The gilded numbers is the reason I got the SZT (in green), I loved how the dial looked and reflected light with the gold. The slightly darker metal of titanium looks amazing. I want to get the titanium one now even though I literally just got the steel.
Glad to see that Longines released a regular production titanium SZT! Good looking watch but I just can't stop looking at your gilt free dial mock up. Seriously one of the best looking watches I've seen so I think it's time to make this an unofficial petition to get a gilt free version!!
Yeah Longines seems to have mastered titanium so I'm always excited to see titanium watches from them although it would be nice to see them not forever link titanium and gilt dials. Or maybe we'll have to wait for a titanium Hydroconquest GMT for a gilt free titanium watch! That would be a mega watch. Lots of things to petition in this video😅
I dont mind the gilt here, I've found that most companies seem to overthink the colours of their titanium watches and do something a bit weird or drab. Like baby blue highlights on the ti aquaracer, just weird. So i like that they just moved forward with colours that pop despite the ti.
It’s actually not gilt, it’s gold plating and I think it looks awesome. The only gilt is on the date window which in the flesh is pretty tiny. I think it looks awesome! Definitely my next luxury watch brand purpose. I’ve been eyeing a steel ZT for awhile as a need a true GMT
I saw on one of longines site that it said gold-plated hands? Can you share a link where it sais the gilt elements of the dial are actually gold-plated? Thanks
I think gilt works well with the black dial/green bezel combo on the Zulu Time but I do agree that could’ve taken the gilt off for the titanium version.
Yeah the gilt works much better on the green version maybe bc there are fewer changes in color on that watch overall. I wonder if this version would be better without the red?
Actually I just mocked up a version with the gilt dial but without the red making it more "monochromatic" and wow what a difference that little change makes! It's much better
On paper, I agree with your non-gilt version looking absolutely fire. But I’ve owned the same black 39 version than you did, and sold it partly because of how the lume was more yellowish than white compared to the bezel pure white numerals. I feel this is a good argument for the gilt indices actually embracing the difference between the dial indices and the bezel numerals. It seems to me this is precisely white they also darken the font of the date wheel fully knowing how their lume is simply far from pure white, and the gold indices match that vibe.
Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops! amzwatch watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.
When they inevitably make a hydroconquest gmt in titanium I’d like to check it out. I really like the Zulu time but someone about the crown seems off to me.
Would the clasp on this one fit on the regular hydroconquest? I'm wondering if I can just get this bracelet and switch the clasps for micro on the regular hydro
I really liked this release from when I heard about the launch recently. Yes that is past tense. I 'really' liked it up until the more monochrome mock up that you kindly showed. That looks so much better than the real one. I'm not too sure about the twin matt and gloss bezel but I would have to see one in the flesh. Micro adjust should have been included as you mention. Dare I say it I think I prefer this Zulu time to the BB58 GMT though as that to me has too much guilt on it, I prefer the old BB GMT aesthetic. Anyway for me I do not need another GMT watch in the collection but if I did I think I would consider the stainless steel Spirit Zulu time. Many thanks for sharing.
lol yeah i cant unsee how good the non gilt version looks, but I'm glad about not feeling tempted tho! Yeah initially the polished/matte ceramic bezel is looking good to me but like you said in person it can be an enitrely different story for better or for worse. For me the hodinkee version is an absolute keeper so it would take quite a special SZT to somehow unseat it. A BB58 GMT would work well alongside it perhaps!
Zulu time knocks the black bay out of the water so easy it’s not even a contest. I work in a showroom selling both of these brands and if a client looks at the Zulu while looking at the black bay … they buy the Zulu. Every. Time.
I personally prefer the gilt to your version. But yeah, the price bump is a little ridiculous (that being said, I'd still choose it over the BB 100% of the time).
