A Historic High-Beat Model Reimagined with Modern Technology: The Longines Ultra-Chron | LONGINES
LONGINES
A Historic High-Beat Model Reimagined with Modern Technology: The Longines Ultra-Chron
A new interpretation of a historical 1968 model, the Longines Ultra-Chron, has been unveiled, embodying Longines' heritage and innovation in sports timing. This robust watch features a new high-frequency movement for enhanced precision and performance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, 30 bar water resistance, and excellent legibility.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka
A Historic High-Beat Model Reimagined with Modern Technology
Longines' history with high-frequency movements began with a stopwatch developed in 1914, capable of measuring 1/10th of a second. For over a century since, Longines has led the field of sports timing, where ever-greater accuracy is demanded.
1914 CAL. 19.73N
First high-frequency
movement Stopwatch
Measures up to 1/10th of a second
1916 CAL. 19.73N
High-frequency
movement Watch
Measures up to 1/100th of a second
1938 CAL. 24 LINES
High-frequency
movement Stopwatch for ski racing
1957 CAL. 260
Professional high-frequency
movement Watch
With flyback function
1959 CAL. 360
First high-frequency
movement wristwatch
1966 CAL. 431
High-frequency
movement wristwatch
First Ultra-Chron announced
1968 CAL. 431
High-frequency movement First waterproof watch
Ultra-Chron Diver announced
Born from this lineage was the 1968 "Ultra-Chron," which achieved remarkable precision with a monthly deviation of just one minute. This model is a historically significant caliber, indispensable when discussing Longines' innovation, and a crucial timepiece that conveys Longines' pioneering status in the world of sports timing.
In 2022, marking the brand's 190th anniversary, Longines has revived this historical model with cutting-edge technology as the "Longines Ultra-Chron." This new piece is equipped with the newly developed exclusive Caliber L836.6, which has earned chronometer certification from TIMELAB, an independent organization based in Geneva that certifies watches for various attributes – a first for Longines.
This movement is a "high-frequency movement" with a silicon balance spring that oscillates 36,000 times per hour, or 10 times per second, mirroring the original model. This design mitigates the impact of shocks and positional changes on the components, enhancing the caliber's accuracy and stability. This timepiece, imbued with the historical context, functionality, and dedication of the watch brand, possesses elements that will captivate not only watch enthusiasts but a wide range of individuals.
The stainless steel case adopts a cushion shape, which first appeared in the early 20th century and saw a resurgence in the 1960s. It features a satin-polished finish for a dynamic, contemporary aesthetic and is fitted with Longines' first unidirectional rotating bezel with a sapphire insert. The gradient-finished bezel is marked with red lacquer indices that match the minute hand, and a highly luminous triangle at the 12 o'clock position.
The dial combines a matte grained black finish with silver-toned indices, ensuring excellent legibility. Both the dial and the case back are engraved with the "Ultra-Chron" logo, a symbol of high frequency, and the inscription "ULTRA-CHRONOMETER officially certified."
Two models are available: one paired with a brown leather strap and another with a stainless steel bracelet. Each comes presented in a special wooden watch box, complete with an interchangeable NATO-style strap made from recycled materials and a strap-changing tool.
Longines Ultra-Chron
Ref. | L2.836.4.52.8, L2.836.4.52.9
Movement | Automatic (Caliber L836.6)
Power Reserve | Max. 52 hours
Case Material | SS
Case Diameter | 43mm
Strap/Bracelet Material | Leather (L2.836.4.52.8), SS (L2.836.4.52.9) (Interchangeable NATO strap included)
Water Resistance | 30 bar
Estimated Price | L2.836.4.52.8 / ¥459,800 (until June 30, 2022) ¥481,800 (from July 1, 2022) L2.836.4.52.9 / ¥487,300 (until June 30, 2022) ¥511,500 (from July 1, 2022) *All prices include tax.
