This year, Swiss watchmaker Longines celebrates the 100th anniversary of its first dual-timezone watch by releasing the commemorative "Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925."

Since its founding in 1832, Longines has consistently pursued precision and innovation. A particularly noteworthy achievement in the maison's history was the creation of the "Zulu Time" in 1925, its first wristwatch equipped with a dual-timezone function. In response to humanity's newfound freedom to traverse multiple time zones, driven by advancements in aviation, it offered clear and reliable timekeeping.

Longines had laid the groundwork for dual-time functionality even earlier, in 1908. At the request of the Ottoman Empire, they produced the "Turkish Watch," the world's first dual-time pocket watch capable of displaying both Turkish and Western time simultaneously. Building on this experience, the "Zulu Time" featured a "Z" flag on its dial, synchronized with UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), and was adopted as "Zulu Time"—the standard time for clear communication via air radio.

More than a century later, in 2022, Longines presented a modern reinterpretation of this heritage with the "Spirit Zulu Time" collection. Highly acclaimed as a GMT model, it earned the trust of globetrotters and those active on the international stage.

The newly released commemorative model, the "Spirit Zulu Time 1925," embodies this century-long legacy. It features a 39mm stainless steel case, and its bidirectional rotating bezel, capped with rose gold, is adorned with a circular finish—a first for the collection.

Its practicality is further enhanced by a 24-hour scale, allowing for the tracking of up to three time zones. The bezel's material, rose gold containing copper, pays homage to the bronze band marking the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, established 350 years ago.

The matte black dial is complemented by rose gold-colored hands and indices, with Super-LumiNova® ensuring excellent legibility. At the 6 o'clock position, a five-star motif and the date display are subtly engraved in the same color, alongside the commemorative text "1925 - 2025." Furthermore, the case back is transparent, revealing an engraving of the celestial sphere with the Prime Meridian at its center, and a special rose gold-colored rotor.

The watch is powered by Longines' exclusive automatic movement, the Caliber L844.4. Utilizing a silicon balance spring and innovative antimagnetic components, it achieves magnetic resistance exceeding ISO764 standards. With a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, it is also certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

Two straps are included: a stainless steel bracelet and a black NATO strap. Both offer exceptional comfort and reliability. A special presentation box, befitting a commemorative model, is also provided.

Actor Henry Cavill reprises his role in the global advertising campaign for this model. The campaign's theme, "What time is it there?" portrays the modern traveler who continues to share time with loved ones while journeying across the globe, underscoring that the Zulu Time is more than just a mechanical watch—it's a symbol of connection.

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic and travel across borders and oceans becomes feasible once more, the Zulu Time stands ready as a dependable companion.

Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925
Movement | Automatic mechanical movement Longines Exclusive Caliber L844.4
Power Reserve | Approx. 72 hours
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds / Date at 6 o'clock / GMT
Case Size | Diameter 39 mm Thickness 13.50 mm
Case Material | Stainless steel, Domed sapphire crystal with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides
Dial | Matte black, 11 rose gold-colored applied Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova®
Hands | Rose gold-colored hands with Super-LumiNova® / Black GMT hand with rose gold-colored arrow and Super-LumiNova®
Water Resistance | 10 bar
Bracelet / Strap |
- Stainless steel: Interchangeable bracelet included
Bracelet with push-piece opening system, double safety folding clasp
- NATO: Black color with pin buckle
Price | 624,800 JPY (tax included)