Longines Celebrates A Century Of GMT With The Spirit Zulu Time 1925

Forbes

22-05-2025

In 1908, Longines designed Turkish Watches that displayed dual time zones, which was pivotal for the Ottoman Empire for the simultaneous reading of Turkish and Western time. In 1925, Longines unveiled the Zulu Time watch featuring dual time zone functionality. This watch was used as a tool by the military and civilian aviators and navigators, who relied on precise timekeeping for safe and effective communication.
Original Longines Zulu Time from 1925
Longines
The dial of Zulu Time displayed a maritime flag representing the letter "Z," which signified the time at the zero meridian in Greenwich, London—now known as Universal Time Coordinated (UTC).
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 commemorates 100 years since the introduction of the first GMT functionality. The brand has partnered with Henry Cavill with a campaign that poses the poignant question: 'What time is it there?' This simple question captures the essence of global connectivity, highlighting how time can bridge distances between loved ones. Zulu Time watch becomes a symbol of shared experiences and moments in an increasingly globalized world.
The Longines Spirit Zulu Time collection was re-introduced in 2022. The collection initially featured 42 mm models in steel. In 2023, Longines added 39 mm versions, including models with gold elements. In 2024, the collection was further expanded to include a titanium version. In 2025, Longines introduces five new references - a two-tone commemorative edition, two commemorative steel models, and two steel models with blue ceramic bezel and anthracite dial.
The two-tone commemorative edition features a 39-mm stainless steel case, an 18K rose-gold bidirectional rotating bezel with a circular-brushed insert. The 24-hour graduations on the bezel allow wearers to track a third time zone. The matte black dial offers good legibility with contrasted rose-gold-colored hands and indexes. Both the hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal readability. Additionally, the dial features five stars positioned above the 6 o'clock marker, along with a date window and the years '1925 – 2025' engraved in a subtle tone-on-tone finish, marking the centennial anniversary.
In addition to the two-tone commemorative edition, Longines introduces two commemorative models in stainless steel with 39 mm and 42 mm case sizes. These two watches feature bidirectional rotating bezel with two-tone, matte black and polished black, ceramic insert. A matte black dial with contrasting applied rose-gold Arabic numerals that are coated with Super-LumiNova. Like two-tone model, these have special '1925 – 2025' engraved on the dial.
The last two references introduced by Longines are again in stainless steel in either 39 mm and or 42 mm case size. These two watches feature bidirectional rotating bezel with blue ceramic insert and vintage inspired lacquered numerals and triangle reference mark coated with Old Radium Light Super-LumiNova (fauxtina in watch geek speak). The anthracite dial has granular texture and features yellow gold applied numerals filled with Old Radium Light Super-LumiNova.
All five references have a screw-down crown and are water resistant to 100 meters. They are accompanied with steel bracelet with double-folding safety clasp and push-piece opening mechanism. Two-tone version comes with an additional black Nato strap.
All the models are powered by ETA-based exclusive Longines caliber L844.4, an automatic movement with silicon balance spring, making it up to ten times more resilient than the ISO 764 anti-magnetic standard requires. The movement offers power reserve of up to 72 hours and is chronometer certified from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
With five new references, Spirit Zulu Time 1925 provides options suitable for both frequent travelers and everyday use. Prices range from USD 3,300 steel models to USD 4,350 for two-tone commemorative model.