Best Straps for the Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Marcus Koh
2026-03-03T08:13:47+08:00

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time is the watch that made the entire industry sit up and pay attention to Longines again. A COSC-certified GMT with silicon hairspring, 72 hours of power reserve, and a design that nods to aviation heritage without cosplaying as a vintage piece. At its price point, it competes directly with Tudor and even gives the Rolex GMT a run at a fraction of the cost.

What makes the Zulu Time particularly interesting for strap pairing is its dual personality. The pilot heritage and sector dial elements give it a sporty, utilitarian edge. The fluted bezel and polished finishing give it enough refinement for dressy settings. It's a true GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch — and the right strap rotation can unlock every facet of that versatility.

At 42mm and 14mm thick, this is not a small watch. The Zulu Time has presence, and it needs straps that match that presence. Here are my 7 picks.

Quick Specs

Case diameter | 42mm
Lug width | 20mm
Lug-to-lug | ~50mm
Case thickness | ~14mm
Water resistance | 100m
Case material | Stainless steel (brushed/polished)
Most common dial | Blue or anthracite with sector elements

The 20mm lug width is standard, giving you the full range of options. But that 14mm case thickness and ~50mm lug-to-lug distance mean the Zulu Time wears substantial. Padded Signature straps (4.5mm → 2.2mm) look particularly well-proportioned here — they match the watch's visual weight. Slim straps work too, but they create a deliberate contrast rather than a balanced pairing.

Already know what you're looking for? Browse all Spirit-compatible straps on the Strap Finder →

At a Glance

# | Strap | Material | Thickness | Best For
1 | Black CTS Rubber | FKM Rubber | 3.3mm | Overall / First Purchase
2 | Navy Sailcloth Signature | FKM Rubber (sailcloth weave) | 4.5mm → 2.2mm | Active / Travel
3 | Fauve Baranil Signature | Baranil Calfskin | 4.5mm → 2.2mm | Best Leather / Everyday
4 | Matte Navy Alligator Signature | Alligator Belly | 4.5mm → 2.2mm | Dressy / Formal
5 | Navy Nubuck Slim | Nubuck Cowhide | 2.2mm | Casual / Weekend
6 | Black Saffiano Signature | Saffiano Calfskin | 4.5mm → 2.2mm | Refined / Smart Casual
7 | Olive Green Sailcloth Signature | FKM Rubber (sailcloth weave) | 4.5mm → 2.2mm | Aviation / Wildcard

1. Black CTS Rubber — Best Overall

A GMT watch is a travel watch. And travel demands a strap that doesn't need babying.

The Black CTS Rubber Strap is the perfect travel companion for the Zulu Time. CTS stands for "Cut-To-Size" — you trim it to your exact wrist measurement, so there's no excess material flopping around. The custom deployant clasp clicks shut securely and offers micro-adjustment positions, which is invaluable when your wrist swells on long-haul flights (every frequent flyer knows what I'm talking about).

Made from FKM fluoroelastomer, the rubber handles every climate zone you'll encounter: tropical humidity, desert heat, cold-weather layering. It won't absorb sweat, won't attract dust, and won't degrade with UV exposure. At 3.3mm thick, it provides enough substance for the Zulu Time's substantial 14mm case. Black is the utilitarian choice — it works everywhere, with everything.

Other CTS Rubber colors for the traveler:

Navy — complements the blue dial variant beautifully

Grey — understated and modern; pairs well with the anthracite dial

Olive Green — aviation heritage in color form

2. Navy Sailcloth Signature — Best for Active Travel

The Zulu Time's pilot heritage calls for something with texture and substance. Sailcloth delivers both.

The Navy Sailcloth Signature Strap is crafted from FKM rubber molded with a sailcloth weave pattern — waterproof and sweat-resistant with a textile-like texture that reads as more sophisticated than smooth rubber. The Signature padding (4.5mm tapering to 2.2mm) matches the Zulu Time's 14mm case thickness perfectly, creating a balanced, proportional look on the wrist.

Navy against the blue sector dial creates a tonal depth that makes the watch look more expensive than it already does. The weave texture also plays nicely with the fluted bezel's light-catching properties — both surfaces interact with light in interesting ways. Fully waterproof, so you can go from a flight to a pool to a dinner without changing straps.

Alternatives for active wear:

Black Sailcloth Signature — stealth mode for the pilot aesthetic

Olive Green Sailcloth Signature — aviation heritage turned up to eleven (see #7)

3. Fauve Baranil Signature — Best Leather

Baranil is the leather pilot watches have been waiting for.

