Very High Precision (V.H.P.) – A Redemption for 1969

Seiko of Japan was the first to launch a wristwatch-type quartz watch in 1969. However, at the same time, Longines was also developing quartz wristwatches.

"The model we announced in 1969 was the 'Longines Ultra-Quartz.' Although we announced it first, it was three years later that we were actually able to deliver the product to customers. During this time, Seiko of Japan began delivery simultaneously with its announcement. We were left behind," said President Walter von Känel.


Today, approximately 20% of all Longines products are models equipped with quartz movements. Among these, models bearing the V.H.P. name have been awarded a special designation for high-precision models. Longines released the "Conquest V.H.P." in 1984, and in 1996 added a new series with a perpetual calendar function. Now, they have finally introduced their latest creation.

While smartwatches are drawing considerable attention, this is a testament to the determination of a prestigious watchmaker aiming to achieve high precision without relying on other devices, by enhancing the watch's intrinsic independence. Of course, a new caliber cannot be created overnight. This new model is the culmination of the expertise Longines has cultivated while serving as the official timekeeper for various sports.

Particularly noteworthy is the Gear Position Detection system (GPD). If the hands are accidentally displaced due to shock or magnetic fields, the IC automatically corrects the hand position to the originally measured position. Furthermore, if subjected to strong influence for a prolonged period, the hands will temporarily stop. The mechanism then automatically returns the hands to their correct position after the influence ceases. Even if the hands stop due to a low battery, accurate time information is retained for up to six months, and the correct time can be restored after power is restored. Moreover, even without external shock or magnetic influence, automatic correction occurs every night at 3 AM.

It is exceptionally excellent.

Furthermore, rather than marketing this superb movement with a high-value exterior, Longines has instead placed it at the core of its mass-produced models with its classic sporty design. The lineup includes two types – a center-seconds model and a chronograph – with four dial colors (black, white, blue, and carbon), totaling eight models.

Conquest V.H.P.

Ref | L3.726.4.56.6 (left), L3.716.4.96.6 (center), L3.727.4.76.6 (right)
Accuracy | ±5 seconds per year
Functions | Smart Crown *When adjusting the time difference, rapidly turning the crown allows the hands to be advanced smoothly by one hour.
Case and bracelet material | Stainless steel
Case diameter | 41mm (3-hand model), 42mm (chronograph)
Price | ¥121,000 (3-hand model), ¥196,000 (chronograph) *All prices are pre-tax estimates.
Release | Scheduled for release this winter

Page02.Longines' First Silicon Balance Spring

Longines' First Silicon Balance Spring

This new model, also born from a pursuit of high precision, is named "Record." It features a silicon balance spring, a first for Longines.

Silicon balance springs, known for their resistance to shock damage and excellent antimagnetic properties, have been gradually adopted in more models within the Swatch Group. Omega pioneered their use, followed by Tissot and Mido in their movements, and now they have finally been incorporated into Longines' exclusive movements.

Naturally, the movements used by Tissot and Mido differ from the one adopted by Longines. Longines' movement is based on the slim, high-end ETA 2892 automatic movement, developed specifically for automatic winding. In contrast, the movements used by Tissot and Mido are based on the more general-purpose ETA 2824. Longines, with its history of numerous in-house developed movements and significant technical contributions to ETA's founding, holds a clear advantage here.

President Walter von Känel refers to the ETA 2892, the base for the "Record" calibers L592.4 (for women) and L888.4 (for men), before the integration of the silicon balance spring, as "my babies." They are as dear to him as his own children.

The design also exudes Longines' signature elegance. The combination of slim Roman numeral indices and blue hands appears both classical and modern. This timeless, authentic design is a hallmark of Longines' design expertise.

The COSC chronometer certification is unique among Longines' current lineup. The presence of this designation on the dial undoubtedly enhances its prestige.

Record

Ref | L2.820.4.11.6 (left), L2.320.0.87.6 (right)
Movement | COSC automatic (silicon balance spring)
Case and bracelet material | Stainless steel. The women's model features 52 pave diamonds on the bezel.
Case diameter | 38.5mm (left), 26mm (right)
Case back | See-through
Dial | The men's model features Roman numeral indices, while the women's model has a mother-of-pearl dial with 12 pave diamonds.
Water resistance | 3 bar
Price | ¥252,000 (left), ¥488,000 (right) *All prices are pre-tax estimates.
Release | Scheduled for release this autumn