The Curious Case Of The Titanium Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 GMT: 1 Month Owner’s Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- I love GMT watches whether they are flyer GMTs or caller GMTs. I've owned a bunch of them including the Rolex Explorer II, Tudor Black Bay Pro, Seiko SSK GMT, and more from Grand Seiko, Zodiac, and Traska. So it's no surprise that the Longines Spirit Zulu Time piqued my interest even at 42mm. Then this year, they released the much anticipated 39mm version of the Spirit Zulu Time with all the same great specs so I knew that I had to get one because it essentially fixed the issues that many folks had with the BB Pro, namely the lack of a rotatable bezel and the thick case.
But then in early December, Hodinkee released their latest collaboration with Longines and gave us a titanium Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 in all of its lightweight grade 5 titanium glory. Hodinkee simplified the dial and made the bezel out of titanium and added a touch of yellow which has some folks claiming that it looks a bit too much like a Tudor BB Pro. I can tell you that it is very much NOT a Black Bay Pro.
In this video I'm going to get into all the details of my new Titanium Spirit Zulu Time including the dimensions, how it wears on the wrist, the dial, movement, case, and bracelet. Overall this is an absolutely fantastic watch that somehow made a great watch even better. But weirdly enough this value packed watch has not yet sold out? I will get into why I think this is happening as well.
TBWS article about the first watch with a rotatable bezel- twobrokewatchsnobs.com/the-hi...
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TIME STAMPS:
The Titanium Longines Spirit Zulu Time - 00:00
Dimensions / On The Wrist - 00:47
The Dial - 02:40
The Case And Bezel - 04:32
The Bracelet - 07:31
Is This Actually A Bad Watch - 09:29
DIMENSIONS:
Case width: 39.1mm
Lug width: 21mm
Bracelet at clasp: 16mm
Bracelet taper: 5mm
Lug to lug: 46.8mm
Bezel width: 39.2mm
Dial width: 30.4mm
Case thickness: 13.4mm
Midcase thickness: 6.5mm
Bezel height: 3.8mm
Crown diameter: 6.9mm
Crown height: 4.6mm
Weight (with bracelet): 94 grams
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Movement: Longines L844.4
Power Reserve: 72 hours
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My steel SZT 39 is now for sale for $2,300! (Pretty much bc of this watch lol). Check out the description of my 7 month review ( th-cam.com/video/Bw0S17aOemM/w-d-xo.html ) for full details but if you’d like to purchase send me an email at thewatchidiot@gmail.com with your shipping zip code so I can get myself a shipping quote. Thanks!
I owned the BB Pro for a while and while this might “resemble” the BB Pro, it is absolutely not a copy. As soon as this was released I jumped on it. I figured I would be too late to get this as usually happens. I’m shocked that this is still available. It wears incredibly well on the wrist. Much better than the BB Pro. The grade 5 Titanium is a great hue and super comfortable. Unfortunately the crown on mine just popped off and I had to send it in for service. I bought mine from Hodinkee and they failed to fill out the warranty card but all has been taken care of. I have plenty of watches to wear but I seem to be missing this more than I expected to. All in all this is a great pick up. It seems like many TH-camrs are bashing Hodinkee these days. Do you think that this could be why it hasn’t sold out? Just a thought.
This is a great release. The BBPro comparisons are kinda lazy I think. Can't believe these didn't sell out. Says more about the disdain for Hodinkee than the watch itself
Yeah very lazy indeed especially considering that one has numerals and the other does not, and thats without mentioning the metal! Yeah its still pretty wild to me that neither Hodinkee nor Longines have sold out yet but yeah i guess there are a lot of very strong feelings about hodinkee. Or maybe everyone who loves it are international lol!
