Swatch : Longines Ultra-Chron

Longines is launching a new model that is more accurate than a chronometer: The new LONGINES ULTRA-CHRON, ticking at 10 beats a second. The new high-frequency movement guarantees higher precision and profits from Longines' rich heritage of producing high-beat movements for over 100 years. Inspired by the original Longines Ultra-Chron Diver of 1968, the new model reflects the iconic design codes of its ancestor and is highly resistant to shocks, scratches and water pressure.

In 1968, Longines launched the Ultra-Chron Diver, the first dive watch to be equipped with a high-frequency movement. At the time, Longines had already established itself as a pioneer in high-frequency technology. In fact, the winged hourglass brand created its first high-frequency timekeeping device to measure precisely 1/10th of a second as early as in 1914. In 1959, Longines developed the first high-beat movement for a wristwatch, an observatory chronometer that set new records in terms of accuracy.

The new Longines Ultra-Chron is inspired by the aesthetic codes as well as the professional dive features of the 1968 model. It features a unidirectional rotating bezel as well as a screwed-in caseback and crown. It also offers great legibility and is water resistant to 30 bar (300 meters).

The Longines Ultra-Chron's instantly recognizable 43mm cushion-shaped steel case is fitted with a diving bezel that boasts a sapphire insert with luminescent accents. The eye-catching black grained dial features a white minute track with alternating Super-LumiNova^®-coated batons and rhodium plated appliques.

The original Ultra-Chron logo is proudly applied on the dial and embossed on the caseback. The new Longines Ultra-Chron has a distinctive red minute hand which, like the hour hand, is coated with Super-LumiNova^® for optimal legibility.

At the heart of the new Longines Ultra-Chron is the calibre L836.6, a high-frequency "in house" movement. A watch is referred to as "high-frequency" when it is fitted with a movement whose balance-spring oscillates at 36,000 beats per hour (10 beats every second). These movements, which Longines pioneered in 1914 (to time 1/10th of a second) and 1916 (to time 1/100th of a second), improved precise timekeeping. From 1959 onwards, Longines made use of the high-beat-movements to increase the accuracy of its watches. Thanks to a reduction of the disruptive effects of shocks or of changes in the position of the movement, the high-beat movement proves to be more stable.

The accuracy of the Longines Ultra-Chron is confirmed by its certification as an "ultra chronometer" by TIMELAB, an independent testing laboratory in Geneva. This designation goes beyond the usual "chronometer" certification. The "ultra-chronometer" qualification process tests the watch head and subjects the finished product to a 15-day testing period during which the watch is submitted to a series of tests at three temperatures, 8 °C, 23 °C and 38 °C, confirming that it meets the strict precision criteria (ISO 3159:2009 standard).

The Longines Ultra-Chron is available with a choice of a leather strap or a steel bracelet and it is delivered in a special presentation box containing a black NATO strap crafted from recycled material.

The new Longines Ultra-Chron will evoke an emotional response from any watch aficionado who is passionate about the iconic timepieces from one of watchmaking's most innovative eras. It will also win over new enthusiasts who will be thrilled to wear a bit of horological history on their wrists.