by Brent Robillard

Something blue

Earlier this year, when Longines marked the centenary of its first dual time watch with the release of the Spirit Zulu Time 1925, it did so with more than just a nod to history. Alongside that commemorative model came two fresh colourways for the modern Spirit Zulu Time collection—one of which is this anthracite dial paired with a deep ceramic blue bezel. I recently had the chance to spend some hands-on time with the 42mm iteration, and while I’ve always gravitated toward the 39mm case size (as found on my own Zulu Time 1925), there’s no denying that in 42mm, this watch feels markedly more athletic, more assertive.

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Vintage style, contemporary twist

The Spirit Collection has been instrumental in reintroducing Longines to a new wave of enthusiasts. The Zulu Time, in particular, has led the charge, embodying the blend of heritage and modernity that the brand has been perfecting over the past few years. It draws from a variety of historical cues—most notably the five-star applique, a symbol once reserved for the Admiral series—yet the Spirit Zulu Time is not a revival. It is, rather impressively, one of the few wholly new model families introduced by a major Swiss brand in the last five years.

Key Features of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in Anthracite and Blue

Let’s talk colour

And while the design language may nod to the past, this new anthracite-and-blue configuration feels entirely current. The dial’s muted anthracite tone serves as a calm, grounding backdrop, allowing the vibrant ceramic bezel to take centre stage. The blue here isn’t shy—it’s rich, dynamic, and carries just enough gloss to catch the light without appearing flashy. Together, they create a striking combination that, for me, edges toward the top of the Spirit Zulu Time colour hierarchy.

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Size matters

The extra wrist presence of the 42mm case is further amplified by that bezel, lending the watch an air of confidence. It’s less the reserved elegance of the 39mm and more the bold self-assurance of a piece that wants to be noticed. That said, this is still very much a Zulu Time in spirit—robust, versatile, and ready for travel. Inside beats Longines’ COSC-certified GMT calibre, offering a traveller’s local hour jump set and the kind of accuracy that makes crossing time zones a pleasure rather than a hassle.

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Something for everyone

I’ve said before that there isn’t a bad colourway in the Spirit Zulu Time line-up, and I stand by it. Yet I’ve always had a soft spot for anthracite dials, and this new pairing with blue ceramic feels like a natural evolution—one that will appeal to those who appreciate subtlety but still want a watch with a strong personality. If Longines’ recent trajectory is any indication, I suspect the Spirit Zulu Time family will only continue to expand, each addition offering something for everyone.

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Why “Zulu Time”?

The term Zulu Time originates from military and aviation contexts, where precise, standardised timekeeping is essential for coordination across multiple time zones. “Zulu” refers to the letter Z in the NATO phonetic alphabet, which denotes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)—formerly Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In flight plans, naval orders, and mission briefings, using Zulu Time ensures there’s no confusion between local time zones, daylight saving shifts, or regional variations.

Longines’ connection to this world runs deep. The brand was supplying reliable navigation chronometers and pilot’s watches to aviators and explorers as early as the 1920s, a period when mastering global time differences could mean the difference between a successful expedition and disaster. The modern Spirit Zulu Time pays homage to that heritage, not by recreating a single archival model, but by embracing the brand’s long tradition of producing precision instruments for those who travel—whether by sea, air, or land.

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Specs

Case	316L Stainless Steel 42mm Diameter 49.4mm Lug to Lug 14.1mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown Caseback 24-Hour Bidirectional Bezel /w Ceramic Insert 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Curved Sapphire Crystal /w AR Anthracite Dial Applied Gilt Indices Gilt Sword Hands Super-LumiNova
Movement	Longines L844.4 GMT Date Complication @ 6 21 Jewels 25 200bph 72-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet with Milled Clasp & Quick Change System

Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT in Anthracite and Blue

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Final Thoughts

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time in Blue and Anthracite is proof that subtle refinements can make a familiar watch feel new again. This is a colourway that plays with contrast in just the right way—restrained in its dial, vivid in its bezel, and all the more charismatic for it. Whether you opt for the more compact 39mm or the bolder 42mm, the Zulu Time remains one of the most compelling modern GMTs from a major Swiss brand, offering both technical substance and a design language that continues to evolve. With each new addition, Longines makes it harder to pick a favourite—and that, I’d say, is a very good problem to have.

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Pricing & Availability

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time in Anthracite and Blue retails for $4300 CAD on the bracelet. For more information, please visit the brand website.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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