Agreed. If buy one I'd I had the funds. Just got a G shock MRG Square 😊
Most people talking about rip-off watches dont make sense because to the regular person, most watches look the same, lol
Bro, i literally almost bought this watch last night. This video was perfect timing
I agree a magazine telling you you are wrong as a man for not wanting to wear female clothing says it all , woman. Buy fashion magazine's and clothing all the time
Men but cars and watches and don't like someone who is got a joke of a job telling them what to do ..,...these will never sell and if they do they will be cents on the doller😂😂😂
I'm glad you brought up the original longines pilots watches from the 30s bc I also was reminded of them when I first saw this! Thanks for the video bc I can finally actually see how well done this watch is Longines really did a great job on the details and Hodinkee did a great job refining the details and simplifying the dial. Overall a superb watch that is now really tempting me👍
Yeah there's just something about the bezel that gives it a different look the profile looks a touch rounded maybe? I'm happy that I found out the origins of the rotatable bezel given how important it is to me and I'm kinda glad it was Rolex lol!
Longines and Hodinkee really did well here Longines the refinement of every element is spot on and the subtle way the bevels shine is just next level stuff. I think this will be my most worn watch of 2024🤫
Thanks for posting this! Wish they kept the date window at the 6 for added distinction from the BB Pro. Would still much rather have this than that chunkster with a static bezel. Enjoy this beautiful watch!
Great breakdown and totally relatable commentary 👏 this is a really progressive watch in a lot of ways. Love the tidbit of Longines owning turning steel bezels. The quiet pioneers of so much of the technology we take for granted. Think your summation re lack of sales is pretty bang on, but also that it’s a shame!
If they had made the GMT hand and dial text any other color than the exact same yellow that is on the BB pro, this would be a winner.
TBH if i was in the market for a GMT watch, I would still pick it over a bb pro. The longines just looks amazing.
Yeah the shade of yellow is very similar but at the same time had they gone for orange or red people would say that its copying the Explorer II. Not sure if any other color other than the classics would work in this particular watch. Maybe green?
@secret1dentity Having owned the BB Pro i would choose this over the BB Pro despite the BB Pro having the tfit clasp. the package as a whole is just too good!
@@secret1dentity Sure, looks are subjective though. My previous point still holds true--it would be far less a poser-watch if the GMT hand and text weren't the same yellow as the BB pro.
All the Hodinkee hatred helps to make for some fantastic second hand purchases, I recently bought the Merci Paris field watch that retails for just under $1000 Aud for $100 Aud, a cracking little piece. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the Longines, a great looking watch.
Disclaimer: I am a massive Longines fan, own 4 of them.
On it's own merits, this is a fantastic watch. But I think a lot of people, at least that I've spoken to, find it to be a little derivative. The Spirit Zulu Time was already one of their most successful models in decades, I think in large part because it was a fairly original design, and then right at the tail end of the steel bezel/Explorer 2-esque design craze, they released this... At a glance, it looks like they put the Zulu Time in a BB Pro costume and priced it at almost the same price as the original. It just feels a little too lazy, a little too derivative, and like it came out a little too late. If they had launched this in early 2023, I think it would have sold better.
Also why move the date back to 3? Longines moved the date to 6 after all the complaints on the time only Spirit 40mm model, now it's back?
No-date is the best, always...
Can anyone explain why they moved the date to the 3 o'clock position as opposed to keeping it at 6? The Hodinkee special edition uses the movement so I can't see what the change is for.
I don't know if this is the reason, but this watch looks significantly more utilitarian, and 3oclock is more practical when wearing long sleeves.
I might sell my black version 39 spirit Zulu to get this version! I’ve never gotten used to the off-white lume filling not matching the bezel numerals. This titanium versions seems to fix all my grips with the standard black version.
I'm a little late to this video but I absolutely love Titanium watches! It is my favorite watch material. I had never heard of this watch. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
It's not that this Longines and the Tudor look too similar, it's that every single change that Hodinkee made to this design made it more similar to the Black Bay: the color scheme, the steel bezel, moving the date window to 3:00, even removing the Longines crest. I don't know if people would have complained as much if the Titanium had been released first, but if you look at the two Longines side-by-side, the new one is clearly a Zulu Time that has been Black Bay-ified. The old Zulu Time is unafraid to be itself -- even with the love-it-or-hate-it touches like the five stars -- while the Titanium looks like it was designed by someone who actually wanted a Black Bay GMT.
