I had to return the Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT - The Reason!

So, I loved the Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT, and yet I felt like I had to return it…
Here’s the video where I explain why and the reasoning behind it. Maybe it’s a stupid and minor reason, but that’s me in a nutshell, minor and stupid 😂
Enjoy 👍

[@sargisshirinyan207]

As a perfectionist myself I'd definitely be heartbroken by such a little misalignment that you have to really focus to notice. And truly when you pay $3000 for something it better be perfect in terms of symmetry and alignment in all aspects. Totally understand you!

[@backintimewatches]

Thanks for understanding 😊 And for watching 🙏

[@drkesrf]

Even $1M homes have imperfections when newly constructed. I understand the feelings, but just saying….

[@terrencestone3938]

My bb58 had a slight bezel misalignement when i got it new and at the time i decided to live with it (which i have for about 2 years) and then have it fixed at its first service. As it happened it started losing around 30 seconds a day lately so i have send it back for repair under warranty and i indicated they should also fix the misalignement . All in all i'm kind of glad it's finally getting fixed as it did bug me a bit in all honesty, so i think you did the right thing. If it bothers you it'll probably keep bothering you and you cannot unsee it.

[@mirkosaligari]

I have exactly the same reference with the green bazel since 3 weeks ago and I just verified now the time window after seeing your video. I took a high res picture and zoomed in till the maximum. With 1 digit numbers I cannot perceive any misalignment with 2 digits maybe yes it is a bit on the left, but much less than in your case. I'll survive with that. Anyway I can understand your point.

[@justinbjork5682]

For $3000? Screw it. If it was $100… don’t deal with it. I’m glad you caught it! Don’t worry about being a “Karen.” That’s not the point. If you don’t advocate for the consumer, who will?

[@Studat]

I handled one of these models today and they were all dead centre. The watch is stunning. Pick up another one.

[@jackvick9917]

Glad you had the return policy. Thanks for the warning, but glad Longines was willing to stand behind their product.

[@backintimewatches]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@kossan5023]

I love these kind of reviews. Can’t be more honest than this. Keep up the awesome work!

[@magal55]

I am with you/ These little imperfections on the dial can drive me crazy. I am planning to buy Longines Spirit 37mm and I will be extra vigilant. Thank you.

[@Joe-kw8hq]

I fully support your decision. In fact, I regret that I did not do the same. If every Longines customer also returned the watch for the same reason, it will force Longines to take a more responsible action to sort out this fault. I have a blue version with exactly the same problem. It is not so noticeable in single digit dates but quite noticeable on 1x dates. It was very annoying once I noticed it. It is like an itch that I can not scratch !

[@gregjones3629]

I have a Zulu Time. To me this is not an issue, The numbers are still clearly within the date aperture. It would be different if one of the numbers were partially cropped. The date is easier to read than on my two Omegas. But to me all date functions are annoying, I told myself I'd never buy another watch with a date again, but this one was too good to resist.

[@stocksxbondage]

Feeling the same way. I never even cared until people started pointing it out. Sure, you spend good money and want a perfect product, but even a Ferrari has imperfections if you go looking for them. If you notice without looking for it, have it fixed or returned, but if you’ve gotta go looking for imperfections, you’ll never be satisfied until you draw a line for yourself. Nothing is perfect under a microscope.

[@Sumerdini]

No-date 👍

[@JoelDrumReview]

Perfection is an illusion.

[@dislocatedtraveler2647]

And perfect is the enemy of good...😁

[@zephyr2002]

About 1/3 of my watches, upon OCD levels of inspection, have some unique "characteristics" that I've come to terms with. One of them is the exact same issue in this video. My only advice for you is, never get tinnitus.

[@tiagodvt]

To me misalignments are never acceptable. As you said, a damn 100 bucks Timex can be perfectly aligned, so why wouldnt a 3k watch? When I get a misaligned Seiko, I return it immediately. I had a Certina that had a misaligned bezel and they fixed it. Unfortunately the process took 2 months, but it did get fixed. It was my first experience and I didn't return it because I had bought it from abroad (the brand isn't well represented in my country but they have a service center). But I'm not sure I'd go through it again. As you said, we shouldn't be without a brand new piece for 2 months.

