Longines Caliber L888 4

Longines Caliber L888.4

Longines Caliber L888 4

Brand ETA
Caliber Number A31.L11, A31L11
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…)

The 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.

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.

Additional Resources:


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Jimmy Flynn
Jimmy Flynn
6 months 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
Jerry
4 months ago
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?

David Kao
David Kao
2 months ago

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

Neil P.
Neil P.
1 month ago

Is this the movement used in the Longines Spirit 37?

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