Couldn't disagree more. Just because both companies were inspired by the same Rolex Explorer and wanted to go for a Stainless steel look doesn't mean Longines copied Tudor. Longines did release a 42mm version and then a 39mm in multiple colors prior to this, so this was just an expansion of the line rather than a desperate copy. I've held both watches in hand and they are very different. titanium/lighter weight, color (Zulutime is a bit darker and bracelet is less shiny), bidirectional bezel and slimmer fit are all notable improvement over the BB Pro. The numbers on the dial and oversized bezel of the zulutime are preferences but clearly differentiators between the two. All of this and still $300 less expensive. The tudor is limited by what the Rolex Explorer was/is and can never be made to out-do older brother but the Longines has no limitations and it shows.
Great video on this watch and thanks for covering it! I picked this edition up shortly after it came out and I love the watch a little more each day. Like you, I think it's going to be getting a *lot* of wrist time from me this year.
I'd tried out the standard 39mm Spirit Zulu Time in stores multiple times and it just never really clicked with me. I recognize how good it is, but it just didn't speak to me. Too "blingy" somehow. This edition, though - right on the nose. I'm overwhelmingly in favor of most of the changes they made. I think the modifications from the standard model make the watch more subdued and classic, while still maintaining a tool watch vibe.
One thing that I don't think gets mentioned enough is the huge difference in finishing between this and the BB Pro (and I like the BB Pro - not hating on it!). I SO prefer the brushed surfaces on this to the highly polished surfaces of the BB Pro - this feels more on-point for a tool watch.
I'm loving the onion-style crown - really does make it feel like a proper pilot watch.
As you noted, I love that on the clasp, instead of the huge "LONGINES" that's on the typical Spirit Zulu, they've just put a small version of the log on one end - again, more subdued.
Boy-oh-boy are you correct that the titanium makes it light! I can barely tell that I'm wearing it (I don't have other titanium watches in my collection, so first time I'm experiencing this).
And each day I wear it I notice more things: the extraordinary dimensionality of the dial, the smoothness of the motion of the seconds hand, the lumed numerals, the appeal of the matte anthracite dial. Just all so (insert chef's kiss here). Well done, Longines and Hodkinee, and great review, sir!
Chefs kiss? Someone’s been watching Britt Pierce. 😉
Well don't Feel so All Alone my Friend. I Too have Purchased one today 2-1-2024. I just Went Nuts when it was Debuted and was Pissed because I bought the Green Bezel 39mm maybe 3 months Earlier ( was trying to get a 39mm in that Color Combo since it came out). The Green is Absolutely Gorgeous but, I got Shy at the Thought as to why I Bought it for and that was to Use it as A Everyday Wearer. Not a Beater ( i got a SLA057 for that), but the Watch is Just To Nice to do that to it, so it Sits.
Note: I'm trying very hard to reduce the Amount of Watches I have to 3 or 4 that I will Wear Daily, but That's a Fail. 1 GS Chronograph GMT Spring Drive, 1 Tudor day date, Seiko SLA057, Now these two Longines Zulu. But The Titanium One,,, That's my Daily Drive.
I'm just hoping that the popularity of Longines GMTs motivates Tudor to develop and release refined 39mm GMTs complete with thinner cases. I believe it will happen, and it's just a matter of when.
Absolutely, I'm hoping for the same thing as well and given that their gmt movement has been around for 6 years, I'm hoping that means that an update is forthcoming (hopefully this year😁)
@@thewatchidiot Great video TWI! While waiting for that perfect Tudor GMT to drop, would love to get you hands on with one of our watches to check out that might scratch that itch! Hope you are doing great and that your new year is off to a great start!
Watched your video over for a few times, finally pulled the trigger and ordered myself one. The watch arrived two days ago and I'm already falling in love with it, the light weight is spectacular.
Although I do agree with you that the bracelet is less than perfect without the quick adjust, and the links are not screwed in (still have to hammer the pin out), and I'm a bit surprised it picked up some minor hairline scratches at the back of the bracelet where it touches the table or surface that I work on, even it's grade 5 titanium, but I know that no watch stays perfect as long as you wear it, so I'm still okay with that.
