The Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch (reference L2.678.4.11.0) is a 47.50 mm automatic built around an unusual aviation-era timing layout: an internal rotating dial for aligning the seconds hand with a radio time signal, plus a rotating bezel for adjusting to daily changes in the equation of time. Its historical premise is distinctive; its size is substantial. Longines lists the case at 58.20 mm lug-to-lug and 16.30 mm thick, so those dimensions—not the name alone—are central to deciding whether it suits you.
What the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch is
Longines identifies reference L2.678.4.11.0 as the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch in its Avigation collection. It combines a self-winding mechanical movement with a white lacquered polished dial, a bidirectionally rotating bezel, sapphire crystal with several underside anti-reflective layers, and an alligator strap with buckle. The listed functions are hours, minutes and seconds, alongside the special time-setting layout.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The LONGINES Master Collection 42MM Automatic Watch | $4,400.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
THE LONGINES Master Collection 42MM Automatic Watch | $4,300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch | $3,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
This is a specification-based review, not a hands-on test. The available maker information establishes what Longines says the watch is designed to do, but not its accuracy in use, practical legibility, finishing quality, wrist comfort, clasp feel, durability or service costs.
How the hour-angle layout is meant to work
Internal rotating dial and radio time signal
Longines describes an internal rotating silvered dial that lets the wearer synchronize the seconds hand with a radio time signal. The maker’s description explains the intended function; it does not establish how easy or precise the procedure is in everyday use. The available specifications do not provide a step-by-step setting procedure, so consult current Longines instructions before relying on the feature.
#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
Rotating bezel and equation of time
The bezel is described as a way to adjust for daily variations of the equation of time. This is a separate function from synchronizing the seconds hand to a radio signal: Longines presents the internal dial as the synchronization aid and the bezel as the equation-of-time adjustment. The product information does not quantify the adjustment or document its practical operation.
Size, thickness and wrist-fit considerations
Longines lists a 47.50 mm case diameter. Its Netherlands product listing gives further maker-published measurements: 58.20 mm lug-to-lug, 16.30 mm thick, 25 mm lug distance and 126.0 g weight. These are dimensions, not a fit test. A long lug-to-lug span and considerable thickness can be important on the wrist, but comfort depends on wrist shape, strap adjustment and personal preference.
Rank #2
- Automatic L687 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds with 24 hours indicator at 9 o'clock. date indicated by the half moon central hand. Moon phase display at 6 o'clock. Case, hours, minutes, small seconds with 24 hours indicator at 9 o'clock. date indicated by the half moon central hand. Chronograph mechanism : central 60 seconds hand, moon phase display with 12 hours counter at 6 o'clock, 30 minutes counter with day and month display at 12 o'clock. Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
Before buying, compare the 47.50 mm diameter and 58.20 mm lug-to-lug measurement with a watch you already wear. If possible, try this exact reference on in person; a diameter comparison alone will not capture how its lugs and thickness sit on your wrist.
Movement, materials and water resistance
- Movement: self-winding mechanical caliber L699, according to Longines’s Netherlands listing.
- Power reserve: 46 hours, as stated by Longines.
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour, as stated by Longines.
- Case and crystal: stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire with several underside anti-reflective layers.
- Dial and strap: white lacquered polished dial and alligator strap with buckle.
- Water resistance: 3 bar on Longines’s product page.
The 3 bar rating is the maker’s stated specification; it is not enough on its own to recommend swimming or another water activity. For a pre-owned watch, the rating also does not establish the condition of that individual watch. Check current Longines guidance and have water resistance assessed as appropriate before exposure to water.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Automatic L687 movement, hours, minutes, small seconds with 24 hours indicator at 9 o'clock. date indicated by the half moon central hand. Moon phase display at 6 o'clock. Case, hours, minutes, small seconds with 24 hours indicator at 9 o'clock. date indicated by the half moon central hand. Chronograph mechanism : central 60 seconds hand, moon phase display with 12 hours counter at 6 o'clock, 30 minutes counter with day and month display at 12 o'clock. Transparent case back with sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel with triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- 5 Year International Warranty
The aviation-history connection
Longines’s Media Center account, dated 9 October 2012, says Charles Lindbergh conceived the Hour Angle Watch design after his solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris, which Longines says it timed at 33 hours and 30 minutes. Longines states that production was then entrusted to the company. This is Longines’s historical account, not a quotation from Lindbergh.
“Following his transatlantic solo flight from New York to Paris in 33 hours and 30 minutes, timed by Longines, Charles Lindbergh conceived the design of the Hour Angle Watch whose production was then entrusted to Longines.”
Rank #4
LONGINES Spirit Zulu Time 39MM Automatic Watch
- 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
— Longines, Media Center press release, 9 October 2012.
Price and availability
Prices vary by market and can change. When checked, Longines’s Swiss product page showed CHF 5,100 and its US page showed $6,100. Those are regional, time-sensitive list prices, not evidence of resale value or a guarantee of current stock. Confirm the price and availability for the exact reference in your market with Longines or an authorized retailer.
Who should consider this watch
The Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch is most compelling for someone drawn to its specific aviation-history connection and distinctive time-setting concept, and who is comfortable with a large case. It is less straightforward to assess as an everyday choice from specifications alone: the maker’s feature descriptions do not substitute for trying the watch, learning the setting process or judging the dial in person.
Quick Recap
- Compare its dimensions with a watch you know fits well.
- Ask to see the internal dial and bezel functions demonstrated before purchase.
- For a used example, verify the exact reference, condition, service history and water resistance independently.
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.
