Today, Longines released a titanium version of the Spirit Zulu Time. The 39mm GMT, released in steel less than a year ago, checks a lot of boxes under $5,000: chronometer certification, triple-digit water resistance, and wearable dimensions, all from a historic well-respected Swiss brand. This got me thinking – what other GMTs compare at thisprice point? If I were interested in the new titanium Spirit Zulu Time, what elsewould I be considering?
Tudor has entered the chat.
Earlier this year, Tudor released the Black Bay 58 GMT: a smaller (also 39mm), slimmer take on the Black Bay GMT. The 58 GMT made quite a splash at Watches and Wonders, and unlike many watches from that event, it seems to be readily available at retail. From my perspective, Tudor’s slim GMT is the new Spirit Zulu Time’s biggest competitor.
Of course, these two watches are fundamentally different. One is made of steel, the other is made of titanium (but is also offered in steel). That material difference surelyrules out some buyer overlap, butmany people will be deciding between this new titanium Spirit Zulu Time and the Black Bay 58 GMT.
Image Source: Teddy Baldassarre
My goal is not to determine which watch is “better” or poses “better value”. Both pose incredible value at their price point, and ultimately, these are mechanical watches we’re talking about. So much comes down to personal preference. Before highlighting similarities and differences, let’s look at the specs.
Longines Spirit Zulu Time in Titaniumvs. Tudor Black Bay 58
| Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium | Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT | |
| Price | $4,275 ($3,150 in steel) | $4,600 ($4,400 on rubber) |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium (or steel) | Steel |
| Bracelet | Grade 5 titanium | Steel bracelet or rubber strap, both with tool-free microadjustment clasp (T-fit) |
| Bezel | Ceramic and titanium bi-color (black and grey) | Aluminum bi-color (black and red) with gilt accents |
| Dimensions | 39mm diameter, 46.7mm lug to lug (53mm at male endlinks), 13.5mm thick | 39mm diameter, 47.8mm lug to lug, 12.8mm thick |
| Weight | 95 grams (140 grams in steel) | 175 grams |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters with screw-down crown | 200 meters with screw-down crown |
| Movement | Longines L844.4 | Tudor MT5450-U |
| Movement Specs | Chronometer Certified, ETA-based, 72 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring, independently-adjustable local hour hand | Master Chronometer, 65 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring, independently-adjustable local hour hand |
Similarities
At a high level, the titanium Spirit Zulu Time and Black Bay 58 GMT are both 39mm “flyer” GMT watches priced just below $5,000. They both feature robust builds with ample resistance to both water and magnetism. Both watches come from established Swiss brands. Looking a bit closer, both of these watches have gilt accents, black dials, and splashes of red. They both feature tapered bracelets, polished case chamfers, and unguarded crowns. They really are fundamentally similar watches.
Differences
Material
The biggest difference between the Black Bay 58 GMT and the titanium Spirit Zulu time is material optionality. The Spirit Zulu time comes in steel and titanium, whereas the 58 GMT only comes in steel. Like I said before, preference between these materials comes down to personal taste – both are strong, long-lasting, and neutral-toned.
Right Image Source: Monochrome Watches
At 95 grams on bracelet, the titanium Spirit Zulu Time is just over half the weight of the Black Bay 58 GMT (175 grams on bracelet). If you haven’t tried on a titanium watch, don’t get too excited about those numbers: this drastically reduced weight can be somewhat polarizing, particularly with a bracelet watch. I recommend trying it in person before you buy it.
Movement (Certification)
Another big difference between these watches lies in their mechanics. The Spirit Zulu Time uses the caliber L844.4 (based on the ETA A31.L411). This movement is COSC-certified, which means it was tested (outside of its case) for accuracy at various temperatures and orientations. To achieve COSC certification, the movement must stay between -4/+6 seconds per day.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 is a METAS-certified Master Chronometer. To even be considered for Master Chronometer certification, a watch’s movement must first be COSC-certified. METAS tests fully-cased watches. They test accuracy at various temperatures, orientations, and levels of power. The power reserve itself is also tested, as well as the stated resistance to water and magnetism. This certification is a clear leg up on the Spirit Zulu Time.
Clasp
A surprisingly significant difference between these two watches has to do with their clasps. The Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT – on a steel bracelet or a rubber strap – comes with a tool-free micro-adjustable clasp: Tudor’s T-fit system. The Longines Spirit Zulu time has 5-points of microadjustment, but requires the use of tools.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time in titanium to the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, it’s clear that both watches offer exceptional value and functionality in the sub-$5,000 GMT category. The choice between them hinges on personal preference. Whether you prefer the lightweight build of the new Spirit Zulu Time or the METAS certification and T-fit clasp of the 58 GMT, you can’t really go wrong. Both watches excel in their own right, but the decision comes down to which one aligns better with your taste.