Longines are killing it with their designs. Their watches almost without exception hit my personal taste perfectly.
And just to add about its success (or lack thereof)- I think that it lost a bit of character compared to the steel version. Maybe it’s the writing on the dial or the more brushed look of the titanium , I don’t know…the steel version appeals to me more in terms of looks.
I really like the watch, but like a bunch of watches that came out near the later part of the year, with the holidaze and whatnot. It's just not in the budget right now.
My major gripe with it is probably the part you like; the bezel!
If they would have matched the dial with a lumed matte ceramic insert? It would probably be sitting in my watch box right now! 👍
Way better proportions, superior finishing and better looking than the bb pro tbh
Is there lume on the 24 hr 'inverted triangular' mark on the bezel?
My crown also popped off, when I set it up the first time. I sent it back an got a new one… does the „normal“ Zulu has comparable problems with the crown?
Received mine today! Nr 447 so maybe they are close to selling out?
I think this watch is the best of the standard Zulu 39 and the BB pro combined with a better case bracelet material to top it off!
I do not get why it did not sellout yet but I allowed me to get mine so no complaints 😅
Incredible watch. Love the bracelet. 21mm straps are so easy to get these days. Longines are killing it!!!
Longines did a great job with this one I cant take it off my wrist! 21mm straps are becoming more common for sure but I cannot for the life of me find a 21mm rubber strap that tapers down to 18mm! the one I have only goes to 20mm and it looks way too big for the watch head
@@thewatchidiotgreat review, would love to see what the watch looks like on some other straps like a rubber or a nice nato, or even a paratrooper strap. I think it would make your review even better. Thank you for actually reviewing this watch even though it gets a lot of hate. I am on the verge of adding this watch to my collection but I really need to see it on something other than the bracelet.
@Jake-wt8tv so far it's only one fkm rubber strap but I'm hoping to get a gray NATO soon tho to see what it looks like! Basically every fkm rubber strap I've been looking at only tapers 1mm which I'm not a fan of but it looks better on this SZT vs my steel one. Enough that I'd actually wear it on a rubber strap.
Also there's a quick moment in this video ( 05:21 ) when I'm talking about the origins of the bezel where I'm wearing it on the rubber strap although it's not too visible there but if you'd like you can email me at thewatchidiot@gmail.com and I can send you some extra photos. My email is also in the description of the video!
Lognines continues to bring their 'A' game to the watch market. I am so impressed with their attention to detail. Would love to see them offer a white dial version.
This was a fantastic release by Longines and Hodinkee and I am thoroughly enjoying this piece. Hodinkee hateraide aside, evaluating this watch objectively - 39mm, flyer GMT, COSC, that’s super lightweight and comfortable - what’s not to love? (I can look past the 21mm lug width). But speaking of which, do you know if any of the Longines rubber straps with the interchangeable system works for this watch? I noticed that there is a green 21mm hydroconquest rubber strap equipped with the interchangeable system on Longines’ site but I haven’t found anyone (Longines included) who can answer my question. Thanks!
A friend of mine (Boeing 777 long haul flight pilot, a proper user for this watch) has been eyeing for this Longines X Hodinkee Spirit Zulu Time). Cant wait for him to purchase this watch so I can borrow it. 😛
I love that piece and overall what Longines are releasing atm.
I think the difference in price between the steel and titanium is the main deterrent for it not being as popular
Very detailed in the dimensions. Thank you. Over priced hence it's still available, if this goes down to 2k I'll get one.
I like the look of the dial without the stars, looks good
Looks boring w/o the stars :(
I never really minded the stars on the dial since they end up visually disappearing due to the polished surface, so I saw them as quirky mostly. But seeing this dial without them, especially with this all metal aesthetic is definitely very very pleasing
very nice, I hope that in 2024 it will be made with the polar white dial
I think the BBP is a better looking watch but I do like what Hodinkee has done here. I think the comparisons were always inevitable and likely expected.
Beautiful watch !
They need to bring over the adjusrable clasp from the new Hydroconquest GMT.
I like the in-the-car edit... what are you driving?
