Longines - Ultra-Chron 'Serviced' - No reserve price - 8508-1 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Longines Ultra-Chron stands as a monumental achievement in twentieth-century horology, introduced to celebrate the brand’s centenary with a bold claim of unparalleled precision. Housing the legendary high-beat Caliber 431, the Ultra-Chron was engineered to operate at an astonishing 36,000 vibrations per hour, making it one of the most accurate mechanical watches of its era. This particular example is a masterclass in late 1960s design, featuring a striking cushion case, an integrated-style bracelet, and a mesmerizing vertically brushed dial. Preserved in remarkable condition, it offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanically sophisticated and aesthetically pure vintage Longines that remains as captivating today as it was upon its release. Brand: Longines Model: Ultra-Chron Reference Number: 8508 1 Serial Number: 14809914 Movement: Automatic Caliber 431, 17 Jewels, 36,000 bph Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: Late 1960s Condition: Excellent vintage condition, exceptionally preserved with a pristine dial and sharp case lines. Movement has been serviced, and performing well within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The dial of this Ultra-Chron is a visual triumph, distinguished by a heavy vertical brushed finish that plays brilliantly with the light, shifting from bright silver to deep metallic grey depending on the angle. The dial furniture is highly detailed, featuring applied, faceted square hour markers with contrasting black inserts that provide excellent legibility. At three o'clock, a silver-framed date window integrates seamlessly into the design. The typography is crisp and perfectly preserved, with the serif Longines text, the cursive Automatic script, and the applied jagged Ultra-Chron emblem all presenting flawlessly. The black baton hands complement the indices perfectly, extending precisely to the outer minute track. Crucially, the dial remains in stunning vintage condition, completely free of moisture damage, spotting, print loss, or discoloration, presenting a remarkably pure and clean aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel cushion case perfectly captures the transitional design language of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The upper surfaces of the case feature a distinct sunburst brushing that radiates outward from the crystal, contrasting sharply with the highly polished case flanks. The transitions between these brushed and polished surfaces remain crisp and well-defined, indicating a case that has been preserved with great care. The original crown, prominently signed with the Longines text and the winged hourglass logo, sits flush against the case side. The screw-down caseback is beautifully detailed, featuring the engraved Ultra-Chron jagged emblem and Longines typography. The crystal sits slightly proud of the bezel and is exceptionally clear, free of any deep scratches or distracting marks, allowing an unhindered view of the spectacular dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the celebrated Longines Caliber 431, a high-beat automatic movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. The movement has been serviced and is a visual delight, clearly stamped with the Longines Watch Co Swiss signature, seventeen jewels, the caliber 431 designation, and the serial number 14809914, which perfectly matches the era of production. The rotor and bridges feature attractive finishing, and the entire caliber presents in exceptionally clean condition with no visible signs of moisture intrusion or mishandling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. +10 to +12 s/d. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct Longines stainless steel multi-link bracelet that perfectly complements the cushion case design. The bracelet features a robust construction with brushed outer links and polished center links, providing a comfortable and flexible fit on the wrist. The folding clasp is deeply stamped with the Longines winged hourglass logo. The bracelet is well-preserved, showing only light, honest wear consistent with careful vintage use, and accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This Longines Ultra-Chron survives in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the clear standout, remaining virtually flawless and free of the spotting or degradation often found in watches of this age. The stainless steel case retains its factory-intended finishes, with sharp lines and distinct brushing on the top surfaces. While minor superficial handling marks are present on the polished flanks and bracelet, they are entirely consistent with careful ownership and do not detract from the watch's highly attractive presence. The movement is pristine and runs with the smooth, sweeping signature of a true high-beat caliber. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18 cm Remarks Finding a Longines Ultra-Chron in such unmolested, visually striking condition is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the high-beat Caliber 431, the pristine vertically brushed dial, and the sharp cushion case makes this an incredibly compelling piece for both serious Longines collectors and enthusiasts of significant vintage horology. It is a watch that wears its history proudly while offering a level of mechanical sophistication that rivals modern timepieces. History Introduced in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Longines, the Ultra-Chron was marketed as the world's most accurate watch. To achieve this, Longines developed the Caliber 431, a movement that doubled the standard beat rate of the era to an incredible 36,000 vibrations per hour. This high-frequency operation allowed the balance wheel to recover more quickly from shocks, drastically improving timekeeping stability. The Ultra-Chron line became a symbol of Longines' technical prowess and innovative spirit during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Today, these high-beat marvels are deeply respected by collectors for their historical importance, distinctive late-century designs, and the sheer engineering ambition they represent. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-AXX-0004