[@80barlo80]

I returned an Omega watch twice for misalignment issues and scratched crystal and 2 Tudors for movements not performing within COSC. For all that money you would expect some quality control from those brands! I would have done the same with your Longines.

[@kabysummit5801]

Very simple. If you are a luxury watch brand, then perfection in the dials and hands alignment is a must. One offs like this situation is a no ask return replace refund policy. You did right by returning it. Why should it be fixed?! noope.

[@backintimewatches]

I agree :)

[@DWilliam1]

Mine is perfectly aligned. No issues.

[@lx95020]

I agree; If something is truly hand made it won't be perfect. If it is made by machine and must assembled by a person, it should be perfect!!! Especially when you have to pay so much money. Good for you for returning it. I think I would just buy direct from Longines...to minimize any warranty issues.

[@blakeoneal4385]

Wouldn't it be opposite? Quantatively, human is more likely to make an error than a machine that is programmed mathematically with tight tolerances with negligible standard deviations.

[@lx95020]

@@blakeoneal4385 yes of course. I wasn't agree about the watch being hand made. I was commenting on his comment about handmade product which the watch is not.

[@Jeff-mv4yy]

I have a Longines Conquest 2023 . The date being centered seems to be related to the direction of the light . If light is slightly left of the watch, the date appears slightly left . If to the right of the watch , it appears slightly right . If it is direct center, the date is perfectly centered. I believe the off centered appearance is somewhat an optical illusion in my case . I’m curious if others have noticed the same effect with the Zulu.. it’s on the list for my next watch . Fwiw , I would have probably returned the watch and just bought another .

[@FOOFTR]

Breitling serviced my Sky Racer, and it came back like this, the date misaligned. I showed it to the agent here and he was "nope send it back". We sent it back and they fixed it. The thing is, how do these manufacturers let this get through the gate? You did the right thing.

[@buckotte1414]

They are assuming there will be parallax making the date 'appear' centered when looked at by the user wearing the watch on the left arm. So....A centered (when looked at vertically) will look Off- center when seen at an angle !!!

[@GreenGooner8]

Great review but unfortunately I had a terrible experience with Longines (Swatch Group) customer service related to this watch. I purchased this watch and then wanted to purchase the steel bracelet so I called Swatch Group to order it. When it arrived, the bracelet was defective with a loose screw holding one of the links. I called Swatch to return the bracelet the next day, which they said was fine. After the returned bracelet arrived at their warehouse, they refused to honor the return because the packaging the bracelet came in was opened. Not sure how else you are supposed to look at a product you order besides taking it out of the box. After this experience I would never buy a Longines/Swatch Group product and I will be selling my Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT. Buyer beware with Longines and Swatch Group.

[@shawn1928]

I agree with you returning it, thanks for sharing your experience. That's too bad though. I would have returned it also

[@ThingsHybrid]

Good decision !! U can’t settle after paying 3000$$$ longines should fix their QA

[@wendellligot8796]

I will do the same! Very well said and I’m totally agreed with your statement. Your hard earned money has to be spent on a good quality watch, you made the right decision to return the watch rather to repair it. It’s common that major issues were caused by the minor issues because of ignoring that minor problem. Well the end of the day is… you want a perfect watch that deserves for your hard earned money.

[@marcus1970]

When it's your money and your happiness and satisfaction at stake you do what's right for you. I'm glad your refund was smooth. My spirit Zulu is staying with me.

[@Shogunsen]

You are right and I can totally understand it. They charge for perfection so they should deliver perfection.

[@nkd8074]

I 100% agree with your decision, and to be honest I would consider other sellers in the future. It really seems like they didn't even bother comparing it with other pieces.

[@davidsensente7466]

It is so nice that you have a 30 days return policy...On the other hand, I saw your video on the Tudor Ranger and I finally decided to check it in person and what a nice looking watch...yep, I ended up buying it!

[@pacovl46]

I’m sorry, mate, but they offered you to fix it and it’s not like you would’ve handed in a brand new watch and would’ve gotten something back that’s a hundred years old and not new anymore. In the end of the day it’s your choice, but that was over the top in my opinion. It’s probably just a minor alignment issue that can be fixed easily.

