Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big DatevsLongines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date at true scale

San Marco GMT ± Big Date

Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME at true scale

SPIRIT ZULU TIME

Diameter

40mm

39mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

46.8mm

Thickness

11.8mm

lowest

13.5mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

42h

72h

highest

MSRP

n/a

$3,550

Movement

UN-22

Longines L844.4

Case

6 specs
Diameter
40mm
39mm
Thickness
11.8mm
13.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
46.8mm
Lug Width
n/a
21mm
Finish
Polished
n/a
Caseback
n/a
Screw-down case back

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal
Scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Sapphire
AR Coating
n/a
Both sides
Dial Color
Black
Anthracite
Indices
n/a
Applied Arabic numerals
Lume
Luminous hands and numerals
Super-LumiNova

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
UN-22
Longines L844.4
Beat Rate
0 vph
25,200 vph
Power Reserve
42 hoursh
72h
Jewels
28
0
Complications
GMT / dual time with ± pushers for one-touch time-zone change, Permanent home-time display, Double-digit big date at 2 o'clock
GMT, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
n/a
$3,550
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date

Owners widely praise the Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date for its exceptional reliability and build quality, with one owner reporting twelve years of service comparable to Rolex and JLC. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight its superb accuracy, with figures as precise as ±1 second per day, and its practical GMT functionality for travelers. The watch's design is described as having just enough eccentricity to be interesting, featuring good legibility and great finishing, though some find its aesthetic dated. The 40mm case is noted to wear well, and the movement is praised for its in-house components and silicon parts. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date highly for its enduring reliability and precise timekeeping.

Longines SPIRIT ZULU TIME

Owners widely praise the Longines Spirit Zulu Time for its excellent fit and finish, visual appeal, and value, with many preferring it over alternatives for its thinner titanium case, color-matched date wheel, and aesthetically pleasing dial. Reviewers note its handsome design, excellent legibility, and comfortable 39mm wearability, blending tool-watch and jewelry-like styles with segment-leading finishing. Some owners and reviewers flag the bracelet as a potential weakness, suggesting it could be weightier and lacks tool-less micro-adjustment, while others point out the date wheel color could better match dial accents. One owner noted condensation risk in hot tubs despite the 100m water resistance. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time is COSC-certified, with one review averaging +5 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Spirit Zulu Time highly for its exceptional finishing and value in the entry-level luxury GMT market.

From video reviewers

The 18k gold capped bezel insert is a notable feature, adding a touch of luxury to the watch. However, the watch's lume is not as bright as some reviewers would like, which is a drawback for those who prioritize good illumination. Reviewers disagree on the watch's functionality, with some considering it a compelling option and others feeling it doesn't quite live up to its design.