Would you trust a watch with your life? As crazy as it sounds, way back when explorers were doing gnarly things for the first time ever like flying over the South Pole in the ’20s and ’30s, people used to do exactly that. On a couple of these mad occasions, the watch in question was a Longines Chronograph with a Flyback function. This immediately begs two questions: Why would you entrust a watch with your life? And what the actual is a flyback?
While the answer to the first question is somewhat subjective, practically speaking it harks back to why watches were created in the first place. Before they became mere accessories for life, pilot’s were made for pilots and field/tool watches were made for army folk – their functionality intrinsic for coordinating men and women on battlefields. Few brands are more closely linked to aviation and exploring than Longines.
As for the second question, the flyback is a handy navigation feature on a watch dial that gives pilots a practical and fast way of successively timing different flight stages. Indeed, a single press enables three operations (stop, reset and restart) as opposed to standard chronographs, which require the stop and reset functions to be activated before restarting the timing function. So, used correctly, flybacks can save lives.
We’re getting all hot and flustered over these flybacks 98 years after they first debuted on the watchmaking scene because Longines has just released a new one in its Spirit collection. For context, the party line around the Spirit is that it is game for providing explorers with “precision instruments in their conquest of the air, sea and land”. That now extends to the Longines Spirit Flyback.
Aesthetically, we are digging the unique turns-both-ways bezel system and the bold 42mm, muscular design of the watch, which is somehow still quite slim when you consider all the technology inside. It does a great job of highlighting its ’30s heritage of being the king of chronographs. Another key detail is it keeps the look and feel of a typical pilot’s watch by remaining true to the Longines DNA and only having a black dial and a blue one. Refraining from dousing the collection in other colourways in the hope of catching people’s attention strengths what’s on offer. The combo of interchangeable stainless steel bracelet, brown leather or blue fabric straps is a nice little bonus, as are the super lumed up numerals for when you’re under the duvet and want to know the time.
There’s an upgraded movement, which is kind of a big deal as it withstands magnetic resistance better than ever before (up to 800 gauss if you want to put it to the test). Obviously, we are rarely (read: never) exposed to such forces of magnetism – not even when near Longines ambassador Regé-Jean Page – but the update means that Longines can provide the best quality for everyday wear on the wrist by ensuring its watches never stop, and continue to run with accuracy. Given it’s been estimated that 30% of the watches going back to Longines customer service are due to magnetic problems, this is indeed a game changer. Bringing this all together from £4,100 (in the grand scheme of horological things that is extremely reasonable) and this watch is a gift that keeps on giving.
To get into the nitty gritty of why the Spirit Flyback, and hypothesise over when Page might be spotted wearing it, we fired a few quick questions at Longines CEO, Matthias Breschan.
What’s the most interesting recent change in the watch industry?
With the pandemic, digital channels have become crucial as they offer all the convenience and confidence of shopping online, bringing customers closer to the brands than ever before. Nevertheless, I believe in the coexistence of online and in-store experiences because at the same time, we see a huge number of young people getting interested in mechanical and vintage watches so they will probably continue to for the next 20 years.
Why are icons like the Flyback – so rich in heritage with amazing vintage pieces on the market – so appealing to customers?
The flyback function is intrinsically linked to Longines’ heritage as we equipped our first models with a flyback function in 1925, we filed a patent for this in June 1935 and it went on to be registered in June 1936 as a world first. Today, public demand is a quest for authenticity and Longines watches are inspired by a centuries old, rich history so we think this is a sign that, especially for younger people, watchmaking and tradition cannot be set apart.
How important is it to have actors like Regé-Jean Page showing people that Longines watches are affordable and accessible while also being steeped in history?
Longines ambassadors of elegance are part of our family and it is extremely important to us to build a strong and lasting relationship with them. Consequently, they are chosen very carefully: they have to perfectly embody the brand’s DNA and share its values. Regé-Jean is undeniably a perfect choice! We were really impressed by his talent, poise and presence. He has already accomplished a lot but it is clear that this is only the beginning of what will be a magnificent career. As a man with innate style and charisma, he is the perfect embodiment of the brand’s definition of elegance.
What are you most excited about this new Longines Spirit Flyback?
It highlights our long-lasting relationship with the world of aviation and our rich expertise in developing the flyback function where we bring state-of-the-art technology together with a new exclusive Longines caliber, which is resistant to magnetism and equipped with a silicon balance spring to guarantee the highest precision and reliability. The movement is officially certified as a chronometer by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) and also offers a five-year warranty so we believe this is clearly a one-of-a-kind timepiece.
Why do stories of epic exploration go so well with watchmaking?
Legendary pioneers have often tried to transform the impossible into a reality. Since the beginning of the 20th century, our links to the history of aviation and exploration are fascinating as numerous explorers and aviators like Elinor Smith, Howard Hughes and Richard Byrd – often referred to as the “flying fools” – have placed their trust in Longines watches and instruments with our precision tool watches.
