The flyback chronograph makes a grand return to Longines

It was this pioneering spirit that would go on to define Longines as a preeminent watchmaker. It boasts a number of stellar inventions, not the least of which was the creation of the high frequency stopwatch with 1/100th of a second accuracy in 1916.

Three years earlier, in 1913, Longines launched the 13.33Z calibre, one of the first chronograph movements designed for a wristwatch. Determined to level up this invention, Longines added a flyback function to the calibre in 1925, a huge novelty at that time.

So why was it such a big deal? This clever function, which continues to be coveted today, allows one to reset the chronograph to zero with a single push of a button, and while the chronograph is still running.

Chronographs without this function will have to be stopped before they can be reset. Even back then, pilots especially found the flyback to be extremely useful as it allowed them to precisely time different flight stages successively without needing to stop the chronograph.

In 1936, Longines marked another milestone with Caliber 13ZN, the first serial chronograph with a flyback function. An incredibly sophisticated piece at that time, Caliber 13ZN has been described as one of the most beautiful chronograph movements ever. It was also during this time that Longines finally filed for a patent for its flyback mechanism, which was a world’s first. As a testament to its credibility, the 13ZN watch had survived an expedition to the Antarctic, strapped on the wrist of Richard Byrd, the first man to fly over the South Pole.

In the ensuing years, Longines continued to build on the movement’s complexity, notably the 13ZN-12 which featured a central chronograph minute hand instead of a conventional counter. But for certain reasons after 1968, the flyback chronograph all but disappeared from the Longines portfolio.

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This year, in honour of its pioneering role in the development of flyback chronographs, Longines has given the Spirit collection a new interpretation with, what else but, the flyback chronograph. It also marks the official return of the flyback to Longines after an absence of 55 years.

The Spirit watch is dedicated to the world’s greatest explorers of air, land and sea, and having it come with a flyback makes perfect sense. The Longines Spirit Flyback is powered by the new L791.4 automatic movement that comes with a Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) stamp of approval. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring that not only improves performance and accuracy, but is also resistant to magnetic interference, which has been tested to be 10 times higher than the ISO standard.

Packed with a power reserve of 68 hours, the oscillating weight is engraved with the globe and the name of the model, all of which are visible on the transparent caseback. Notably, it’s the first time that the Spirit model has a transparent caseback, giving the watch an incredibly luxe aesthetic.

Encased in 42mm steel, the Longines Spirit Flyback has a bi-directional bezel with 60-minute scale in either black or blue ceramic to match the black or blue sunray dial. The five stars at 6 o’clock represent the superlative precision of the timepiece.

It boasts a water-depth resistance of up to 100m. Completing its robust appearance is a choice of steel bracelet, chocolate leather, blue textile or beige Nato strap. The clasp is fitted with a new micro-adjustment system that makes it easy to find the most comfortable fit.

A beautiful chronograph collection, the Longines Spirit Flyback reiterates Longines’ recent efforts at revisiting unique historical pieces and updating them for a contemporary audience. All we can say is, keep them coming.

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