Longines launches the Ultra-Chron Diver, a high-frequency diver's chronometer, taking up a specialisation in which it has over 100 years' experience. As early as 1914, Longines produced the first 36,000 vibrations per hour calibre, used in a stop-watch for sports timekeeping.
It was in 1966 that the Ultra-Chron arrived, powered by the calibre L430: the first COSC-certified wristwatch with a balance oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. The first delivery of the Ultra-Chron arrived in the USA in December 1966.
The Ultra-Chron Diver, which inspired the new model, dates back to 1968. Equipped with Calibre 431, it was the first diver's watch to operate at 36,000 vibrations per hour, with guaranteed water-resistance to a pressure of 20 atmospheres.
The new Longines Ultra-Chron Diver, for its part, is a professional diver, water-resistant to 30 atmospheres and equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a sapphire insert. The automatic movement, made specifically for this model, is the L836.6 calibre, with a balance oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour.
Apart from its achievements for sports timekeeping, which saw the first high-frequency stop-watch in 1922, it was in 1959 that Longines produced the first 36,000 vibrations per hour wristwatch, with the calibre 360. In 1961, this piece proved to be the most accurate at the Chronometry Competition organised by the Neuchâtel Observatory.
Continuing this unique tradition, the 2022 Ultra-Chron is certified as an 'ultra-chronometer' by Timelab, an independent laboratory based in Geneva. This certification involves a series of tests on the complete watch over a period of 15 days.
The automatic calibre L836.6, with silicon balance spring, is housed in a 43 mm-diameter case with a box-type sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment. On the dial, at 6 o'clock, appears the historic Ultra-Chron logo, which is also engraved on the screw-down case back.
Pricesfrom 3,080 to 3,590 euro.
