Longines presents the high-speed "Ultra-Chron" in 2 new sizes
Almost six decades after its premiere, Longines is honouring the "Ultra-Chron" collection with a contemporary interpretation - both visually and technically. The number 1 from 1967 and the subsequent Diver version - the first high-frequency diver's watch - from 1968 served as a source of inspiration.
The "Ultra-Chron" and its high-frequency history
After Longines had already developed the first high-frequency movement for a wristwatch in 1959 with the Calibre 360, an observatory chronometer for precision competitions, the "Ultra-Chron" of 1967 marked the first implementation of this high-precision technology in series production.
Longines started out in the high-frequency field with the company's first stopwatch, which could measure to the nearest tenth of a second. It was patented in 1910 and oscillated at a frequency of 5 Hz, i.e. ten times per second.
New edition of the "Ultra-Chron"
Longines is now presenting a new interpretation of the "Ultra-Chron" that is tailored to the demands of today's everyday life.
The "Ultra-Chron Classic" retains the characteristic design features of its predecessor in a modernised form.
These include the domed, silver-coloured dial with a sunray finish and the applied, polished indices and hands as well as the trapezoidal date display with vintage typography.
The heart of the new edition is the Longines high-frequency calibre L836.6 with a 52-hour power reserve, which was launched in 2022. Like the original "Ultra-Chron" movement, it oscillates at 5 hertz, but is fitted with a silicon balance spring and other innovative materials. They ensure a magnetic field resistance that exceeds the requirements of ISO standard 764 by a factor of ten.
The high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour ensures that the watch quickly regains its precision, which exceeds the chronometer standard, after shocks, changes in position or acceleration.
In accordance with ISO standard 3159, the complete watch, and not just the movement, is subjected to a 15-day test as part of the TIMELAB qualification process, during which the timepiece is subjected to functional tests in various positions at three different temperatures - 8 °C, 23 °C and 38 °C.
There is a choice of two case sizes for the stainless steel watch: 37 and 40 millimetres. Both are water-resistant to 5 bar and engraved with "Chronometer officially certified" on the back.
The new "Ultra-Chron Classic" watches are worn on a stainless steel bracelet with a double safety folding clasp and fine adjustment or a black alligator leather strap with a pin buckle.
(RRP € 3,700 or € 3,850)