Seriously interested in the black steel bracelet version, the big Longines lettering on the clasp is a deal breaker. They changed that perfectly to the logo on this version, but I am not pulling any triggers until this is also done on the standard version.
They made an already great-looking and perfectly-sized watch even better, wow. Of course the comparisons to the BB are fair, but IMO the Longines wears it better. I just don't understand why they went with the same color GMT hand as the BB!! Any other color would've killed those "copy" comparisons; they should've made the GMT hand red or just kept it blue and it would've been perfect!!!! Well, that, and the very weird decision to move the date from the 6 to the 3 (why do that?!?)
How many clicks is the bi-directional bezel? Is it 24? 48?
24
I honestly think it’s not selling because you can get the steel Zulu Time GMT with like 25% off at most ADs. Not sure people want to spend $4000 on this when you can get the steel for like $2300.
I prefer the black bezel - If Longines simply cased the Zulu Time in titanium, with that bracelet, I'd be first in line, with cash in my hand. I mean, they have the case in hand, so ... why not?
I wish they would do Do this to the Hydro conquest GMT too. Be the ultimate holiday watch.
yessss TWI x Longines: 39mm titanium HC GMT (with 20mm lugs) 😁
It looks great although I would have preferred the winged hourglass logo on the dial.
Why can't Longines use the same movement L 8.445 in its gmt hydro to produce thinner case for this Spirit Zulu GMT 100 M WR? Note that the gmt hydro is 12.9mm thin (300 M WR non COSC) vs Zulu 13.6 mm thick (100 M WR COSC). Thanks for the vid, man.
I got mine last week, number 38 of 500. I assume they have a lot left. But I absolutely love with this watch, it’s a keeper.
I received no. 48x from Longines Switzerland in November last year. I assume that Hodinkee sells the lower numbers from 1-xxx and Longines the higher ones up to 500/500.
I got mine 3 days ago from Hodinkee and it's #66, a bit surprised it's still available when I ordered it, even more surprised it's numbered so low. Looks like it's really not selling as fast as they wanted to or like other models, although I can no longer find it on Longines' site.
Mine has absolutely dominated my wrist unlike any watch I've gotten it's fantastic! Mines #182 and I ordered mine within the first hour of it's release so they aren't sending out watches chronologically
I think the BB Pro comparisons are weak. I'm sure there is obvious inspiration from there and the Explorer II as a whole, but as you said that is like saying all black dial/black bezel divers are Submariner homages. The numerals on the dial, titanium, and the rotating bezel make it stand out to me. However, it's close enough in basic concept that I wouldn't buy it since I have a black dial Explorer II. If this had been out when I was looking and got my Explorer II, I might have gotten this and saved a bundle though. The only 2 things I would definitely prefer would 1) be a red GMT hand, because the yellow is probably inviting the comparisons to the BB Pro, and 2) add quick adjust clasp (the whole Spirit line needs it). That and I think it reminds me of the Explorer II 16570 black dial, which nobody ever seems to reference. Let's bring that back. I could live with the date at 3, but I still think I would prefer more differentiation by having it at 6 o'clock. I think this is a well done collab and the only thing I can imagine is the steel bezel GMT and even the Explorer II aren't the most popular styles, plus the price is not cheap.
Looks great but why no wings?
Hey TWI! I emailed you about the steel SZT 🙌🏽🙌🏽
I still prefer the bb Pro but I must admit the rotating bezel adds functionality. Longines are definitely moving up with so many great releases 👌
they shouldve kept the longines logo!
Nice, but I still prefer its steel brethren with higher contrast on the bezel (could do without the five stars, though)
Black Bay Pro owner here. I want to love the Zulu gmt, but I can’t stand the 24 enormous numbers present. Once I noticed it I couldn’t unsee it… just one of those things I guess 🤷♂️
That being said, I’d like to feel how light it is. I prefer heavier watches, but wth?