[@private464]

Exactly right. This video is over-the-top when he says that he feels "soured" by it.

[@shino8854]

I bet that Rolex he has is not perfect either, look for a fault in anything and you will find it. I think he just wanted to make a video and planned to return it anyways.

[@BenMwatches]

I feel for him. Getting a piece serviced when still stickered means your not getting a new watch back No stickers and they definitely mark your watch when servicing it - so the marks won’t even be his I feel for him - even though they offered to fix an issue that was there at the point of sale and was missed by QC

[@pacovl46]

@BenMwatches a minor fix doesn't make the watch old and I don't know about you, but I remove the stickers as soon as I get the watch because I want to wear it. Again, he's splitting hairs and his reaction is way over the top.

[@BenMwatches]

@@pacovl46 I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of impressive he noticed the date wheel being miss aligned before taking the stickers off. I certainly wouldn’t have 🤣.

[@fabiansuarez523]

I tend to think, that the watch is going to be pass to another client, hopefuly Im wrong and the AD send to repair before its in the market again. You did the right thing

[@strelnikoff7]

Well, good to know! I’ve been dancing around this watch for quite some time and I’m ready … was ready to buy one. Really like it. Now - I’ll make sure to pay attentiton.

[@Cosaamia]

Interesting. Ive been looking at Longines but this puts me off as it shows they accept these issues so what else on the inside do they accept. Ill stick to Tudor and Omega

[@user-lh7rc6up4l]

LOL. I did not notice that, but THANK YOU. Will have to really decide if i want one now...

[@Galaledeen]

I bought an identical one, the power reserve doesn't even reach 48 hours! Past the 30 days window because of business travel and the Central London Longines boutique tell me I have to send it back for repair which would take up to 12 weeks! Add to that a scratch on the case that I definitely didn't cause, and none of the clear scratch protection wrappings shown in your video. My experience sucks!!

[@danieldarby9953]

Good on you for not settling! In this hobby its the details that separate a $300 from a $3000 watch. The $3000 watch better be aligned.

[@carlvoxvires]

You'd send a $50 meal back to the kitchen if it was cold in the centre, a car back to the shop if the wipers fitted were too small, so you absolutely should send back a $3000 watch for imperfections.

[@BorisBadenov-c7q]

The only way I would settle if they sent me 25% of the page price. You’re right it’s brand new watch supposedly Swiss made paying a lot of money, premium money, Shiva premium watch they’re farming all the stuff out to hack shops to save money. That’s why I’d rather buy a Chinese watch at least if it’s a little bit off for 250 bucks. It doesn’t kill me every time I check what time it is

[@alexandrusoare8176]

I have the same watch, but no problem for me. I don't know if this is a problem or not, but my watch changes the date after 1 a.m. instead of 12 a.m. and between 12 and 1 a.m. the date window shows between the 2 dates.

[@tacuazinful]

Good to know, because I wanted one of this, but as, you said it: You shouldn't settle!!

[@Yaketyyak21]

Jeez man,one of my bollix is a little to the left,but I can live with that…

[@backintimewatches]

Good for you 👍

[@shino8854]

He's a Karen.

[@brentoncrowhurst8338]

Heard about this issue before buying my 39mm version. I was expecting this quirk, thought it might make the watch more collectible some day. So I was actually a bit disappointed that mine was "perfect." Still love the watch.

[@Nathan-pp5lj]

Not sure if they can really repair that because I have a Longines Presence and a Tag Aquaracer, both swatch group watches of course, and they both have this same issue with the date wheel. Seems like a manufacturing problem that is across many of their products.

[@johnnyjohnny7204]

i agree. this does happen with various brands...i got a new $500 squale dive watch from gnomon, and right out the box the watch had problems starting when you pushed the crown in to screw in. back it went. also had something similar with an automatic alpina diver a few years ago. it's sad that these reputable watch companies can't catch these things. you totally did the right thing.

[@IP12121]

I agree with you 100%... even if I wouldnt....it is ypur money and your watch...so: Spot on and a very friendly, emphatic video. Cheers mate.