Ok, it misses the quick adjustment clasp. Bugger. But other than that, it’s Longines getting in the ring to fight Tudor. All good for Longines if they succeed
@@thewatchidiotwill probably be in the same gilt… the regular spirit in titanium and the chronograph in titanium have the same color way with black red and gold
No quick adjust clasp and the male end links are overproportioned. A matt coloured 39mm Titanium Hydro Conquest GMT would be awesome though as has everything included....!
Watch bracelets had a regular micro adjustment for decades and nobody had a problem. Fast forward to now and people can't survive without on the fly micro adjustment. Now all of a sudden guys are adjusting the size 3 times a day. I find this hilarious
That is cause it is an existing "issue" not related to this watch only. And it is like that because the bracelet is with an easy switch system which I appreciate as I switch between bracelets a lot
@@milosradivojevic5887 whatever the reason is it doesn't look proportional with the watch size add to that the extra long lugs and you lose the 37mm look
So very agreed. Male endlinks can look fine, when properly curved and proportioned etc. On this watch, it just doesn’t work. Female endlink and perhaps a finer link bracelet (like the speedy) would take it to the next level
Quickadjust clasp, and skip the gilt (ur version is perfect) Longines , take my money! As is, i might consider at 40% off retail. You should work for longines, and get paid like 250k $ a year. They just keep missing the mark, with tiny mistakes
I’ve never liked the Zulu time as I find it gaudy. The sad thing is the new titanium version now has the same issues. Longines need to hire the Hodinkee crew as advisors as their version was so much better. I really want a grade 5 titanium watch but when you compare this to the bb 58 gmt it’s massively out off it’s depth. All that said, the bezel could look good on your watch if longines will sell you one.
Yeah unfortunately theres just a bit too much going on with this new titanium SZT fingers crossed that my gilt free mock up finds its way into Longines corporate lol! I was thinking the exact same thing I'm going to ask my AD if buying the bezel on its own is possible bc it could end up looking fantastic on a clean monochrome dial (aside from the touch of yellow)
Nah sorry, your silver accented dial is a bit MEH compared to the gilt finished dial of the actual model. I think the gilt version just pops more, it works especially well on the titanium flyback model. I guess these things are subjective
I agree that Longines is knocking on Tudors door. However it’s all going to come down to name recognition and history. If you put Tudors name on any of those Longines watches they’d be considered a winner.
Maybe but Tudor seems to be much more of an enthusiast brand and its history is not very well known. Longines is by far more common and more recognizable as a larger brand around the world. Lastly Longines has an impressive history that’s wipes the floor with Tudor’s. It far outshines Tudor’s both in legacy and accomplishments.
@@dave6200 I absolutely agree with you, Longines goes way further back than Tudor. But Tudor will forever be associated with Rolex even if it’s referred to as poor man’s Rolex..🍻
@@kelvinwong829 only because of the Rolex lineage. Maybe I just said it wrong. Let’s say Tudor had Longines history behind it , how much more would that have made Tudor more appealing ? I my opinion a lot. Hans Wilsdorf made Tudor for the everyday man. It’s 2 completely different history’s.
Longines outshines Tudor AND Rolex in terms of Historical value/significance and I think this is the first year Tudor has outsold Longines in the Swiss watch sector globally. A big part of this issue we are seeing is Tudor and other brands doing a much better job marketing their product to this new wave of enthusiasts that joined the game around Covid time. Longines pound for pound is a better brand and watch than Tudor hands down but it’s Tudors marketing that beats Longines
I dont know why they just dont release all the sizes at the same time. I was really hyped when i saw it and went boutique to buy it. But it was such a waste of time it just doesnt fit my 7 inch wrist
Everytime I get close to actually buying the SZT, I see the 5 star review it gives itself and I wonder if I'd look like I'm giving myself 5 stars or something so I move away from it. Typically I would then gravitate to the Tudor GMT and can't unsee "Master Chronometer" literally going from one side of the dial to another. One wonder if they do this kind of crap on purpose. This sends me back to Seiko and I remember I have 2 that are actually +20-30s/day and they're just annoying and one's bracelet rattles and to be honest if I but yet another recreation my wife would probably think I've been buying the exact same watch 3 times now and might suspect I have alzeimer's which might not end well. Then the black dial Aqua Terra looks really nice, but I already have an AT that my 10 year old chose for me and I don't want to not wear this one all the time. Which brings me neatly back to waiting for a basic b*tch black sub which I'll probably never be offered. Anyway, I think I'll have to see this new one in the flesh and see if I can stop seeing the stars. Why can't they stop putting on the dial? Maybe just have like one if they really must?
