Longines Spirit Pilot New Models Arrive in Matte Blue

Swiss watchmaker Longines will release two new Spirit Pilot models with matte blue dials on October 4, 2026, offering both a flyback chronograph and a three-hand version with steel bracelets or blue rubber straps. The launch date commemorates October 4, 1931, when aviators Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon departed from Misawa, Japan, with Longines watches, completing the first nonstop transpacific flight to the US the next day. The flyback model features a mechanism patented by Longines in 1936, now celebrating its 90th anniversary, allowing one-push reset and restart during timing. The flyback chronograph has a 39.5mm case with a bidirectional bezel and hand-wound L792.4 movement offering 68 hours of power reserve. The three-hand model uses a 39mm case with automatic L888.4 movement and 72-hour reserve. Both feature silicon balance springs, COSC chronometer certification, and 10 ATM water resistance. Prices range from 386,100 to 808,500 yen.