Longines - Ultra-Chron - No reserve price - 7851-12 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Longines Ultra-Chron stands as a monumental achievement in horological history, introduced in the late 1960s to celebrate the brand's centennial and to push the boundaries of mechanical precision. Conceived during an era when high-beat movements were the pinnacle of timekeeping technology, the Ultra-Chron was guaranteed to deliver exceptional accuracy. This particular example showcases a stunning cushion case design that perfectly captures the bold aesthetic transitions of its era, combining robust stainless steel construction with an elegant, highly legible dial. It represents a superb opportunity for collectors to acquire a legendary timepiece that bridges the gap between mid-century elegance and innovative technical performance. Brand: Longines Model: Ultra-Chron Reference Number: 7851-12 Serial Number: 15601066 Movement: Longines automatic movement Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, presenting in excellent condition with exceptionally clean surfaces and only faint micro-spotting visible under magnification Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a remarkably well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The watch features a beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial that catches the light dynamically across its surface. It is adorned with applied faceted baton indices featuring central black inserts, providing excellent legibility and visual contrast. The dial proudly displays the applied Longines winged hourglass logo beneath the twelve o'clock position, accompanied by the classic serif typography and italicized automatic script. Above the six o'clock position sits the distinctive applied Ultra-Chron emblem alongside crisp printed text. A framed date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. The matching baton hands retain their black central stripes, harmonizing perfectly with the hour markers. Close visual inspection reveals an exceptionally clean presentation, with only the faintest signs of micro-spotting visible under strict magnification, maintaining a brilliant overall aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 33mm stainless steel cushion case exemplifies the distinctive architectural styling of its period. The upper surface of the case features a pronounced radial brushed finish that transitions sharply into highly polished case flanks. The lug profiles remain thick and well-defined, showcasing honest signs of light wear consistent with careful vintage ownership, without any heavy impacts or significant softening of the factory geometry. The original Longines signed crown, bearing the winged hourglass and brand name, is perfectly preserved. The watch is fitted with a clear domed acrylic crystal that protects the dial beautifully. The polished screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the iconic Ultra-Chron jagged emblem, the Longines name, and the crisp serial number, remaining highly legible and structurally sound. Movement Inside this timepiece beats a Longines automatic movement, characterized by its beautifully finished components and the prominent signed rotor. The movement architecture reflects Longines' commitment to high-performance chronometry during the mid-twentieth century. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +7 to +8 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white perimeter stitching. The strap complements the black accents on the dial and hands, providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Longines Ultra-Chron is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial remains remarkably vibrant and clean, while the stainless steel case retains its original brushed and polished finishes with sharp transitions. The caseback engravings are deep and distinct. The watch shows only appropriate, light handling marks expected from a well-cared-for vintage timepiece, making it a highly attractive acquisition for discerning collectors. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Ultra-Chron remains one of Longines' most significant technical achievements. Finding an example with such a well-preserved dial, sharp case lines, and its original signed crown offers a fantastic opportunity to own a tangible piece of mid-century watchmaking history. History Launched in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Longines, the Ultra-Chron was an ambitious project aimed at creating the world's most accurate series-produced automatic watch. Utilizing a high-beat movement oscillating at 36,000 vibrations per hour, it promised unparalleled precision, rivaling the nascent electronic and quartz technologies of the time. The distinctive jagged logo on the dial became a symbol of this high-frequency innovation. Today, the Ultra-Chron is celebrated by enthusiasts not only for its historical importance in the race for chronometric perfection but also for the diverse and striking case designs that housed these remarkable calibers. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LAU-0003