Introducing: The Longines Spirit 42mm Automatic Chronometer Chronograph

June 12, 2020

Earlier this week, we brought you the three-hand version of Longines' new Spirit pilot's watch and mentioned that the new line also included a chronograph version. Well, here it is. Carrying largely identical styling to that of its siblings, the Longines Spirit Automatic Chronometer Chronograph sticks to the same format while providing a column-wheel-equipped movement wrapped in a 42mm steel case.? Initial Thoughts As with the other models in this new collection, the styling for the for Spirit Chronograph is inoffensive and derivative of many other pilot's watches in the market (again, think Breitling and Bremont). With a date display squeezed in at 4:30 and the appearance of both "Chronometer" and the Spirit line's unified use of a five star design on the dial, the chronograph packs a lot into its dial layout. For those wondering, the star logo has been used by Longines in the past and, according to the brand, it signifies "an improvement of the quality and reliability of the brand's movements." Much like with Uber, five stars is the top rating.? Speaking of the movement, Longines has fitted their L688.4 automatic chronograph movement. Based on the ETA A08.L11, this movement offers a 12-hour chronograph with a column-wheel and a silicon hairspring. Ticking at 4 Hz with COSC certification and 64 hours of power reserve, the L688.4 is a strong value for the segment and a solid alternative to the more garden variety 7750s.? Available with a blue, black, or silver dial, the Spirit Chrono has red accents for the chronograph measure, 100-meters water resistance, and both the main crown and the date corrector crown (at 10) are of a screw-down type. Buyers get the choice of either a leather strap or a steel bracelet for the same price, and the Spirit Chronograph's case has 22mm lugs.? For around $500 more than the lovely BigEye chronograph, the Spirit offers a more modern design and a current-gen movement that should appeal to a lot of buyers. With an MSRP of $3,100, while I am not at all a fan of the date window, the Spirit 42mm Chronometer Chronograph is a nicely sized and sporty chronograph with a well-spec'd movement and a handsome design (especially with the silver dial).? The Basics Brand: LonginesModel: Spirit 42mm Automatic Chronometer ChronographReference Number: L3.820.X (several)?Diameter: 42mm Case Material: SteelDial Color: Matte black, grained silver, sunray blueIndexes: Arabic, appliedLume: Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 100m with a screwed-down crownStrap/Bracelet: Steel bracelet or color-matched leather strap The Movement Caliber: Longines L688.4 (based on ETA A08.L01)Functions: Hour, minutes, small seconds, 12-hour chronograph, 30-minute register, date. Power Reserve: 64 hoursWinding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 24Chronometer Certified: COSC Additional Details: Column-wheel chronograph, date correcting crown at 10 o'clock, silicon hairspring.? Pricing & Availability Price: $3,100Availability: Fall 2020For more, click here.