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 when watch companies themselves in the specs say don't swim or shower with this watch with only 100m of WR, then that's not peace of mind for something I'm spending good money on...
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 When watch companies' own recommendations are not to shower or go swimming with 100m WR, no i don't think that gives me peace of mind
Great video! I'm a huge fan of Titanium watches, it's my favorite watch material. I'm not really a fan of GMT watches so this one is not for me. I completely agree with you on the clasp. Quick adjust clasps should be standard on every sport style watch today. This watch should definitely have it.
Titanium is by far the best material for me, SS is great but the sensation of lightness of a good titanium watch is just incredible. Hopefully Longines releases more titanium watches! Hopefully the next version of the SZT has the Hydroconquest GMT clasp. i cant imagine it would be too difficult to just make the adjustments needed to the links to have it fit!
No idea why you're comparing a SZT Longines to a SZT Hodinkee special edition. The rest of us who purchased the traditional SZT Longines are wondering why you are spending 5 of 10 minutes talking about a ceramic bezel like it's the 2nd coming of Christ, when we're looking at our ceramic bezels. To me, this new watch is a red headed stepchild to the original traditional 42mm and 39mm SZT. There is simply nothing wrong with the originals, but if you want a lighter weight, this would be the choice I guess.
Longines also still use really crappy split pins in their bracelets, right? That crosses them off the list straight away. Split pins are friction fit in the links and gradually wear out the link holes over time, eventually making the link useless. They also split in half after about 5 years of constant wear. They're totally unacceptable in a watch you want to keep your whole life.
39mm is a ladies watch size in this day and age too small for men I liked this watch but wont be buying it at 39mm would if it was 44mm also its titanium so it will feel like a plastic cheap watch on the wrist come on
Yeah the stars aren't ideal even though I get that they've got a historical connection. My watch without them really shows how clean the entire look can be. Let's see if Longines ever changes it up!
It's 1000 dollars more expensive than the normal version. For titanium. Absolute nonsense money grab I hope people don't fall for. Edit: 4k for a watch where the bracelet doesn't include a quick adjust? Madness
It's ridiculous that San Martin can do tool-less micro adjustment and Longines can not. Stop getting ripped off people! Brand name doesn't mean everything.
The gilded numbers is the reason I got the SZT (in green), I loved how the dial looked and reflected light with the gold. The slightly darker metal of titanium looks amazing. I want to get the titanium one now even though I literally just got the steel.
Glad to see that Longines released a regular production titanium SZT! Good looking watch but I just can't stop looking at your gilt free dial mock up. Seriously one of the best looking watches I've seen so I think it's time to make this an unofficial petition to get a gilt free version!!
Yeah Longines seems to have mastered titanium so I'm always excited to see titanium watches from them although it would be nice to see them not forever link titanium and gilt dials. Or maybe we'll have to wait for a titanium Hydroconquest GMT for a gilt free titanium watch! That would be a mega watch. Lots of things to petition in this video😅
I dont mind the gilt here, I've found that most companies seem to overthink the colours of their titanium watches and do something a bit weird or drab. Like baby blue highlights on the ti aquaracer, just weird. So i like that they just moved forward with colours that pop despite the ti.
It’s actually not gilt, it’s gold plating and I think it looks awesome. The only gilt is on the date window which in the flesh is pretty tiny. I think it looks awesome! Definitely my next luxury watch brand purpose. I’ve been eyeing a steel ZT for awhile as a need a true GMT
I saw on one of longines site that it said gold-plated hands? Can you share a link where it sais the gilt elements of the dial are actually gold-plated? Thanks
I think gilt works well with the black dial/green bezel combo on the Zulu Time but I do agree that could’ve taken the gilt off for the titanium version.