It's only 22 enormous numbers present actually, so now you can go for it ;)
*23. My mistake 😉
Main reason I have not bought it: lack of on-the-fly micro adjust. I would also prefer to give up the quick change end links (which I would never use) in favor of a female end link; that lug to lug with the center link is just too long proportionally with the rest of the watch. Also don't like the AR coating on the outside of the crystal, or the fact that the bracelet uses pins instead of screws. But if it had that micro-adjust clasp, I could have overlooked the other shortcomings and it would be on my arm now! Even had it in my cart on the website and was about to purchase it, but ultimately pulled the plug...couldn't see spending $4k+ with tax and not having that micro-adjust feature, considering even the Tudor Ranger at just over $3K has the TFit. Once you have tried one, you know it is a must-have feature at this price point. I tried the Black Bay Pro, and after getting it sized, found the weight/balance made it uncomfortable on my wrist...felt like a heavy hockey puck stuck to the top of my wrist.
I think it’s a high price for a Longines. Not saying the value isn’t there but I’m not used to seeing a longines for 3.8k, pretty much the same price for a Tudor bb pro.
I passed on this one to pick up the black dial instead...it isn't a knockoff of the BB Pro and imo the look has a lot more character.
Great video. Great watch. I had missed this one. Fan now. But it is the price.
Glad you enjoyed the video! They did a great job with this one and i agree the price is on the higher side but the value proposition is just next level!
Agreed. Just picked it up! Cannot wait!
Not disappointed. Now contrmplating the original green bezel and black! lol Such a great design.
Oh wow congrats on the purchase!! Happy to hear that it lived up to your expectations. The design in general is fantastic I love my black dial steel version very much but the new titanium version is completely dominating my wrist time!
I will probably have to sell the steel version to fund more watches for the channel eventually but the titanium one will pick up the slack no problem😁
I think it comes out in the timing where the watch craze has died out
Yay finally someone who bought one!!!
To echo what a lot of people said, the Hodinkee hate really does cloud people’s judgement. If I HAD to complain about this watch, I think I would’ve preferred they kept a black ceramic bezel. But otherwise, I think Hodinkee took everything I didn’t like about the original zulu time (Longjnes logo, 5 star rating on the dial) away!
I’m hoping these still stay in stock by the time I have enough cash on me to buy one!
Don't worry there will be loads of them left, men like to wear men's clothing and hoddikke like to go for pat's on the head,. Women generally don't buy watches so their is a brand problem sorry
Yeah a good watch is a good watch and credit where credit is due hodinkee made a great variant! a matte black ceramic bezel would have been really cool, the polished bezel from the steel one would be pretty cool as well. My steel one will most likely be sold at some point otherwise I would be super tempted to swap bezels😁
I'm sure they'll pop up on the secondary market at some point as well so you might be able to get a good deal when you're ready! I've got my fingers crossed for you
Like the watch a lot. Find the original Zulu time a little blingy and not enough tool like for me. This one fits the bill, just wish it wasn’t a limited!
Yeah this version really strikes the balance well by keeping the tool watch feel intact while giving us touches of high level finishing with the bevels. Limited editions can be less fun but seems like they will remain available for a while lol! Secondary market will probably have some good deals eventually
Update: So I just Received my Hodinkee Zulu Time, 2-3-2024. I Like It and Will Keep it because It's Going to Be My Everyday Wearer. Now For The 'Not So Good'. The Bezel Action Sucks. I Mean , Really Sucks. It's Griddy, and Feels Cheap and Unrefined. Now I Have The Same Watch in The British Racing Green version and That Bezel is Sweet, It Clicks like a GMT bezel should. The Detents are Positive,Crips and Smooth. This Guy is Ruff and feels Like it's Rubbing Ruff unfinished Metal together. I'm Thinking the Titanium Bezel can't use the Same Click Spring as The Stainless Steel Version. Other Than That, I'm Happy as Hell.
I can also confirm the bezel action of this Hodinkee version is really really awful.
Have to agree, this really doesn’t look like the BB Pro, and it is feels much thinner, and far better finished. Do wish the bracelet had quick adjust, and it should have screws to remove links, but the finishing again is better. Think the date should have stayed at 6 to keep the Spirit vibe, and I would have preferred to have just the Longines winged hourglass rather than the written name. But this watch has more of a pilot vibe, and a much longer heritage look than Tudor or Rolex GMT.
