A month ago, the introduction of Longin Spirit Zulu Time in 1925 was seen. This watch commemorates the 100-year-old Rondyne’s dual time watch in a rather bold way. The details of the rose gold cap bezel and matching gold dial stand out from the other Spirit Zulu Time. I was immediately intrigued by this original take and knew I had to get it.
This practical review is a follow-up to a previous introduction to Lex. I don’t repeat everything he described very competently, so for the experience of Furlonginz Zur Spirit 1925, you might start with his article and come back here.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925
But I’ll start with a very simple summary for your people in a hurry today. Longines launched its first dual-time watch in 1925. This rather special small number featured a sea zur flag and a square dial decorated with two sets of hand. “Zulu” refers to the letter Z in the NATO audio alphabet. This refers to the Zero Meridian in Greenwich, England. This is the universal time, UTC+0, or Greenwich average time.
1925 Longines Zulu Time
The Longines gave the original 1925 Zulu Time the successor to the 2022 Spirit Zulu Time. A new version of today’s celebration is based on its modern template. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 is located in a 39 x 46.8 x 13.5 mm stainless steel case. Unlike the sibling model, it is not just a sapphire crystal on top. There is also a second one in the caseback, which provides a view of the movement inside. Longines rated the watch’s water resistance at 100 meters.
Inside, there is an automatic longin caliber L844.4 (base ETA A31.L411), which also provides manual winding and hacking seconds. It has mites at 25,200VPH and has a 72-hour power reserve. Finally, this movement is a COSC certified chronometer.
Gold covered bezel
The outstanding feature of the 1925 Longines Spirit Zulu Time Time is certainly its rose gold cap bezel. The usual shiny ceramic inserts give way to this brushed metal alternative. The term “gold capping” must be explained as it is significantly different from gold plating.
Gold capping can be thought of as wrapping something in a layer of gold. In contrast to gold plating that is usually only 0.5-5 microns, the 1925 Zulu Time gold layer measures approximately 200 microns in thickness. While this is still far from solid gold, it has a great advantage over plating. The entire shape must be crushed from the inlay before passing through the gold. In short, in normal use, it remains great and golden forever.
Longines etches 24-hour markings on the bezel. Importantly, the brand does not meet markings in lacquer or room, resulting in a soft Tonshirton aesthetic that is very easy to see.
First impression
Interestingly, the 1925 Longines Spirit Zulu Time looked exactly like I did in the press image when I opened the box. Rose gold looks more copper than gold and isn’t flashier than most two-tone watches. It never comes across like a class or sparkly thing.
This will show the title of this article. I have to admit that I am not a fan of two-tone watches in general. There are great exceptions, but I often find bimetallic compositions that are a bit arrogant and old fashioned. However, the 1925 Longin Spirit Zur Time doesn’t look like a traditional two-tone watch. Longines helps to fashion your bracelet from steel only, without the details of rose gold. However, the rose gold tone is pushed further away from the typical two-tone watch.
Yes, the Zulu Time 1925 looks retro. Yes, gold adds a warm contrast to otherwise cool steel. But no, it doesn’t give off the 1980s investment banker vibe that comes from a particular two-tone alternative. This is a two-tone watch for those who don’t like two-tone watches.
Wearing the 1925 Longin Spirit Zur Time
I’m a huge fan of the 39mm Longin spirit. It can be done in shaved millimeters or two pieces from the thickness, but it is very well worn. It can pull either side off well, but I prefer it over the 42mm model. The smaller model looks a little more refined, so I’m grateful that Longines chose it for this special version.
On the wrist, this feels like a sporty yet versatile watch. It combines the vibrators of the tool watch with a more jewelry-like styling. I think this applies to any Longin spirit, but the gold here only emphasizes this feature. Importantly, the existence of gold does not undermine its versatility. I found a watch that blends with one of my outfits, both purely casual and formal.
Overall, the 1925 Rondines Spirit Zur Time surprised me with a positive attitude. It looks handsome, feels solid, has a segment-leading finish, and makes any spirit very good. So if you want a two-tone watch, but don’t really like two-tone watches, try this. You might end up loving it. However, you will need to say goodbye for 4,500 Euros/US$4,350/£3,750.
What do you think about the new Rondain Spirit Zur Time in 1925? Let us know in the comments section below!