[@rafax1606]

A few weeks ago I ordered a new hydroconquest GMT from an authorized stationary seller... there was a problem with releasing the bracelet clasp. Very strong tugging sometimes did not even help to unfasten it. The next watch I ordered was perfect. Such cases should not occur in this class of watch. It spoils the fun of the purchase......an experience to share, invaluable for us...not for the brand.

[@dctrclaw]

You did the right thing. Doesn't matter if it's $1 or $10000. They didn't give it to you for free. It's a contract. In that contract, you fulfilled your obligation by paying them. They didn't fulfill their's. Would they have let it go if you were missing a few dollars on the payment? No. So the contract is then considered void. End of story. 👍

[@smirking8457]

They should have sent you a new watch no questions asked. Luxury watch brands can't afford to settle w/ imperfection - especially when you consider how good these superfakes are these days. What kind of glasses are those by the way?

[@frankschroth4038]

Well, that's the reason why I only buy at official retailers. I had an issue with my new Conquest VHP GMT . The minute hand was misaligned . So I drove the forty minutes back to my dealer , got a coffee and looked at watches while waiting for my watch getting the hands aligned!!!!

[@Sumerdini]

You are completely right. Watch enthusiasts around the world, look for absolute excellency & they are right...

[@LTV249]

I am a proud owner of a perfectly aligned Longines Zulu time green on brown leather strap. I cannot wait to get the Longines Hydroconquest GMT blue or black.

[@dariuszwojcik1601]

Longines was willing to fix the watch to make sure you have a perfect one. Wouldn’t be an issue for me but like you said if you didn’t want to settle than I’m happy for you that you could return it.

[@MM-wd6ud]

I agree with your reasoning. You should expect more for a watch costing $3k. Other watch brands costing far less do not have such obvious deformities. It would have drove me crazy.

[@pippipster6767]

Watches should not have a date window. It’s a watch not a calendar. Very annoying addition. I try hard to avoid them where I can. All my watches are automatic. And so all my dates are always wrong when I choose to wear that watch … and I can’t be bothered to correct it. I just ignore the window!

[@sblogistics4610]

Returning was a good idea if Longines couldn’t offer a new one.

[@kevinsalt6111]

It's very interesting because in the video clips where the date is set to 7, the digit looks perfectly centred ... It looks like a design flaw with the 2 digit number spacing on the actual date wheel .... Which is an even bigger fault for Longines ...

[@MDSkai]

thats crazy. I just looked down at my zulu time and the date is perfectly centered. so they do not all look like that. nor is it a minor issue. if you pay that much for a watch, the date should be centered...honestly. sorry to hear this

[@ReddyRaja2005]

Ty for the feedback on the incident! I am still interested to buy a ZULU but not sure if I should go for a BLUE or a BLACK. Also does the blue dial come with a BLUE Bezel or is it a black bezel? Hope you can answer.

[@clintans]

If it feels wrong the moment you notice the deviance. You'll never settle. Just return or get replaced.

[@johnt2694]

For that much money, it’s not okay to settle.

[@backintimewatches]

I agree! Thanks for watching :)

[@tacticaltruth8118]

Thanks for sharing. Wonder if the date misalignment has been observed with other Longines - or other luxury brand - watches?

[@robertrocha597]

This is the reason I got a Lorier Hydra III and i have had no issues and plus the cash in the bank. Lol sorry to hear they did you wrong.

[@gwapogreg5837]

Exactly correct. Every watch should come perfect.The price should only be affected by the quality of materials.

[@tychosteve]

I was gonna buy this from day one until I saw it takes the date about 40mins to fully change over. The misalignment was just the cherry on the cake. My Aquis takes 6 mins, my CW Trident 3 mins so I bought a Longines UltraChron instead and it's perfect, no date early all. Yay.

[@justinlangley9522]

is the ultra-chron good ?? hows the owner experience been so far. pretty cool looking watch and have been somewhat cross-shopping it with a few other high end brands ( tudor , Grand Seiko )

[@tychosteve]

The UC looks and wears great on my 7.5 wrist. The bezel action very satisfying, barely any play and I got big discount from AD as I know them well.

[@seayak]

Yeah, my CW watches snap crisply over in about 3 minutes.