Yeah the gilt works much better on the green version maybe bc there are fewer changes in color on that watch overall. I wonder if this version would be better without the red?
Actually I just mocked up a version with the gilt dial but without the red making it more "monochromatic" and wow what a difference that little change makes! It's much better
@@thewatchidiot I don’t mind the red gmt hand at all tbh especially on your render which looks better.
Outstanding video.I have to go with the AMZWATCH, especially with that green dial as my favorite
On paper, I agree with your non-gilt version looking absolutely fire. But I’ve owned the same black 39 version than you did, and sold it partly because of how the lume was more yellowish than white compared to the bezel pure white numerals. I feel this is a good argument for the gilt indices actually embracing the difference between the dial indices and the bezel numerals. It seems to me this is precisely white they also darken the font of the date wheel fully knowing how their lume is simply far from pure white, and the gold indices match that vibe.
Appreciate the no gilt rendering. That would be my preference as well.
Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops! amzwatch watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.
I heard the bottom half is matte titanium?
When they inevitably make a hydroconquest gmt in titanium I’d like to check it out. I really like the Zulu time but someone about the crown seems off to me.
May I ask which and where you bought the sailcloth strap on your zulu time?
Would the clasp on this one fit on the regular hydroconquest? I'm wondering if I can just get this bracelet and switch the clasps for micro on the regular hydro
I really liked this release from when I heard about the launch recently. Yes that is past tense. I 'really' liked it up until the more monochrome mock up that you kindly showed. That looks so much better than the real one. I'm not too sure about the twin matt and gloss bezel but I would have to see one in the flesh. Micro adjust should have been included as you mention. Dare I say it I think I prefer this Zulu time to the BB58 GMT though as that to me has too much guilt on it, I prefer the old BB GMT aesthetic. Anyway for me I do not need another GMT watch in the collection but if I did I think I would consider the stainless steel Spirit Zulu time. Many thanks for sharing.
lol yeah i cant unsee how good the non gilt version looks, but I'm glad about not feeling tempted tho! Yeah initially the polished/matte ceramic bezel is looking good to me but like you said in person it can be an enitrely different story for better or for worse. For me the hodinkee version is an absolute keeper so it would take quite a special SZT to somehow unseat it. A BB58 GMT would work well alongside it perhaps!
the leather strapped zulu times have on the fly micro-adjust (even whilst still fastened on wrist)...
B2 straps (rubber B owns them) makes a 21 mm rubber strap with quick release spring bars.
Zulu time knocks the black bay out of the water so easy it’s not even a contest. I work in a showroom selling both of these brands and if a client looks at the Zulu while looking at the black bay … they buy the Zulu.
Every.
Time.
I personally prefer the gilt to your version. But yeah, the price bump is a little ridiculous (that being said, I'd still choose it over the BB 100% of the time).
Ok, it misses the quick adjustment clasp. Bugger. But other than that, it’s Longines getting in the ring to fight Tudor. All good for Longines if they succeed
I’m going to hold out buying this watch until they make a 42mm variant.
Still waiting for the Hydroconq GMT in titanium
Same here that would be an absolute winner although i hope that they dont feel the need to give it a gilt dial though
And with Cosc movement improvement
@@thewatchidiotwill probably be in the same gilt… the regular spirit in titanium and the chronograph in titanium have the same color way with black red and gold
No quick adjust clasp and the male end links are overproportioned.
A matt coloured 39mm Titanium Hydro Conquest GMT would be awesome though as has everything included....!
It’s sweet but I won’t even consider a watch over $500 without quick adjust bracelet.
