WHY WE CURATED IT: Longines was once a key competitor to (and some say triumphant over) the likes of Omega. In the 60s, chronometer-grade watches were hard to come by, and Longines was leading with Ultra-Chrons. Debuted in 1967 on its 100th birthday, and touted as “the world’s most accurate watch”. Of all the forms Ultra-Chrons took, this was one of the most popular, and the one appearing most frequently in Ultra-Chron ads. I personally like it even more than Omega C cases as it presents exceptionally thin on the wrist for an automatic with date. This unit’s from the late 60s and in remarkable condition despite being more than half a century old. Sadly, Ultra-Chrons came to a premature end when the quartz revolution lay claim to “new” accuracy. You could say Ultra-Chrons were the last great Longines, and this is a beautifully evocative time capsule of that era.
CONDITION: 8.5/10, with visible honest signs of use. However, all case lines are still distinct and appears to remain un-refinished. Crystal has some microscopic marks but dial, indices and hands are remarkably clean. Long bracelet has some stretch but with excellent structural integrity and comfort. Movement serviced, with a 6-month mechanical warranty and in good health with good power reserve and amplitude, low beat error and accurate to ±10 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.
DIMENSIONS: 35.5mm width excl. crown 39.5mm length incl. lugs 10mm thickness 18mm lug width Visual dial width ~27.5mm Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference
CRYSTAL: Acrylic
CASE: Steel
WATER RESISTANCE: Assumed none, as per vintage watches
STRAP: Original Longines bracelet 26045, fits up to 18.5cm wrists
CALIBRE: Longines Cal. 431 high-beat 3-hander automatic with date
COMES WITH: Watch and bracelet
TERMS OF SALE: Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!
