The Longines Spirit Collection Pays Tribute to Iconic Aviators and Explorers

Between their innovative achievements and classic output, Swiss-based Longines is already quite synonymous with the pioneer spirit. However, their latest collection brings the concept into literal terrain. Dubbed Longines Spirit, it honours timepieces once used by world-famous aviators and explorers like Amelia Earhart, Elinor Smith, Paul-Emile Victor, and Howard Hughes. Each of these fearless seekers put their faith in the iconic winged hourglass and now you can do the same. And thus the pioneer spirit lives on.

Accuracy. Durability. Reliability. Technology. These words pop up time and again when you pore through the history of Longines. As early as the mid-1800s, the watchmaker distinguished itself by way of numerous innovations and strategies. For example, they were the only brand (at the time) to focus exclusively on crown-wound pocket watches in lieu of key-wound counterparts. By 1878, they were developing their own in-house chronograph movement.

When Amelia Earhart flew non-stop across the Atlantic in just under 15 hours, she wore a Longines chronograph. When Howard Hughes journeyed around the world in record time, his flight was timed by Longines (he was also partial to the brand’s patented Siderograph, an on-board device used for navigational purposes). Then we have explorer Paul-Emile Victor, who once credited sturdy Longines chronometers with making the difference “between success and failure” during his polar expeditions. Last but not least is Elinor Smith, the world’s youngest licensed pilot who broke flight records for speed, endurance, and altitude. Guess what she wore?

With the new Longines Spirit Collection, these groundbreaking journeys come full circle. We were able to try some of the new watches on for size and they’re absolute pleasures to wear and behold. The fusion of vintage aesthetic and contemporary flourish puts everything we love about automatic timepieces in one place. That’s not to mention the bold layouts and signature details, all of which drive home the pioneering theme. To sweeten the deal, every watch in the Spirit collection comes with a 5-year warranty. If you’re likewise inspired, these instant classics are guaranteed to bolster your watch collection and your wardrobe alike. Here are 5 personal favourites: