Longines is honouring a pivotal moment in its history with the new Ultra-Chron Classic line-up.  Drawing on a legacy of over a century of high-frequency technology, this new timepiece is inspired by the groundbreaking Ultra-Chron collection of 1967 and its iconic predecessor.  The brand’s expertise in high-beat movements began as early as 1910 when it patented a stopwatch capable of measuring 1/10th of a second.  This foundation paved the way for the 1967 Ultra-Chron, which marked the first application of Longines’ highly accurate high-frequency technology in volume production.

At the core of the Ultra-Chron Classic is the exclusive self-winding Longines calibre L836.6, a high-frequency movement first introduced in 2022 that operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), precisely like the original.  This contemporary movement integrates modern innovations such as a silicon balance spring and other materials that give it magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 standard.  This high frequency is essential to the watch’s superior performance, as it allows the movement to quickly regain precision after shocks, changes in position, or acceleration.  The movement also offers a substantial power reserve of up to 52 hours.

Demonstrating Longines’ commitment to precision, the Ultra-Chron Classic has achieved full chronometer certification (our emphasis) from the Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève, represented by the TIMELAB foundation.  Unlike typical certification, which tests only the movement, this qualification process subjects the entire assembled watch to a rigorous 15-day testing period in various positions and at three different temperatures, in keeping with the ISO 3159 standard.  This commitment to guaranteeing timing accuracy, even in daunting conditions, reflects the brand’s expertise as a leader in professional sports timekeeping.

The new model successfully revisits the aesthetics of its 1967 inspiration while meeting contemporary demands.  The watch retains the predecessor’s distinctive design with a domed, silver sun-ray dial and applied silver-polished indexes and hands.  Practical functionality is provided by a distinctive trapezoidal date aperture at 3 o’clock set in the original vintage typeface and an enhanced water resistance of up to 5 bar (50 m).

The Ultra-Chron Classic excels with elegant, thin proportions, featuring a stainless-steel case under 11 mm.  It is available in two diameters: 37 mm and 40 mm. The smaller size was a deliberate choice to honour the 35 mm proportions of the original 1967 model, preserving the watch’s authentic character.  The watch is available with an authentically reimagined stainless-steel bracelet inspired by the 1967 model’s distinctive groove pattern, which includes a double-folding safety clasp with micro-adjustment.  Alternatively, it can be purchased on a black leather strap with a heritage stainless-steel pin buckle.  The Ultra-Chron Classic embodies the philosophy that true innovation is built upon proven excellence, pairing heritage design with contemporary craftsmanship for a result of timeless elegance.