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The Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 is one of four new titanium models with which the manufacturer with the winged hourglass expands its popular pilot’s watch collection. Iconic retro design meets modern high-tech materials – pioneering spirit, as Longines itself says. Whether the Spirit Titanium is Longines’ best aviator?
The titan among pilot’s watches
Since its introduction in 2020, Longines’ Spirit collection has refocused the portfolio of the tradition-steeped Swiss manufacturer on timepieces whose design is based on the great pilot watches of past decades. In doing so, Longines has revived its own pioneering spirit that has defined the brand since its founding. Nevertheless, the retro watches do not forgo the latest technology and contemporary workmanship. I held my first pilot’s watch from the Spirit collection in my hands for the first time this spring. Since then, the Longines Spirit Chronograph L3.820.4.93.0 has been one of my favorite watches and was convincing across the board in the review.
Now Longines presents four new additions, which should make the Spirit collection even more multifaceted and thus more varied. Within the series, these are the first models whose cases are made of titanium rather than conventional stainless steel. This certainly raises special expectations: improved wearing comfort, even more resistance to scratches, increased durability and much more.
The combination of pilot’s watch and titanium makes sense at first glance. With its countless advantages, the high-tech material is used primarily in aviation, for example in aircraft construction. Whether it is worth buying a wristwatch with a titanium case instead of stainless steel, you will find out in this watch review.
My first impression
The Longines Spirit Titanium presents itself in a gold-anthracite look and I like its appearance right away – also because I have to admit that I have a soft spot for pilot watches. In this case, the reference number L3.810.1.53.2 means that the watch has a case diameter of 40 millimeters and comes with an anthracite-colored nato strap. Alternatively, the watch is also available with a titanium strap and – respectively – or a diameter of 42 millimeters. Everyone should find their suitable configuration there.
The design of the dial looks very tidy, functional and easy to read; just as you would expect from a typical pilot’s watch. I turn the watch and examine the workmanship of the individual components, which is impressive. This premium level is what you are used to from Longines and can be expected from a men’s watch at a price of $2,650.00.
With Longines’ typical bracelet changing system, the synthetic Nato strap is quickly removed so that you can take a look at the case back made of titanium. The winged hourglass – the oldest logo in the world – is emblazoned in front of a globe.
The Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 on the wrist
I put the strap back on and put the Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 on for the first time. On the wrist, the aviator looks good. With its dark nato strap, the Spirit Titan even looks quite sporty, ready for use in the cockpit, which will not be the case for me today.
With its diameter of 40 millimeters, the L3.810.1.53.2 is a comparatively compact timepiece that fits even smaller wrists with its moderate size. The case height of just 12.20 millimeters underscores the sporty character. Those who prefer a size larger on the wrist will have to pay 100 dollars more.
The sportiness just described does not exclude that the Longines Spirit Titan L3.810.1.53.2 can also be worn in business or on festive occasions. This is thanks to the design, which gives the pilot’s watch a noble touch.
The titanium case in detail
Thanks to the new material, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at the classically round case with the curved lugs. The alternating matte and polished surfaces are of a high quality and contribute to the flawless case finish, as does the polished bezel.
To sum up the many advantages of titanium in two sentences once again: the material is extremely lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant and thus more scratch-resistant, and three times harder than stainless steel. This guarantees a very high durability and a pleasant wearing comfort in everyday life, which I can also confirm. For the watch crystal, Longines also relies on an exquisite choice of materials and uses resistant sapphire. The manufacturer provides it in production with several anti-reflective layers on the front and back, which are actually indispensable for a pilot’s watch. After all, perfect readability should be ensured in any situation, especially in the cockpit and in high sunlight.
The six-fold screwed case back is already familiar to me from the blue Spirit Chronometer. Unlike many competitors, Longines does not use a circular viewing window. Instead its trademark, the winged sundial, is engraved on the satin-finished titanium caseback with a sunburst finish. Other specifications of the Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 can be read in the outer area, including the water resistance. Longines specifies the value with a maximum of 10 bar, which should be more than sufficient for a pilot’s watch. Water splashes will not harm the men’s watch.
72 hours power reserve and 5 years warranty
The automatic movement can be wound via the screw-down crown. It is very easy to do thanks to the sufficient size and the fluted sides. The L888.4 is made exclusively for Longines and I already know it from the Longines Legend Diver Bronze and the Longines Silver Arrow L2.834.4.72.2. It’s special feature is the silicon balance spring installed inside. It makes the automatic movement insensitive to magnetism and therefore convinces with a good power accuracy. Longines specifies the power reserve with a maximum of 72 hours, which is far above the average in the industry. As with the other models with an L888.4 caliber, Longines gives its Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 a warranty of five years!
Dial and bracelet of the Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2
Those who are familiar with the models of the Spirit collection will not be greatly surprised by the design of the dial. As with the previous models, it stands out for its tidiness and classic timeless design, which is characterized by easy-to-read Arabic numerals and the characteristic five stars above 6 o’clock. A color accent to the dignified anthracite-gold combination is provided by the red tip of the second hand. The numerals and the gold-plated hands are equipped with Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminous material, which looks very impressive in the dark.
Apart from lettering at 6 and 12 o’clock, there are no other elements on the dial. Longines has omitted a date window.
The bracelet is a matter of personal taste. The Nato strap included here is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer a classic look, you should go for the titanium bracelet. The Nato strap is made of a synthetic material whose wearing comfort was very pleasant during my test days.
In practice, it is undisputedly the most functional bracelet. If you really want to wear the watch during somewhat sportier activities, this variant is the best choice. The pin buckle made of titanium guarantees a secure hold. The bracelet is very easy to replace thanks to the practical interchangeable system.
My conclusion about the Longines Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2
Is the Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2 Longines’ best pilot’s watch from the Spirit collection? In some ways, you can certainly argue that it is, using the case, for example, which is in many ways the best in the collection. The advantages of titanium over stainless steel cannot be dismissed.
Those who value a lighter, more durable and robust case will have to pay at least a 400-500 dollars compared to an average Spirit model. On the other hand, those who are satisfied with stainless steel are offered a large selection of also very good pilot watches in the Longines store.
The Longines Spirit Titan with the reference number L3.810.1.53.2 costs $2,650.00. For a larger case diameter, $2,750.00 are due, for the variants with titanium bracelet $2,950.00 and $3,050.00. These are very fair prices, especially considering the good workmanship and unique design.
More about Longines and the Spirit Titanium L3.810.1.53.2
Here you can find the watch in the store
The Spirit collection at a glance
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