The Fauve Baranil Signature Strap is made from calfskin tanned by the Degermann tannery in France using a semi-aniline process. It has a smooth, slightly waxy surface that develops a beautiful patina over time while remaining more water-resistant than fully aniline-dyed leathers. The fauve (tawny) color has an aviation-instrument warmth to it — think vintage cockpit leather.

The Signature padding gives the strap the substance needed for the Zulu Time's 42mm case and 14mm thickness. The taper from 4.5mm to 2.2mm creates visual flow along the wrist, and the saddle stitching with linen thread adds a handcrafted quality that complements Longines' finishing. This is the strap for traveling in style — airport lounge to hotel bar to exploring a new city.

Another excellent leather option:

Navy Baranil Signature — darker, cooler tone for a more formal feel

4. Matte Navy Alligator Signature — Best Dressy

GMT watches aren't traditionally dressy — but the Zulu Time breaks that rule.

The Matte Navy Alligator Signature Strap elevates the Zulu Time into territory where it can hold its own alongside watches costing three times as much. Each strap is handcrafted from alligator belly — the most prized section, where scales are symmetrical and distinctive. The matte finish keeps things sophisticated rather than flashy, which suits the Longines aesthetic perfectly.

Navy alligator against the blue sector dial is a combination that just sings. The scales add texture without competing with the dial's sector elements, and the matte surface complements the mix of brushed and polished finishing on the case. The Signature padding (4.5mm → 2.2mm) anchors the watch without adding unnecessary visual weight. This is the Zulu Time dressed for a client dinner or a wedding.

Formal alternatives:

Matte Cognac Alligator Signature — warm contrast against the blue or anthracite dial

Matte Black Alligator Signature — the universally safe choice for any dial color

5. Navy Nubuck Slim — Best Casual

Even a GMT pilot watch needs a day off. Nubuck is the weekend strap.

The Navy Nubuck Slim Strap has a soft, velvety texture that immediately dials down the Zulu Time's intensity. Made from the outer layers of cowhide, nubuck has more structure than suede while maintaining that plush, broken-in feel from day one. Marks blend into the nap rather than standing out, making it ideal for a no-fuss daily strap.

The 2.2mm Slim profile creates a deliberate contrast with the Zulu Time's 14mm case — it makes the watch feel less like a pilot's instrument and more like a versatile daily companion. Navy connects to the blue dial without being an exact match, creating depth rather than redundancy. This is the strap for Saturday errands, Sunday brunch, and everything in between.

Other casual options:

Light Grey Nubuck Slim — works beautifully with the anthracite dial

Dark Brown Nubuck Slim — warm and grounded for earth-tone outfits

6. Black Saffiano Signature — Best Refined

Saffiano on a pilot watch is the smart-casual sweet spot.

The Black Saffiano Signature Strap pairs the cross-hatch grain that Prada made famous with padded Signature construction. The result is a strap that's refined without being formal, structured without being stiff, and practical without being boring. Saffiano's wax-embossed surface resists scratches, water spots, and staining — it'll look as sharp after months of travel as it does on day one.

The Signature padding matches the Zulu Time's proportions, and the cross-hatch texture creates visual interest that complements the sector dial elements without competing with them. Black is the universally versatile option — it works with both the blue and anthracite dial variants and transitions from business travel to leisure seamlessly.

Also worth considering:

Navy Saffiano Signature — adds a layer of color that plays off the blue dial

Black Saffiano Stitchless — same leather, slimmer and more minimal

7. Olive Green Sailcloth Signature — The Wildcard

Olive green and pilot watches. Some combinations just make sense.

The Olive Green Sailcloth Signature Strap leans fully into the Zulu Time's aviation heritage. The color evokes military flight suits, vintage instrument panels, and the era of propeller-driven navigation. On the Zulu Time's blue sector dial, the olive green creates a rich, complementary contrast that's both bold and sophisticated.

Same construction as the navy sailcloth — FKM rubber with sailcloth weave, vegetable-tanned leather padding, fully waterproof. The Signature padding matches the watch's substantial proportions, and the textured surface adds a tactical, field-ready quality that makes the GMT bezel feel purposeful rather than decorative. This is the strap that tells the world you don't just set your GMT hand — you actually use it.

If olive isn't your speed:

Grey CTS Rubber — a more subtle nod to the instrument-panel aesthetic

A Note on Buckle Colour

Quick but important: always match your buckle to your case. The Zulu Time's stainless steel case calls for a silver (brushed or polished) buckle. All Delugs leather straps ship with a pin buckle and can be upgraded to a Spring Deployant Clasp for extra security and convenience — particularly useful on a travel watch where you don't want to worry about the strap coming undone.

How to Change the Strap on Your Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Swapping straps on the Longines Spirit Zulu Time is one of the easiest upgrades you can make — and with Delugs straps, you don't even need a tool.

