The beat goes on
High-frequency watch movements – those with balance-springs that oscillate at 36,000 beats per hour or more – are much loved for their ability to minimise the negative effects of external disturbances, such as temperature or shock, on the precision of a timepiece. Longines experimented with this technology in the early 20th century, creating both 1/10th of a second and 1/100th of a second stopwatches, and introduced its first high-frequency wristwatch in 1959. The brand has now gone back to its roots with a new – albeit familiar – take on the theme.
Inspired by a dive watch from 1968, the recently released Ultra-chron celebrates Longines’ fast-paced past with a retro 43mm cushion-shaped steel case featuring a unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down caseback and crown that provide 300m of water resistance.
A black, grained dial, white minute track, red minute hand and baton-style indices coated in Super-luminova provide good legibility underwater, while a subtle retro nod is found in the original Ultra-chron logo displayed on both the dial and caseback. Inside the case, meanwhile, is the self-winding L836.6 calibre with 52-hour power reserve.
Offered on a steel bracelet or leather strap, both supplied with an extra fabric strap, the Ultra-chron has a five-year warranty and is certified as an ‘ultra chronometer’ by independent Swiss testing facility Timelab. TL Longines Ultra-chron, from £3,000; longines.com
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