Longines Spirit green dial Ref. L3.810.4.03.02

The Longines Spirit green dial Ref. L3.810.4.03.02 builds on the success of the brand’s Spirit collection, unveiled in 2020. It taps into the prevailing appetite for green dials, but as Angus Davies explains the model has an array of qualities that distinguish it as special. Furthermore, despite its virtues, this latest addition to the Swiss brand’s product portfolio remains surprisingly affordable.

Last year (2020), Longines unveiled its Spirit collection. At the time of launch, the range included three-hand models and chronographs with black, blue and silver dial options. Unsurprisingly, considering their relative youth, these models remain popular members of the brand’s present-day portfolio. The chronograph is housed in a 42mm case, while the three-hand option is offered in a choice of 40mm and 42mm variants.

Now, the brand from Saint-Imier has unveiled a new version of the three-hand model, Longines Spirit green dial Ref. L3.810.4.03.02, equipped with a sage-toned dial. It seems every brand is rushing to tap into the public’s thirst for green watch dials. However, what makes this model stand out is the number of attributes it proffers for a surprisingly modest sum.

The Longines Spirit green dial Ref. L3.810.4.03.02 is equipped with a date display, positioned at 3 o’clock, while the case blends polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The self-winding movement, the Calibre L888.4, incorporates a silicon hairspring (called ‘silicium’ in French). This latter glass-like material is lightweight, virtually friction-free and is not susceptible to corrosion, magnetism or changes in temperature. Ordinarily, silicon is found on costlier watches, however, Longines often delivers much for comparatively little. The Swiss firm is part of the Swatch Group, a watchmaking giant. It enjoys unparalleled economies of scale, allowing Longines to deliver models imbued with a high quality-price rato. Moreover, this watch is a certified chronometer (COSC), providing independent assurance that it is incredibly precise.

The Longines Spirit green dial Ref. L3.810.4.03.02 supplied on a leather strap is £1750, while the bracelet option attracts a small premium, retailing for £1960 (Prices as at 10.5.2021).

The brand’s press release (May 2021)

Green now features on the dials of the Longines Spirit, a line designed to reflect the precision instruments that once accompanied adventurers conquering air, sea and land. Linking history with innovation, this collection combines elements borrowed from the pioneering world of aviation with today’s aesthetic and technical requirements. Contemporary in character, it sustains the pioneering spirit that has driven Longines since its very beginnings while offering a stirring tribute to the exceptional men and women who have marked history through record-setting exploits and bursts of courage.

The colour green now follows black, silver and blue in the Longines Spirit collection. It offers a fashionable chromatic variation well suited to the spirit of the line.

Longines watches and devices have contributed to a number of pioneering achievements thanks to their reliability, precision, strength and innovation. They have accompanied exploratory expeditions to unknown shores, confronted extreme weather conditions, sailed across the seas, and took part in the opening of new air routes and the setting of aviation records. Many adventurers have benefited from Longines’ know-how when conquering air, sea, and land.

Longines Spirit timepieces breathe new life into this rich heritage. Linking history with innovation, they take traditional features from pilot’s watches and combine them with contemporary lines and codes for a decisively contemporary and exacting look.

Available in a three-hand/calendar model and in two sizes (40 mm and 42 mm), the collection’s newest additions feature an elegant set of green dials. The new colour combines with the Super-LumiNova® beige and lends the model a vintage touch, while the dial’s sandblasted finish creates a fashionable metallic sheen. A clever blend of past and present, these pieces feature five applied stars on their dial, attesting to the quality of the movement, as they have throughout Longines’ history.

Like their predecessors, these models are equipped with cutting-edge technology thanks to their exclusive automatic calibres (L888.4) and silicon balance-spring. With their extreme precision, each has been chronometer-certified by the COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) and comes with a 5-year warranty. The carefully crafted stainless steel case comes refined with a steel bracelet or a beige leather strap, along with Longines’ exclusive interchangeability system.

With the Longines Spirit line, the winged hourglass is proud to ally the legitimacy of its rich heritage with the legendary pioneers who have placed their trust in the brand. Longines Spirit celebrates these heroes of the past, along with their decidedly contemporary mindset: The Quest for Excellence.