Longines Caliber L888.4 Watch Movement

Brand	Longines
Caliber Number	L888.4
In-House?	No
Base Caliber	ETA A31.L11
Movement Type	Automatic, self-winding mechanical
COSC?	Yes
Lignes	11.5”’
Diameter	25.6mm
Height	3.85mm
Jewels	21
Power Reserve	~72 hours
Lift Angle	51 degrees (unconfirmed!)
Vibrations Per Hour	25,200, 3.5Hz
Shock System	Nivashock
Balance Spring	Silicium (silicon)
Rotor	Ball bearing system
Winding Direction	Bi-directional
Hacking?	Yes
Hand-Windable?	Yes
Hand-Count	3
Features	Central hours; central minutes; central sweeping seconds; date at 3:00 (no date available)
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland, Swiss made
Known Models	Longines Spirit 40 (ref: L3.810.4.73.6, L3.811.4.53.0, L3.810.4.73.2, Longines Spirit 37 (ref: L3.410.4.93.0), Longines Record (ref: L2.821.5.72.7) (Add your watch in the comments below…)

Longines caliber L888.4 is 3-hand automatic watch movement. It is Swiss made with 21 jewels, produced by ETA (Swatch Group). Although this movement is based on the ETA caliber A31.L11, the L888.4 is exclusive to Longines.

Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:

Caliber L888.4 VS L888:

There is a similar caliber L888 (without the .4). Both movements are based on the ETA A31.L11, with the main difference between the two being that the L888.4 is a Certified Chronometer (COSC) with a silicon balance spring). Watches with the .4 will likely have “Chronometer” printed across the dial (Longines Spirit example), while the L888 may simply read “Automatic” or nothing at all (Longines Legend Diver example).

Silicon Balance-Spring:

As mentioned above, one of the Longines caliber L888.4’s notable features is its use of a silicon balance-spring (hairspring). With so many magnets being used in modern everyday accessories and appliances, magnetism is one of the most common threats to the accuracy and functionality of a watch. Using silicon for the balance-spring makes it antimagnetic. As Longines puts it:

“Silicon is lightweight material which is resistant to corrosion and it unaffected by normal temperature variations, magnetic fields, and atmospheric pressure. Its unique properties enhance a watch’s accuracy and longevity.” –source

To reinforce the importance of magnetic resistance in a watch and its impact on a timepiece’s overall performance, Longines has extended their manufacturer’s warranty to 5 years on all watches with a silicon balance-spring (announced 9/2020 – source).

Power Reserve:

Longines has quoted two different power reserve figures for the L888.4: 64 hours (here) and ~72 hours (here). This could be a mistake on their part, but the best way to get an idea of what to expect is for the community to share power reserve experiences in the comments below.

No Date Version:

There is also a time only version of the L888.4 without a calendar complication. The No Date (ND) is still a COSC with all of the same specs, just no date at 3:00. This version can be found in the Spirit references L3.810.1.53.6, L3.810.1.53.2, L3.811.1.53.2, and L3.811.1.53.6.

Video Instruction Manual:

Examples of watches with this movement:

The caliber L888.4 is found in the Longines Spirit 37 and Longines Spirit 40 models, as well as in the Longines Record Collection.

Longines Spirit Field Cosc 40mm L38104736 L888 4

Longines Spirit Automatic Chronometer White L38104732 L888 4

Additional Resources:

8 Comments

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Jimmy Flynn

1 year ago

Hi,

Is there a regulator on the escapement, or has it been disabled as many of the current eta calibers are? Thank you

Jerry

Reply to Jimmy Flynn

Like all the newer movements wirh the freely osciliating balance wheel (Powermatic 80 and Longines exclusives) it can be regulated by the two screws on the arms of the balance wheel, see the picture. Similar ro how you regulate a Rolex or Omega. But why regulate a cosc certified movement?

Krešimir

5 months ago

Reply to Jerry

“Why regulate a cosc certified movement?” What kind of a question is that? A cosc certificate refers to how an uncased movement used to perform while it was being tested at the cosc testing facility over the course of 15 days. Whatever it’s performance used to be, it won’t stay like that forever. Sooner or later, the performance of a mechanical movement will diminish to the point where the movement will need regulation (and servicing). OP asked a valid question.

David Kao

There’s a rumor that L888.4 with Glucydur balance wheel and the L888.5 with Brass balance wheel. Is that correct?

Neil P.

Is this the movement used in the Longines Spirit 37?

Author

calibercorner

Reply to Neil P.

Hi Neil, yes, this caliber is found in the new Longines Spirit 37 line.

Roberto

11 months ago

Hi
On the Italy Longines website, the movement is declared at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

Reply to Roberto

Hi Roberto, this movement is based on the ETA caliber A31.L11 which has a beat rate of 25,200vph.Do you have a link to the Longines page where you saw 28,800 vph listed?