[@TLW896]

The 7 in the date window appeared correct. I wonder if over time the date wheel might settle in, and center properly. I presume, though, you returned it. If they couldn't swap it for an identical piece, that's unfortunate. Who, if anybody, looked at this piece prior to selling it to you, and didn't notice this? Or, was it noticed, and ignored?

[@bikeman123]

Then that would suggest the date wheel was printed like that. Longines probably buy in the date wheel and didn't consider it an issue.

[@seayak]

Bad form for a watch that costs north of three grand. in retrospect the repair seems a reasonable solution, but somebody should have followed through to see you were satisfied with your purchase. In my opinion the right thing to do was to send you a brand new watch, especially since this was within the return window. It is not as if Longines does not have another watch they could have sent you. I feel your frustration, especially with a company that flaunts its reputation for quality. No wonder people are bailing to companies like Christopher Ward who put out great value-for-dollar watches, and actually take care of their customers.

[@markbryant8062]

I would have sent it to Longines for repair to make it right. It's otherwise a great looking watch. But that's just me.

[@generalangst1612]

Don't blame you. For that price... it does need to be perfect.

[@perolav2]

Mine has the same issue with the date and also misligned bezel at the same direction. I bought it used . i live in Sweden to. Maybe it's a swedish thing🤓 I have now sent the zulu to longines service center to aligne date and bezel. Cant wait to see the result.

[@estfido]

did they solve it ? :)

[@Dan-qc6kk]

I totally understand your points!

[@backintimewatches]

Thanks man 👍

[@jeffwhite9028]

I just ordered this watch from Baldassarre. I'm an engineer and enjoy fine craftsmanship. Looks like that watch had a printing issue on the date wheel (not drilled on center (unlikely) or not printed on center (yes. that.). Likely needs replacing, ...by ETA certified watchmaker, ...after waiting for parts. Ick. We buy watches like that for THE CRAFTSMANSHIP, ...so ...well, ...I would have called Longines directly, and asked them to service the watch and fix the glitch at the next routine maintenance interval (or sooner). They would likely have responded warmly. And they would want to know that's happening on the ETA production line. PS - your dealer sux. Good vid, valuable. I hope you politely copied Longines.

[@backintimewatches]

Hi Jeff, thank you so much for your insightful comment and for watching the video 😊 I love Teddy Baldassarre, he’s actually one of the reasons I started this channel. How was the buying experience with them? Yeah, the thing is, all Longines warranty issues goes through Swatch Group. At least here in Sweden. So there’s no way for me to contact Longines directly… And yes, this AD really handled this situation poorly. Thank God I had the return-policy on my side 👍 Have a great day 🌞

[@corneliubogdan]

These things happen unfortunately at this price range. I bought a Sinn chrono from an AD store, the watch was sitting in the window for years (found out later), and Sinn sent me a brand new one with a similar date issue (not that bad though as in your case). Same as in your case, they told me they could repair it instead of sending me a new one. I just kept the watch as it is. I tested the longines majatek in the store but the bezel movement was very bad (the seller acknowledged that). I have a longines big eye, the quality on that one is great.. so depends on the watch in the end I guess. But hey, even my E Class had to go into the shop right after purchase to fix stuff on it and we're talking about different money here...

[@Sumerdini]

These things happens at all price ranges unfortunately, Tudor, Rolex etc...

[@CLGilbert]

If this was my first Longines then I would have returned it. If it wasn't my first Longines watch and I knew they generally had good quality then I would still have returned it because that dealer doesn't deserve my business with that type of position on Longines quality. I would find another dealer to purchase the watch from.

[@archvuk]

Hi sad to hear you had to return the watch. Mine doesn't have this problem but it seems to have other issues that I am not sure are just mine or overall issues. Did you notice that the date change happens at 1am for you? Mine is keeping the date in between the numbers from 12 to 1am and than changes the date at like 1:01 am instead at 12:01. I don't know if this is a bug or the movement is working like that by default for all the spirit zulu watches. Have you also noticed any kind of flex on the rotating gmt bezel? For some reason my bezel flexes when you push it with your finger downwards and it is doing that the most at the top 12 hour mark. It is than gradually diminishing the flex towards the bottom 6 hour mark where there is no flex at all. This kind of a warries me since the watch is declared to be water ressistant up to 100m but I am not sure if it's a faulty watch or if they all do this.

