Longines - Ultra-Chron 'Serviced' - No reserve price - 51403512 - Men - 1971

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Longines Ultra-Chron stands as a testament to the golden era of mechanical precision, originally developed to rival the accuracy of early electronic timepieces. This particular example captures the refined aesthetic of the early 1970s, combining a beautifully finished silver sunburst dial with sharp, angular case geometry and a renowned high-frequency automatic caliber. It is a sophisticated and highly capable vintage dress watch that offers tremendous historical value and everyday wearability. Brand: Longines Model: Ultra-Chron Serial Number: 51403512 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 6651, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted baton indices and black inserts, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1971 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, featuring a pristine dial and sharp case lines. The movement has been recently serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial is exceptionally clean, presenting a brilliant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is free from visible spotting, staining, or discoloration, showcasing outstanding preservation and a fresh appearance. The typography is executed in a crisp sans-serif font for the 'ULTRA-CHRON' text, paired with the elegant cursive 'automatic' script. The dial furniture is a particular highlight, featuring an applied Longines winged hourglass logo and the signature applied wavy Ultra-Chron emblem above six o'clock. The hour markers are applied, faceted steel batons with striking black inserts, perfectly matched by the straight baton hands, which also feature black central stripes. A framed date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position, completing the balanced and highly legible layout. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel case is topped with a smooth polished bezel and a domed acrylic crystal that protects the dial. The case retains strong architectural integrity, with sharp lug profiles that display a clear transition between the brushed top surfaces and the polished flanks. The original fluted crown is correctly signed with the Longines name and winged hourglass logo. Turning the watch over reveals a solid screw-down caseback, deeply engraved with the iconic Ultra-Chron wavy logo and 'LONGINES' typography. The case shows honest, light signs of wear consistent with careful vintage use, remaining free of heavy impacts or distracting scratches. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Longines Caliber 6651, a 25-jewel automatic movement. Close inspection of the movement reveals the caliber stamp '6651' and the '28800' marking, indicating its high-beat operational frequency designed for enhanced precision. The serial number 51403512 is clearly engraved on the bridge, placing its production firmly in the early 1970s. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher testing indicates a deviation of -4 to -9 seconds per day with strong amplitude. The movement has been recently serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality black textured leather strap, detailed with white contrast stitching that perfectly echoes the black and silver aesthetic of the dial and hands. It is secured with a classic stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and stylish fit for the wrist. Condition This Longines Ultra-Chron is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable focal point, remaining exceptionally clean and free of age-related degradation or moisture marks. The case maintains sharp lines and factory finishes, with only light surface wear indicative of its age. The engraved caseback remains highly defined, and the signed crown operates smoothly, making this a remarkably well-preserved example. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The proportions offer a classic and highly wearable profile suitable for a variety of wrist sizes, maintaining a refined presence on the wrist. Remarks The Longines Ultra-Chron is a historically significant model that captures the essence of late 1960s and early 1970s horological innovation. With its striking silver sunburst dial, high-beat caliber, and distinctive applied logos, this specific example represents an excellent opportunity for collectors seeking a well-preserved, everyday vintage dress watch from a legendary Swiss maison. History Introduced in 1967 to celebrate the centennial of Longines, the Ultra-Chron was developed as a direct response to the emerging electronic and quartz technologies of the era. By utilizing high-frequency movements, Longines aimed to offer mechanical watches that could rival the accuracy of their battery-powered competitors. The Ultra-Chron line became renowned for its precision and distinctive styling, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most important chapters in the brand's rich history of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LXX-0035