40mm or 42mm? We Compare the Two Longines Spirit Time-and-Date Models

Longines is a brand with impressive legitimacy when it comes to pilot’s instruments. Think of Charles Lindbergh, or even the chronographs delivered to the US Army, the Avigation Watch Type A-7 1935 (recently reissued). The brand’s savoir-faire in this field is indisputable. Today, we’ll review a watch that isn’t a faithful re-edition of a glorious past model, but instead a modern creation with classic aviation inspiration. It forms part of a new and important collection for Longines that was introduced a few months ago, the Spirit – slightly vintage but not “Heritage”. And since it is available in a variety of models, we’ve decided to compare them so you’ll be able to decide which one is the best for you. Face to face, the Longines Spirit Time-and-Date 40mm and 42mm, with different colours and bracelets… And yes, these two are drastically different watches.

As we explained in our introductory article, many explorers, pioneers and aviators have worn Longines watches. Amelia Earhart, Paul-Emile Victor, Elinor Smith or Howard Hughes all had Longines watches strapped around their wrists while flying. The new Spirit collection pays tribute to this rich history of aviation watches. But not with a Heritage style. Instead of recreating past watches, Longines has designed a watch with the classic features of an aviation piece in a modern package. Sure, the Spirit is somehow old-school in its visual approach, but the execution, the details on the dials and cases, the colours and the movements are all contemporary.

While also existing in a more masculine and robust chronograph version, today we decided to focus on the two other models. On paper, we’re talking about relatively similar watches. Both are time-and-date models, both have the same overall design, both have the same movement. The main difference regards the diameter: 40mm on one side, 42mm on the other side. But when you start to dig in the collection, you’ll see that three dial colours are available, as well as options for leather straps or steel bracelets. Altogether 12 references to choose from.

Thus, we took the 40mm Longines Spirit in its most classic version – black dial on a brown leather strap – and the 42mm model in the most modern style – blue dial on a steel bracelet. And, as you’ll see in the video, these are two very different watches indeed.

So, which to choose? Which model is better for you? What style do you want for your Longines Spirit? We tell you all about this collection, including our usual breakdown of the specifications and mechanics, in our latest video review above.

More details on the Longines Spirit collection here, at Longines.com.