The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm is the smaller-size version of a travel-focused GMT watch, not the debut of a new collection: Longines introduced the collection in 2022 and added the 39 mm case in June 2023. Its key practical draw is a “flyer” GMT movement, which lets you change local time in one-hour jumps without stopping the watch. Longines specifies a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance; the main fit question is whether its thickness and bracelet suit your wrist.
What changed with the 39 mm Longines Spirit Zulu Time?
The Spirit Zulu Time collection began in 2022. Longines’ launch release, dated 14 June 2023, described the 39 mm model as an addition to the range, calling its case “ergonomically-pleasing and stylish”—the brand’s promotional description, rather than an independent fit assessment. The smaller case gives buyers an alternative to the 42 mm sibling without changing the basic travel-GMT concept.
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LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,450.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
For the 39 mm case, Longines’ 2023 technical press kit lists a 39 mm diameter and 13.50 mm thickness. Hodinkee’s 2023 review gives 39 mm width, 13.2 mm thickness, and 46.7 mm lug-to-lug for its reviewed example. The thickness figures differ by source, so treat them as separate published measurements rather than a single settled figure. The kit’s 21 mm “Lug-to-lug” entry is not equivalent to a case’s lug-to-lug length and should not be used for that comparison.
Diameter alone will not determine how it wears. A 46.7 mm lug-to-lug measurement, as reported for Hodinkee’s example, is useful when comparing the watch with one you already own; thickness also matters if you want a watch that slips easily under a cuff. James Stacey of Hodinkee described his review sample as easy-wearing and reported its weight as 140 g on a bracelet sized for his 7-inch wrist. Those are observations about one sample and wrist, not a fit guarantee.
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#1 Best Overall
- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Stainless steel with double safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
How does the GMT work?
Longines lists the movement as calibre L844.4, with COSC certification, a silicon balance spring, magnetic resistance, and approximately 72 hours of power reserve in its 2023 press kit. The watch combines a 24-hour GMT hand with a bidirectional 24-hour bezel. Hodinkee describes the movement as a local-jumping, or “flyer,” GMT: when changing time zones, the local hour can be advanced or moved independently while the watch continues running.
Keeping track of two time zones
Set the main hour and minute display to the time where you are, then use the 24-hour hand to keep home time in view. Because the GMT hand reads a full 24-hour cycle, it can distinguish day from night at home. This is especially handy when deciding whether it is a reasonable time to call.
Rank #2
- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Stainless steel with double safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
Using the bezel for a third time zone
Hodinkee’s review also describes leaving the GMT hand set to home time or UTC, then rotating the bidirectional 24-hour bezel to read a third zone. The bezel’s position changes the reference for the GMT hand; it does not create a second independently set hour hand. Check the bezel’s alignment and the 24-hour scale when making a reading.
What do the case and variants offer?
For the documented steel variants, Longines’ 2023 press kit lists 10 bar (100 m) water resistance, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a bidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert. The brand also documented steel-bracelet and leather-strap configurations, several dial colors, and variant-specific bezel colors. Its kit describes an interchangeable system for the listed straps, but exact dial, bezel, hands, strap, and attachment details depend on the reference; confirm the product specification for the version you are considering.
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- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Stainless steel with double safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
Longines’ US product page for reference L3.802.4.93.6 showed the sunray blue dial on a steel bracelet at $3,550 when accessed on 7 October 2026. That is a dated US listing, not a universal or fixed price. Regional pricing, stock, and available references can change; check the current official listing for your market before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the hands-on review find?
James Stacey’s Hodinkee review praised legibility and the tactile feel of the controls. He also noted a bracelet adjustment limitation: the bracelet he reviewed lacked active, tool-free micro-adjustment. That matters if your wrist changes size through the day or you want to make a quick fit adjustment without tools. His observations apply to the reviewed configuration, so inspect the bracelet and clasp on the exact reference rather than assuming every variant is identical.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Stainless steel with double safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
Rank #4
- Automatic L844 movement, hours, minutes, seconds and date. 24 hours hand with time zone mechanism
- Beige Leather strap with double security folding clasp with micro adjustment system
- 5 Year International Warranty
What should you compare before buying?
- Travel function: If you regularly change time zones, check whether the GMT is a local-jumping type, where the local hour moves independently, or a caller type, where the GMT hand is typically the independently adjusted display. The Zulu Time 39 mm is described by Hodinkee as local-jumping.
- Fit: Compare diameter, thickness, and lug-to-lug—not diameter alone—with a watch that fits you. Keep the Longines press-kit thickness (13.50 mm) distinct from Hodinkee’s 13.2 mm measurement for its example.
- Time-zone display: Decide whether a fixed GMT hand plus rotating 24-hour bezel is useful for your home time and a third-zone readout.
- Bracelet adjustment: Check sizing and clasp adjustment on the specific configuration, particularly if tool-free micro-adjustment is important to you.
- Exact reference and price: Match the dial, bezel, bracelet or strap, and regional price to the reference being sold. The $3,550 figure is the US listing for L3.802.4.93.6 accessed on 7 October 2026, not a standing price for every version.
- Water use: Longines lists 10 bar/100 m for the documented steel variants. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the exact reference and for maintenance before exposing a watch to water.
Sources
- Longines, official 39 mm launch release, 14 June 2023
- Longines US product listing, reference L3.802.4.93.6
- Longines, 2023 Spirit Zulu Time technical press kit
- Hodinkee, “Hands-On: The Longines Spirit Zulu Time In 39mm,” 2023
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
