Cover Longines Ultra-Chron in 40mm steel
Longines Ultra-Chron in 40mm steel
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Longines reiterates its legacy in precision watchmaking with the new Ultra-Chron
Longines has a long history in competitive timekeeping, being one of the earliest to develop instruments for measuring sporting events. From equestrian to skiing, Longines built a robust reputation in the field in the early years, even providing its services to the Olympics.
In 1910, it patented a pocket chronograph stopwatch with a high-frequency movement (minimum 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour) capable of measuring 1/10th of a second. This development culminated in a high-frequency stopwatch with a split-second hand in 1938.
Its mastery of professional sports timekeeping would eventually translate into commercial wristwatches. In 1959, it presented its first high-frequency movement for a wristwatch, the rectangular Calibre 360, which had a daily error of less than 1/10th of a second—a remarkable feat recognised by Neuchâtel Observatory for two consecutive years in 1961 and 1962.
The Ultra-Chron, introduced in 1967, reinforces Longines’ precision expertise by being its first mass-produced high-frequency wristwatch. Powered by the self-winding calibre 431, it came in a 35mm steel case. Longines followed this with the cushion-shaped Ultra-Chron Diver capable of diving to a depth of 200m, and touted as the world’s first dive watch with a high-frequency movement.
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Above The original Longines Ultra-Chron from 1967
The original Longines Ultra-Chron from 1967
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MODERN CLASSICS
Longines revisited the Ultra-Chron in 2022, equipped with a new high-frequency movement, Calibre L.836.6, featuring an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. Underscoring the manufacture’s pursuit of precision, this movement is chronometer-certified by Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève under the TIMELAB foundation, and fulfils the ISO 3159 standard after rigorous 15-day testing across multiple positions and temperatures.
It expanded the collection earlier this year with a carbon case, the first time the high-tech material has appeared in a Longines watch.
While the above timepieces featured the Ultra-Chron Diver’s cushion case, the newly unveiled Ultra-Chron Classic revived the original 1967 round case. Also powered by Calibre L.836.6, every other detail is a dedication to its heritage, from the domed silver-sunray dial with grooved pattern and trapezoidal date counter to the alternating brushed and polished finishes. Available in 37mm and 40mm stainless steel, the proportions are further refined, measuring just under 11mm thick.
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Above Longines Ultra-Chron with stainless steel bracelet
Longines Ultra-Chron with stainless steel bracelet
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Above Longines Ultra-Chron with black alligator strap
Longines Ultra-Chron with black alligator strap
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With the Ultra-Chron Classic, Longines is not only reintroducing a timeless design to a contemporary audience—it is also making a compelling statement of its horological legacy, one that we hope it will continue to reiterate in the years to come.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