All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars already pre-installed, so changing straps is completely tool-free. Here's how:

1. Prepare your workspace. Lay the watch face-down on a soft cloth or microfiber pad to protect the caseback from scratches.

2. Release the spring bar. Locate the small lever on the quick-release spring bar. Pull it back with your fingernail or fingertip to compress the bar.

3. Remove the strap. While holding the lever, angle the strap out from between the lugs. Repeat for the other side.

4. Insert the new strap. Slide one end of the spring bar into the lug hole. Pull the lever on the other end, guide it into the opposite hole, and release. You should hear a small click when it seats.

5. Check the fit. Give the strap a gentle tug to make sure both spring bars are securely locked in. If there's any play, reseat the spring bar.

The entire process takes under a minute once you get the hang of it — no spring bar tool required. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time uses a 20mm lug width, and all Delugs straps in 20mm will fit perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lug width is the Longines Spirit Zulu Time?

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time has a 20mm lug width, which is one of the most common sizes in the industry. This gives you an extensive range of aftermarket strap options. All Delugs straps in 20mm will fit the Zulu Time perfectly.

Is the Longines Spirit Zulu Time a good travel watch?

It's an excellent travel watch. The GMT complication lets you track two time zones simultaneously, the COSC-certified movement is accurate and reliable, and the 100m water resistance handles real-world situations. The 72-hour power reserve means you can set it down Friday night and pick it up Monday morning without needing to reset it. With a rubber or sailcloth strap, it handles any climate you'll encounter.

Can I swim with the Zulu Time?

The 100m water resistance rating means the watch can handle swimming and light snorkeling. However, it's not a dive watch — avoid any significant depth or high-pressure water activities. Use a rubber or sailcloth strap for water activities and keep leather straps dry.

How does the Zulu Time compare to the Tudor Black Bay GMT for strap changing?

Both use 20mm lug widths, so strap compatibility is identical. The Zulu Time's 14mm thickness is slightly thicker than the Black Bay GMT's 14.6mm, making them very similar in terms of how straps pair visually. Padded Signature straps look particularly good on both watches. The Zulu Time's polished finishing elements give it slightly more versatility for dressier straps compared to the Tudor's more tool-oriented design.

Do I need a tool to remove the factory bracelet?

Yes. The Zulu Time's bracelet uses standard (non-quick-release) spring bars. Use a Bracelet Removal Tool to safely remove the bracelet without scratching the case or lugs. Once it's off, all Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so every strap change after that is completely tool-free.

What strap best complements the fluted bezel?

The fluted bezel catches light beautifully, so straps with their own texture tend to complement it well. Sailcloth's weave pattern, Saffiano's cross-hatch grain, and alligator's scales all create interesting interplay with the bezel's facets. Smooth straps work too, but textured options create a more dynamic, cohesive look.

Finding Your Strap

The Zulu Time is a watch that genuinely benefits from a strap rotation. Its pilot-GMT personality means rubber and sailcloth are natural travel companions, while leather unlocks its dressier side. If you're buying your first strap, the CTS Rubber (#1) is the most practical starting point — especially if you travel frequently. For building a rotation, add a leather option like the Baranil for everyday wear and sailcloth for active days, and you'll have the Zulu Time covered for every scenario.

Use the Longines Spirit Strap Finder to see every compatible strap in one place. Or reach out to our team via 24/7 live chat for a personalized recommendation — we're happy to help you find the perfect match for your specific Zulu Time variant, wrist size, and travel style.

About Delugs

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, Delugs is dedicated to elevating the experience of watch ownership through the simple yet powerful act of strap changing. We believe that straps are integral to how a timepiece is worn, perceived, and enjoyed. Our mission is to make strap changing a lifestyle — an everyday act of self-expression and versatility.

Delugs is an independent brand with a global community of clients, with a strong online presence and growing physical retail footprint. Our direct-to-consumer focus keeps us closely connected with the watch enthusiast community — fostering conversations, hosting events, and helping shape a more inclusive and expressive culture around watch collecting. We also work closely with watch brands to craft straps that complement their timepieces, bridging the gap between brand and collector, form and function.

Our catalogue spans leather, rubber, and fabric straps, with options for every watch and every occasion. We are committed to craftsmanship and quality, product design and innovation, and outstanding customer service. We offer watch owners the freedom to change straps as easily as changing outfits, and the opportunity to engage more deeply with the watches they love.

Visit our flagship boutique at Raffles Hotel, Singapore →

You Might Also Like

The Best Straps for the Longines Legend Diver

Best Straps for the Longines Heritage Classic (2025)

Best Straps for the Longines HydroConquest (2025)

Best Straps for the Longines Master Collection 40mm

— Marcus