So is the dial a gray-ish black? Or true black?
So whenever I look at my watch, I see a black dial watch. That said matte black dials aren't really ever going to be true black, like the steel SZT's matte black dial is black, but just not as black as it's black ceramic bezel.
Since the bezel here is titanium, the dial looks blacker by contrast if that makes sense
@@thewatchidiot I have the Hodinkee Zulu Time and the black steel Zulu time. The dial of the Hodinkee is several shades lighter than the black steel version. It is comparatively charcoal. Also, the bezel of the 42mm black steel watch is NOT a darker black than its black dial. It is lighter. It's more of a dark gray.
After my Pelagos, won't but another watch on bracelet w/o a quick adjust clasp.
Not unique to the titanium, but why do we get quick release bracelet, but no on the fly micro adjustment? Heck, even the leather strap Zulu time models have a clasp with micro adjustment.
Hey! I emailed you regarding the citizen giveaway but have yet to hear back from you!
Thanks for commenting to give me a heads up and good timing as well bc I was going to choose another winner to announce in the next video😬 But no worries now, you're locked in and good to go! I'll find your email and reply to it with more details tomorrow but I just wanted to reply here asap to put your mind at ease lol!
@@thewatchidiot awesome! Thanks!
The BBPro is simply more handsome. And tougher looking. The original Longines was amazing because of its classiness and refinement - this version is trying to be super tooly with a tough vibe - simply doesn’t work. And given its very very close to the BBPro in style/look it suffers by comparison - as the Tudor is much cooler and tougher.
If you want a refined slick shiny GMT get the og Longines Zulu. If you want a tough tooly no nonsense gmt get the BBPro. This hoodinkee one falls between two very good stools and as a result no one wants it.
Good take. I find the criticism that this is sone kind of plagiarized design ripping off Tudor to be quite rich.
I’m not much of a GMT guy, I find this to be more refined, better sculpted compared to the Pro. I don’t get the fried over the stars on the dial, but a non issue here.
I’d buy this over a Pro
I'm gonna say this is nicer looking than the BBPro
Great looking watch if you ask me…
Thanks! we're definitely on the same page 😁
Reminds me of the new Seiko
I have this watch. I wear it every day. I love the look. The biggest problem with this watch is the action on the rotating bezel feels like a $100 watch. It is actually BAD. Really, really, really bad. I don't have any interest in tracking a 3rd timezone, so it's not a deal breaker for me. I never use it. But wow Longines screwed the pooch on the bezel's action. I also have a steel version of this watch, and the action is much better.
Sigh....maybe someday Longines will come out with the exact watch I want; Titanium Spirit 39/40mm without stars, GMT with no rotating bezel, with the same finishing as the standard. Until then? I'll just keep dreaming.
Love this watch, but budget constraints don't allow me to get one....
This or the Seiko SLA071?
very interesting choice! Ideally I would say both lol since they have different looks but as cool as the landmaster is i would take this Longines over it bc its a gmt and I'm not the biggest fan of compass bezels for some reason.
But I would choose the Longines over many other watches in a heartbeat bc of the level of refinement throughout the watch and how well sized it is. it's easily one of my absolute favorite watches that I've ever owned. That said I would love to see the Landmaster in person bc I'm loving that dial
I love this watch, but my issue with this watch is that they literally used the Tudor Black Bay Pro's colour scheme. It just gives that "me too! Pick me!" kinda vibe.
Too much of a pain in the ass to import to the UK. Thus I haven't got any interest in buying it. Still available as of 21st jan...Bring out a standard titanium version globally and I'll look again.
Blue dial version is needed
Cool watch but … BB pro is still a masterpiece. Design wise, the Tudor is more cohesive, imho.
I'd buy this instantly. However, the price is the only thing that's keeping me from acquiring it.
I really like it, but just not enough to spend that kind of money on a Longines. I can get a used zulu time for 40-50% off on the secondary market, but not with this one.