Watch bracelets had a regular micro adjustment for decades and nobody had a problem. Fast forward to now and people can't survive without on the fly micro adjustment. Now all of a sudden guys are adjusting the size 3 times a day. I find this hilarious
4k for longines! Thst is insane! That was omega around prices 7 years ago
There is a third problem: the over streching male endlink
By far the worst feature, makes 39mm wear enormous
Exactly spot on, i don't know why nobody is mentioning that , for myself it's the biggest deal breaker.
That is cause it is an existing "issue" not related to this watch only. And it is like that because the bracelet is with an easy switch system which I appreciate as I switch between bracelets a lot
@@milosradivojevic5887 whatever the reason is it doesn't look proportional with the watch size add to that the extra long lugs and you lose the 37mm look
So very agreed. Male endlinks can look fine, when properly curved and proportioned etc. On this watch, it just doesn’t work. Female endlink and perhaps a finer link bracelet (like the speedy) would take it to the next level
Quickadjust clasp, and skip the gilt (ur version is perfect) Longines , take my money!
As is, i might consider at 40% off retail.
You should work for longines, and get paid like 250k $ a year. They just keep missing the mark, with tiny mistakes
I’ve never liked the Zulu time as I find it gaudy. The sad thing is the new titanium version now has the same issues.
Longines need to hire the Hodinkee crew as advisors as their version was so much better. I really want a grade 5 titanium watch but when you compare this to the bb 58 gmt it’s massively out off it’s depth.
All that said, the bezel could look good on your watch if longines will sell you one.
Yeah unfortunately theres just a bit too much going on with this new titanium SZT fingers crossed that my gilt free mock up finds its way into Longines corporate lol! I was thinking the exact same thing I'm going to ask my AD if buying the bezel on its own is possible bc it could end up looking fantastic on a clean monochrome dial (aside from the touch of yellow)
The longines is easy to get, the Tudor is still hard to get (still being flipped so ADs feed the flippers).
Great watch. But i would rather buy the Tudor. Cheers
Nah sorry, your silver accented dial is a bit MEH compared to the gilt finished dial of the actual model. I think the gilt version just pops more, it works especially well on the titanium flyback model.
I guess these things are subjective
Excellent watch. In addition, not gilt, gold plated...
I agree that Longines is knocking on Tudors door. However it’s all going to come down to name recognition and history. If you put Tudors name on any of those Longines watches they’d be considered a winner.
Maybe but Tudor seems to be much more of an enthusiast brand and its history is not very well known. Longines is by far more common and more recognizable as a larger brand around the world. Lastly Longines has an impressive history that’s wipes the floor with Tudor’s. It far outshines Tudor’s both in legacy and accomplishments.
@@dave6200 I absolutely agree with you, Longines goes way further back than Tudor. But Tudor will forever be associated with Rolex even if it’s referred to as poor man’s Rolex..🍻
I can't believe you brought up history then said Tudor would win over Longines 🤣
@@kelvinwong829 only because of the Rolex lineage. Maybe I just said it wrong. Let’s say Tudor had Longines history behind it , how much more would that have made Tudor more appealing ? I my opinion a lot. Hans Wilsdorf made Tudor for the everyday man. It’s 2 completely different history’s.
Longines outshines Tudor AND Rolex in terms of Historical value/significance and I think this is the first year Tudor has outsold Longines in the Swiss watch sector globally.
A big part of this issue we are seeing is Tudor and other brands doing a much better job marketing their product to this new wave of enthusiasts that joined the game around Covid time. Longines pound for pound is a better brand and watch than Tudor hands down but it’s Tudors marketing that beats Longines
Don’t like the screws on the caseback
I dont know why they just dont release all the sizes at the same time. I was really hyped when i saw it and went boutique to buy it. But it was such a waste of time it just doesnt fit my 7 inch wrist
Everytime I get close to actually buying the SZT, I see the 5 star review it gives itself and I wonder if I'd look like I'm giving myself 5 stars or something so I move away from it. Typically I would then gravitate to the Tudor GMT and can't unsee "Master Chronometer" literally going from one side of the dial to another. One wonder if they do this kind of crap on purpose. This sends me back to Seiko and I remember I have 2 that are actually +20-30s/day and they're just annoying and one's bracelet rattles and to be honest if I but yet another recreation my wife would probably think I've been buying the exact same watch 3 times now and might suspect I have alzeimer's which might not end well. Then the black dial Aqua Terra looks really nice, but I already have an AT that my 10 year old chose for me and I don't want to not wear this one all the time. Which brings me neatly back to waiting for a basic b*tch black sub which I'll probably never be offered.
