In 1967, to celebrate its centenary, Longines introduced one of the first high-frequency movements ever made, the caliber 431, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour.
At that time, most Swiss houses, including Rolex, were operating below 20,000 vph. The higher frequency of the Ultra-Chron meant a smoother seconds hand and a more stable rate under shock and position changes, precision through speed.
The Ultra-Chron line was built around that idea of performance. Longines guaranteed an accuracy of one minute per month, a figure normally reserved for chronometers. Years before COSC certification became common for the model, the results already spoke for themselves.
This example from the late sixties still reflects that pursuit of precision: a clean silver dial, sharp case lines, and the smooth motion of a 36,000-beat seconds hand. The watch has been freshly serviced and was probably never worn before.
To put it in perspective, Rolex has only recently reached that same frequency, with the 36,000 vph calibre 4131 introduced in the 2023 Daytona. Longines achieved it more than half a century earlier.
It comes with a timegrapher report showing amplitude, rate, and beat error, proof of its mechanical health, plus a one-year warranty on the movement.
All this innovation and history for less than a thousand francs.
And if you didn’t know, Longines just reissued this legendary reference with a way lesser attractive movement (a modified simple ETA 2824), and a way higher price (3200 CHF).
Get the real deal while you can!
In 1967, to celebrate its centenary, Longines introduced one of the first high-frequency movements ever made, the caliber 431, beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour.
At that time, most Swiss houses, including Rolex, were operating below 20,000 vph. The higher frequency of the Ultra-Chron meant a smoother seconds hand and a more stable rate under shock and position changes, precision through speed.
The Ultra-Chron line was built around that idea of performance. Longines guaranteed an accuracy of one minute per month, a figure normally reserved for chronometers. Years before COSC certification became common for the model, the results already spoke for themselves.
This example from the late sixties still reflects that pursuit of precision: a clean silver dial, sharp case lines, and the smooth motion of a 36,000-beat seconds hand. The watch has been freshly serviced and was probably never worn before.
To put it in perspective, Rolex has only recently reached that same frequency, with the 36,000 vph calibre 4131 introduced in the 2023 Daytona. Longines achieved it more than half a century earlier.
It comes with a timegrapher report showing amplitude, rate, and beat error, proof of its mechanical health, plus a one-year warranty on the movement.
All this innovation and history for less than a thousand francs.
And if you didn’t know, Longines just reissued this legendary reference with a way lesser attractive movement (a modified simple ETA 2824), and a way higher price (3200 CHF).
Get the real deal while you can!
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