Thats fair enough! I think the regular steel SZTs are great value even at their sticker price so 40-50% off is just a screaming good deal
9:45 Probably because a Tudor BB Pro can easily be bought for 3-3,5k on the secondary market? So literally nobody needs this thing?
Oh yeah I love the feel of my 13mm thick titanium BB Pro and I love the numerals on it as well
The BB Pro has some advantages for sure but the longines has enough unique elements and value propositions vs the BB Pro (and the other spirit zulu times) for folks to choose it over the BB Pro
I like it a lot, just don’t want to spend 3800 on a longines. I’ll wait until you sell yours in 6 months 😉
The first look is , it is too close to the Rolex Explorer II.
I am a Zulu Time 42 mm (Green) and Hydro Conquest GMT (Green) owner.
No intention to buy it.
Openly I don't like the design. The original version has an individual design that stands on it's own. This one looks too much as the Rolex Explorer 2, not as much as the Tudor BB pro but close. If i want the Explorer look, I would simply buy one and not a 'cheap' copy.
(Got the Zulu 39 in black for myself, nice piece)
It looks nothing like the explorer 2 and very much like the BB Pro.
Nice watch, but you forgot to tell us how it performed in your car under your winter jacket in sub zero weather.
loool thankfully it managed to survive that very intense test😂
@@thewatchidiot phew, it looked like you were both being put to a severe test.
I own a Tudor Black Bay Pro, this Spirit Zulu does not appeal to me. I prefer to have some weight in my time pieces so I’d say no to titanium watches.
Thats fair enough! the lightness of titanium can be a bit jarring and this one has a full on titanium experience for sure
I hate the non ceramic bezel
Dude, I couldn’t agree MORE! This is NOTHING like a Tudor! Sure at first glance, but they are so different, and the Longines is better in my opinion, and you hit all the points why, especially the rotating bezel. Not only did Longines create the rotating bezel, they created the first ever GMT for pilots, years before Rolex launched theirs.
Titanium watches feel like toys!
Love Longines and like the watch but $3,800 is too high imo
I ordered it as soon as it came out. When I got it I tried it on, didn’t like the dial color, moving the bezel felt gritty, the clasp was not impressive and overall it felt cheap to me for what I’d paid. It was an impulse buy, I regretted it and returned it right away (which was a relatively simple procedure). On paper I loved it but in the metal… it wasn’t for me.
Beautiful watch, love this one
If you like the watch, I think that’s good enough. So many guys in the watch collecting world insecure about the perceived status of what they got on their wrist, and these supposedly manly men get weirdly catty about what watches other people like…
It's a great watch and I'd love it in the collection, however I wouldn't pay full price for any Longines, I'd want a 15-20% discount. On top of that, importing it to the UK would result in having to pay 20% tax on top, which makes it a instant no.
Oh man an extra 20% is quite a hit, and a good reason not to get it! The price will come down in the secondary market for sure so hopefully you can snap one up at that point bc this thing is truly spectacular
I think I prefer the looks of the steel model but the Ti is tight for sure and I bet it feels great on.
@marcgirard7551 the steel one is still really great actually before this titanium one was announced the steel one was on my wrist for quite a while! But the feeling of this titanium version on the wrist is too good I can't stop wearing it!
@markotoole7937 actually I'm curious now, does the watch show up on Longines' UK site? It's for sale both on Hodinkee and on the Longines site at least here in the US.
No, it's not on the UK Longines website@@thewatchidiot
Great looking watch. The only piece I personally do not like very much, is the crown. Probably nice to use but too bulbous for my taste.
Big bolbous crown is the best part of this excellent watch..
The new seiko gmt field watch is $400 and looks better 😂
I will not buy any high end titanium watch that is not grade 5. Grade 2 scratches far too easily.
The BB Pro comparisons are absolutely ridiculous. I mean, just look at the watch. The differences are everywhere. To pick one: arabics instead of what would typically be described as dive watch indices. This alone puts the overall vibe of this watch into pilot territory. No Rolex or Tudor GMT shakes the dive watch design traits they borrowed from the Sub. This watch looks completely different and suggests a completely different use case.
It looks too small on you
This watch is miles better than a tudor bb pro