blue yonder.

Similarly, one of the coolest concepts associated with pilot watches is the idea of “Zulu Time.” As often happens when you dig into something that sounds cool, the actual explanation of this term turns out to be a bit pedestrian. Zulu Time is simply a product of the military’s quest to create a standardized set of time zones so international armed forces, including their airmen, can better coordinate activities. With each time zone designated a letter from the NATO phonetic alphabet, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) – formerly Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – is indicated by the letter “Z”, hence “Zulu Time.”
 

In the Italian automotive world, there is a term “superleggera” (a very cool word) used to designate performance cars that have been stripped of weight to increase speed. The English translation is roughly “super light” (not so cool). So, if you’re behind the wheel of a Ferrari, you can more easily pull off using superleggera when you talk than if you are not driving one. Hence, if you are wearing a pilot watch, Zulu Time is a more legitimate addition to your common vocabulary.
 

Available in steel case and steel bracelet executions with a highly legible matte black dial, a textured sand-blasted anthracite dial, or a sunray blue dial, the colorways are enhanced by color-matched ceramic inserts on the bi-directional bezels. An interchangeable brown NATO strap or brown leather strap is included with the steel bracelet models, as well. These versions start at $3,050.
 

In addition, a version with a stunning 18K yellow gold bezel and crown, gilt GMT track, and chocolate brown ceramic bezel insert flies at the head of this squadron. The sand-blasted anthracite dial sports beige numerals for the 6 o’clock date aperture, while the indices and hands are coated with special “old radium” Super-LumiNova to make the vintage homage even more palpable. Expect to pay no less than $4,200 for that flight.
 

To learn more, visit the Longines website.

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)