In 1997, Longines celebrated the 70th anniversary of the first transatlantic non-stop solo flight. To mark this milestone, the Swiss watch brand launched a special edition Lindbergh Spirit collection.

Departing from New York on May 20th 1927 at 7:52 a.m., the “Spirit of St. Louis” lands in Paris on May 21st at 10:22 p.m. Timed by Longines, after a solo flight of 33 hours and 30 minutes, Charles Lindbergh becomes a genuine pioneer in aviation history by making the first non-stop, trans-Atlantic flight.

This first transatlantic non-stop solo flight aroused the public’s imagination more than any other event of the time. It also drew attention to the need for a simple but accurate way to calculate longitude during long flights without visible landmarks.

It was Lindbergh himself who made the first sketch of a watch especially intended for aeronautical navigation. The project was then awarded to Longines, whose technological advance and reputation for precision were already firmly established. Such were the beginnings of the “Lindbergh Hour Angle” watch.

In 1997, Longines revived this spirit with the colourful “Lindbergh Spirit Collection” automatic watches, in Hour Angle or Hour Angle Chronograph models. They were launched in five dial colors (blue, red, yellow, black or white) in steel or steel and 18 carat gold, with assorted leather or steel bracelets.

Technical details

Model: Longines Lindbergh Spirit Automatic Watch

Movement
Longines automatic caliber

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, split second, date, date corrector, hour angle, angle degree and minute indicator

Dial
Semi-brilliant
60 division ext. minute wheel work
12 painted Roman numerals
Arabic numerals 15 to 180
White, black, red, blue or yellow

Case
Steel or Steel with 18ct gold
Diameter: 37mm
Thickness: 10mm
Glass: Mineral glass
Case back: Transparent, mineral glass
Water resistance: 30 metres

Strap
Steel bracelet or leather strap (black, red, blue or yellow)

Reference numbers
L.2.617.5: Steel/18ct gold
L 2.617.4: Steel

Model: Longines Lindbergh Spirit Chronograph Watch

Movement
Longines automatic caliber

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, split second, chronograph, date, 30 minute counter, 12 hours, hour angle, angle degree and minute indicator.

Case
Material: Steel or Steel with 18ct gold
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 14.8mm
Glass: Mineral glass
Case back: Transparent, mineral glass
Water resistance: 30 metres

Dial
Semi-brilliant
60 division ext. minute wheel work
12 painted Roman numerals
White, black, red, blue or yellow

Strap
Steel or leather (black, red, blue or yellow)

References
L.2.618.5: Steel/18ct gold
L 2.618.4: Steel