Longines Spirit

You'll get a lot of support for Longines on here and they are nice, but it's my opinion that the relatively small jump up to Tudor is 100% worth it for what you get. I recently got my first Tudor and I'm blown away by it. 

There are also much more experienced watch enthusiasts than I that will tell you to go for the watch you really want rather than compromise on an alternative. 

I still love the BB GMT and if I stuck to my own advice that is probably what I'd stay with, but I'm struggling with the fact it's now topping $6k AUD. If I hadn't got distracted with other pretty things last year I could have picked it up at a price point where I thought it made more sense. The Spirit retails for $3300 and the Zulu Time for $4400, both of which will be heavily discounted come the next seasonal sales; which is what's making me re-assess. Decisions, decisions...

The Zulu Time is reaaaally nice, maybe a bit more dressy than the BB GMT

I don’t have the a GMT version of either Longines or the Tudor. But I have the BB58 and the Longines Spirit. Both are great watches. I say it comes down to personal preferences in the end, as usual.

I own the Longines Spirit 37mm and Tudor North Flag. Based on the experience of both brands you're going to get a cut above with the Tudor in most ways. Having said that, I'm very happy with the 37mm Spirit and consider it an almost perfect everyday choice. Downside is no screwdown crown (not sure if this is still the case with the 40mm version and/or Zulu...). I would say - as always - get the watch you really want, but in this case I could easily see both coexisting in a collection without superfluous overlap: they represent quite different looks and wearing experiences.

The Longines Spirit is a very good option especially for the price imo. 
I have to say at the new prices, I feel Tudor is pushing it a bit too much. I recently bought a BBPro in December just before the prices jumped. And honestly, its a really great value option as well.  

However, with Pelagos at £4k, BB58s at pver £3k and Pro touching £3.5k, I feel Tudor is going to start losing a few fans because one of the main draws for their watches, was the ‘value for money’ at £2.2 - £3.5k mark. 

If they keep going in this direction they will soon enter Omega/GS/IWC/Zenith space and I’m not sure they will be as competitive there. Even with the Rolex connection. 

You're quite right - my bad. Will edit my post.

All brands increase their prices so i’m not sure the gap between Tudor and Omega/Zenith is getting smaller 

That’s basically my dilemma. I feel like Tudor is now moving out of that sweet spot where they were providing really good value. They’re starting to encroach on the territory of some other watches that I’d be willing to make a stretch for. 

Yeah, I could definitely see a spot for both in my collection. It might be time for me to think about downsizing a little to make some room. 

Was there anything in particular about the Tudor that gave you buyers remorse?

Don't compromise on what you truly want (unless the stand-in "test drive" watch is like an order of magnitude cheaper).

Have you tried both watches on your wrist?

I’ve tried on the Tudor and I loved it immediately. Have only window shopped the Longines for now, but I will definitely go back and try it on.

Yeah I get where you’re coming from. Doxa is a great brand and I’m quite fond of the 300T Caribbean. I’m a sucker for a blue dial…

Would you be opposed to getting the Tudor used? They are easily under 3k usd 

get the watch you like the best. cost shouldn’t be the deciding factor. If it is, you’ll end up buying both and spending more in the long run.

I’ve got some pretty chunky watches in my collection so thickness isn’t too much of an issue for me. The Zulu is definitely a looker, I think I will be stewing over this until I try them on back to back.

Yeah, that’s definitely crossed my mind. 

I haven't seen any discounts on these down here. Do you mind me asking where you purchased yours?

It was Fraser Hart on Princess Street in Edinburgh. They are well known retailer in the UK.

https://www.fraserhart.co.uk/m79830rb-0001-tudor-black-bay-gmt-black-dial-steel-bracelet-mens-watch/08-28-2-5107.html

When I purchased mine (in store) in May last year, the retail price was £3,300 and I managed to get it for £3,030. I was surprised at the time because they were in short supply. However I've noticed there has been a recent price increase and it now retails for £3,590.

Thanks for the tip. I haven’t come across them before, but will add them to my list for future reference.

Cheers!

Not sure if it’s fate or coincidence but I just received my first watch badge. 

Are the watch gods trying to tell me something ? 

The Tudor is a polarizing watch. I’ve never cared for the general look. That’s a personal opinion.

I‘m really liking my Zulu. The only irritation is the slow date change. I’m getting used to it because I don’t stare at it for the 1-1/2 hours it takes to change.

It’s so comfortable on the leather strap, and I find myself adjusting it with ease during the day. It only weighs 112 grams.

Buy what appeals to you, and try not to go for a watch on price alone.

My vote is for the Longines Zulu Time

have you made up your mind?

Well, I’ve made one decision and decided it’s time to downsize a little to help fund this one.

Still on the fence, but probably leaning towards the BB GMT at the moment. That could all change once I try on the Zulu.

Hi fellow watch collector/enthusiast 

I would like to give my 10 cent to your dilemma.  I been unfortunate to own both watches and they are both great watches which I enjoy wearing.  Good choices. I am going to be honest and it's just my opinion but the quality and finish of the Tudor is better.  Not taking anything away from the Longines but the Tudor is a better build.  

In saying this, you need to ask which watch appeals to you the most?  They are totally different watches, in being a sports GMT and the other a pilots/field watch.  Concerning value, I can say that they offer value for the price it is retailed at even with the price increase recently.  Watches are not investments at the end of the day (investments yield monthly/yearly income), but none the less they sre assets, as they worth something if you decide to move it on in the future.  In my experience, if you sell either watch within three next 5 years, they both will get less than what you paid for it.  So buy what you like and think which watch will get the most wrist time. 

I hope I have given you some food for thought, and i think with your heart as if you think with your brain (as a non watch person, you end up with neither).  Deep down in your heart, you already made up your mind, but whatever you choose it going to be then right decision.  Happy collecting!!  Enjoy your new watch and wear in good health. 

I have the Longines Spirit 40mm black dial, as what you also noticed, the real watch looks way more stunning than picture no matter how it is photographed. The moment I tried it on, I had no hesitation to get it. And given the stories of the line of Spirit's collection and the brand's history, it has become my daily's driver watch. It keeps me company now in my everyday journey. I hope you choose whichever means anything to you as well in the long run, coz you might like the Tudor now, it doesn't mean you would like it after some time. 

I am thinking of getting this for myself next week.. Just posted asking if any owners could chime in with their feedback

I was just at Longines boutique yesterday and in Australia at least the SA informed me that on 1st Feb there will be a price hike on all models!

On the BB GMT front, i just bought one yesterday from AD so I can’t give you advice because it would be biased!! It’s a great watch, no regrets. I do however have a soft spot of Longines and the Spirit 37 in silver for me is on my must own list. Had a good look at Zulu time too and it’s very nice but the Tudor has the edge When it comes to that Blue and Red bezel. You can’t go wrong with Longines though