The main product to be released in 2021 is its Spirit collection, which Longines says draws on “the traditional characteristics of the pilot’s watch and combines them with modern lines and codes”. All of the watches pay stylistic homage to the vintage models worn by adventurous pilots such as Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes in the early 20th century, with standout features including an oversized fluted crown, a pronounced stepped bezel and minute scale flange, large Arabic hour markers and diamond-shaped indicators, and large luminous bar hands. So far, the Spirit collection includes three three-hand date replica watches and a chronograph.  
As Longines would hope, the Spirit collection has a case design reminiscent of a rugged pilot’s watch, but with a distinctly modern feel – or more accurately, a combination of finishes. The top of the beveled bezel of my black dial review watch is brushed and the sides are polished; the rest of the case is similar, with the curved lugs having non-reflective brushed tops and sides, highlighted by shiny polished faceted lines. The fluted crown is onion-shaped, in keeping with the classic pilot’s style – while Longines still describes it as “oversized,” it’s not as big as a pilot’s watch from the 1930s.
Immediately noticeable on the matte black dial are the large, luminescent-coated Arabic hour markers. They are written in the vintage-style script, outlined by a silver frame, and accompanied by small diamond icons that are also luminescent. The hands are baton-shaped and pointed at the end; the hour hand is shorter and significantly thicker than the minute hand.
The solid steel case-back that covers and protects the movement is also in the “spirit” of its forebears, held in place by six seemingly industrial-looking screws in a stylish brushed finish. The engraving here adds a globe to Longines’ winged hourglass logo, telling of the watch’s ancestral tradition of exploring and circumnavigating the world. It’s worth noting that the L888.4 is a movement made exclusively for Longines and was first used in the Record Collection, the brand’s first family of fully COSC-certified chronometers.
The strap is made of brown calfskin leather with a subtle pebble finish and a slightly oily sheen, and the light beige contrast stitching highlights the style of those pilot’s fake watches of the past. The tan underside is soft and caresses the wrist. The steel pin buckle tongue is firmly embedded in the rectangular perforations, holding it securely in place.