Flyback Longines Spirit in a titanium case

The Flyback chronograph, which debuted this summer within the Spirit collection, now returns reinforced with Grade 5 titanium alloy.

The Longines Spirit Flyback series embodies the pioneering spirit that has always driven the Swiss watch brand. This chronograph with a flyback function also highlights Longines’ prominent role in technical innovations. The brand, easily recognized by its winged hourglass logo, produced its first flyback—or, as it is often called in French, retour-en-vol—model in the first half of the last century, precisely in 1925. A few years later, a patent for this was filed and officially registered on June 16, 1936. The revolutionary flyback function, an essential tool for conquering the skies, allows for delay-free measurement and timing of different phases of flight, thereby facilitating navigation.

But what exactly is this flyback?

Watches equipped with a stopwatch, or chronographs, traditionally operate by pressing the buttons on the side of the case in sequence to start timing, stop it, reset the hands, and start a new timing session.

In critical situations, such as during a mission in a fighter jet, this process is far from simple, as it distracts the pilot and is too time-consuming. Longines’ patented solution allows the current timing to be stopped, the hands reset, and a new measurement started with a single press of a button.

This enables more accurate and coordinated timing of different phases of flight, allowing the pilot to focus on maneuvering.

The newly released Longines Spirit Flyback Titanium is also certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres). This official Swiss chronometer-testing institute examines each movement in its independent laboratories, and only those meeting the strict ISO standards receive the stamped certification.

The Longines Spirit Flyback can be considered a true measuring instrument, now made even more appealing with a Grade 5 titanium case. Grade 5 is a titanium alloy that is both lighter and more durable than steel. Visually, the chronograph’s 42 mm case stands out with its satin-brushed finish, playing with contrasts between darker shades and subtle sparkle. The robust yet sleek design, combined with advanced technology, gives this timepiece exceptional character.

The Longines Spirit Flyback’s high precision is ensured by the exclusive L791.4 caliber, which is resistant to magnetic fields thanks to its silicon balance spring. When fully wound, it provides up to 68 hours of power reserve. The transparent case back reveals every detail of the caliber, including the uniquely decorated rotor, engraved with the Longines Spirit collection emblem, the globe.

This new version features a bidirectional rotating bezel complemented by a black ceramic insert with luminescent lacquer-filled Arabic numerals and markers. The anthracite dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is made more captivating by a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock with spiral decoration.

The gold-plated hands and numerals coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova® ensure optimal readability under all conditions, whether in the air or on land. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar (100 meters).

It can be worn with an easily interchangeable titanium clasp or a black-and-gray NATO strap specifically designed for this model.

The collection, consisting of a fountain pen, rollerball, and ballpoint pen, is completed with a turquoise notebook.

Technical Specifications

Model Numbers:

L3.821.1.53.6 – with titanium metal bracelet

L3.821.1.53.2 – with NATO strap

Movement

L791.4 automatic movement exclusive to Longines, column-wheel, COSC certified, 28,800 vibrations per hour, 68-hour power reserve, flyback chronograph, silicon balance spring

Case

42 mm diameter, 17 mm thickness, round, stainless steel, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, screw-down crown, transparent case back secured with six screws, bidirectional rotating bezel with black ceramic insert

Dial

Sunburst anthracite, applied Arabic numerals, Super-LumiNova

Hands

Gold-colored with Super-LumiNova. Central seconds hand tipped with red lacquer.

Water Resistance

10 bar (100 meters)