Anyway, I think I'll have to see this new one in the flesh and see if I can stop seeing the stars. Why can't they stop putting on the dial? Maybe just have like one if they really must?
Wish there was 200m wr for the peace of mind
Dude 100m WR is more than enough for peace of mind. Anyone who thinks 100m isn't enough is being ridiculous
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 when watch companies themselves in the specs say don't swim or shower with this watch with only 100m of WR, then that's not peace of mind for something I'm spending good money on...
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 When watch companies' own recommendations are not to shower or go swimming with 100m WR, no i don't think that gives me peace of mind
Where exactly do you plan to take this GMT watch other than the pool or the shower lmao
I think the bottom half of the bezel is titanium
If you mean the satin section, no it’s ceramic. If you mean the base of the bezel, yes it’s titanium
Great video! I'm a huge fan of Titanium watches, it's my favorite watch material. I'm not really a fan of GMT watches so this one is not for me. I completely agree with you on the clasp. Quick adjust clasps should be standard on every sport style watch today. This watch should definitely have it.
Titanium is by far the best material for me, SS is great but the sensation of lightness of a good titanium watch is just incredible. Hopefully Longines releases more titanium watches! Hopefully the next version of the SZT has the Hydroconquest GMT clasp. i cant imagine it would be too difficult to just make the adjustments needed to the links to have it fit!
No idea why you're comparing a SZT Longines to a SZT Hodinkee special edition. The rest of us who purchased the traditional SZT Longines are wondering why you are spending 5 of 10 minutes talking about a ceramic bezel like it's the 2nd coming of Christ, when we're looking at our ceramic bezels. To me, this new watch is a red headed stepchild to the original traditional 42mm and 39mm SZT. There is simply nothing wrong with the originals, but if you want a lighter weight, this would be the choice I guess.
BB is a diver... Spirit is pilot inspired... conceptually different and titanium wins it for me... why even compare
The Hodinkee Collab version still takes the cake for me. The stainless steel look makes it a much easier daily!
Hodinkee is also titanium
Just not into gilt , always gravitate towards the stark white contrast .
Longines also still use really crappy split pins in their bracelets, right? That crosses them off the list straight away. Split pins are friction fit in the links and gradually wear out the link holes over time, eventually making the link useless. They also split in half after about 5 years of constant wear. They're totally unacceptable in a watch you want to keep your whole life.
Right but for titanium watch not an issue cause weight including bracelet full link ..95.5 grs.
39mm is a ladies watch size in this day and age too small for men I liked this watch but wont be buying it at 39mm would if it was 44mm also its titanium so it will feel like a plastic cheap watch on the wrist come on
I wish they'd get rid of the 5 stars on the dial, it takes away so much from the design.
Yeah the stars aren't ideal even though I get that they've got a historical connection. My watch without them really shows how clean the entire look can be. Let's see if Longines ever changes it up!
I love the stars. Gives it character.
@@thewatchidiot smaller stars could be better too
I really like them but I guess it’s horse for courses.
Love the stars, each their own I guess
It's 1000 dollars more expensive than the normal version. For titanium. Absolute nonsense money grab I hope people don't fall for.
Edit: 4k for a watch where the bracelet doesn't include a quick adjust? Madness
Is it a European thing that Longines just doesn’t understand that Americans think that the stars are TACKY?
It's ridiculous that San Martin can do tool-less micro adjustment and Longines can not. Stop getting ripped off people! Brand name doesn't mean everything.