Longines Ultra-Chron 8317 8 (1972)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic high-beat Ultra-Chron elevated by a beautiful stardust dial. Brand: Longines Model: Ultra-Chron Reference Number: 8317 8 Serial Number: 51957541 Movement: Automatic, caliber 6651, 25 jewels Dial: Dark grey with stardust patina Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -11-14s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dark grey dial is defined by an even, attractive 'stardust' speckling patina that gives the watch a striking visual presence. Applied faceted indices and the winged hourglass logo remain clean and bright against the textured background, while all printed text is crisp and fully intact. The lume plots are present, showing consistent aging that perfectly matches the luminous material on the central baton hands. These hands present clean metal surfaces with minimal oxidation, completing a highly cohesive and beautifully aged dial configuration. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion-shaped case features well-preserved geometry, remaining sharp and highly attractive. The original sunburst brushing on the upper surfaces is remarkably clear, contrasting handsomely with the polished flanks. The case shows only light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear, with no significant dents or deep dings visible. The watch retains its signed Longines crown, complete with the winged hourglass logo and well-defined knurling. A clear domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing no significant scratches, cracks, or crazing. Movement Inside the case beats the Longines caliber 6651, a high-beat automatic movement featuring 25 jewels and adjusted to four positions and temperature. The movement is visually clean with bright plates and bridges, showing no visible corrosion, oxidation, or damaged screw heads. Both the rotor and the factory finishing appear beautifully preserved. The timegrapher records a rate of -11-14s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. It is in excellent, lightly used condition, providing a complementary and comfortable fit on the wrist. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The cushion case remains sharp, retaining its factory sunburst brushing alongside light, age-appropriate superficial scratches on the polished flanks. The dial is a particular highlight, displaying a beautiful and even stardust patina, while the hands and indices remain bright. The domed acrylic crystal is clear. Supported by the recorded timegrapher results, the high-beat automatic movement is performing remarkably well. Dimensions 35mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Longines Ultra-Chron is distinguished by its sharp cushion case and the striking stardust patina that has developed naturally across its dark dial. Combined with a clean, high-beat caliber 6651 movement, it represents a highly attractive and well-preserved example of 1970s watchmaking. History Introduced in the late 1960s to celebrate the brand's centenary, the Longines Ultra-Chron line was designed around high-frequency automatic movements intended to provide superior accuracy. The collection represents an important era of mechanical innovation, created during a time when watchmakers were pushing the limits of beat rates to compete with early electronic timepieces. This 1972 example, powered by the caliber 6651, reflects that pursuit of precision while showcasing the distinctive cushion-case styling characteristic of the decade. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-AUX-0002