[@Matthew-wn8oq]

When you get up into luxury swiss watches it doesn't matter if it costs $3000 or $25000 that kind of QC is unacceptable. I would have absolutely returned it.

[@waynecastleman1363]

Three thousand! I own this watch myself and my opinion the jeweler whom sold it to you should have replaced it and returned your watch for the repair. I'd find a new jeweler.

[@LectioDivina33]

I tried on 4 new Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMTs from 2 sellers and I initially wanted the green but fell in love with the black with splash of blue GMT. Just before I paid $3000 for it I checked it over and specifically checked the date wheel and mine is fine. For $3000 I would definitely not buy it in the 1st place if I caught it but like in your case some dates are fine and some are not so it might have slipped past my initial check over. It would bug the he'll out of me so I would 100% return it. But don't let one misaligned date wheel put you off, it is not normal, they are great entry level luxury watches, value for money, engineering, attention to detail, quality, function, specs and looks. I can't get mine off my wrist after 3 months. If you really love it I would buy it again. This is my grail watch and it's a keeper and I won't pay more for a watch then I paid for this. Ciao

[@tenshin2002]

Its one of those things, when you see it you cant unsee it. If its gonna bother you everytime you look at the dial, its the right thing to do to return it. I would have done the same

[@ANDREASDEUTSCH]

Totally agree with you. I would return them and buy new ones elsewhere. Or in Sweden is just one seller?

[@pierremartin9048]

It’s probably the date wheel paint that is screwed up, not a mechanical adjustment.

[@Tekdiver1981]

I would have let them repair it. Where humans work errors happen but I think everyone should get the chance to correct small mishaps. That is the way I want to be treated and that is the way I treat others.

[@markcopeman3552]

It's a shame that your experience was soured with this quality issue. I have a Longines Big Eye and love its vintage vibe. Have the Zulu on my short list for a Gmt so grateful you have highlighted this as a possible issue. I would have done exactly the same. I remember Tudor had an issue with their date wheel sticking, which they resolved. Good luck with your next watch acquisition.

[@frzmtl3849]

I understand, but that would not bother me. I can barely read the time without reading glasses….

[@user-xp8vj5qn9i]

they have to be perfect!

[@bikeman123]

If the 2 character date is misaligned, all the dates will be misaligned. I think it just is what it is. Depends if theyre all like that.

[@antonhallergren588]

Buy the legend diver in bronze. Time tested solid movement in the 2892 they use and it's beyond gorgeous in bronze and green.

[@mickpalmer951]

Should have certainly returned

[@Griffin1994]

I don’t think they’re all like that. There is a QC problem that is a tad common. I own the same one without problems

[@TLW896]

From where did you order this? AD? Grey market? Just curious. Thank you.

[@jonsaucier740]

That sounds like a problem with the store not the actual company. I don’t think you dealt with the actual company themselves probably a store metal man.

[@Wildcatjames1]

It’s a gorgeous looking watch though 😊

[@onetopcookie]

Interesting to search Google images for this watch... Almost every photo has the date as 23rd regardless of colour etc... There are exceptions, but not many... Either way, they all look perfectly date aligned to me...

[@bonappa]

what are those coolers?? sunglasses you have on?? looks cool, i too want one like that

[@cliffcarr8206]

If something is wrong you can never not see it. Good move.

[@seanhickling7340]

Still better than a Rolex.

[@TravelsChases]

Why is the 42mm a disappointment?

[@ZIRTUBE]

Great Video.. I agree on returning it.

[@drewvippond2824]

Another great video cheers

[@justinlangley9522]

although i can agree that at this price point the watch should be Spot-on. in saying this though the Date wheel Misalignment i feel is more of a nitpick and an excuse to return the watch . more times then not when a person is initially happy with their purchase and then disappointed with the purchase when received. they will see every single tiny little problem to justify the buyer remorse. i know im like that!

[@seayak]

I don't think that is fair. At that price the all features of this watch should align correctly. This is just sloppy watchmaking, and/or sloppy quality control.

[@smokinscars1024]

I would suggest getting the green edition as an alternative with no date

[@Totemparadox]

Did you ask for a replacement watch?