Longines - Ultra-Chron Chronometer - No reserve price - 3202 1 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents a pinnacle of mid-century Swiss horology, combining bold 1970s case architecture with highly refined mechanical engineering. The Longines Ultra-Chron line was conceived to push the boundaries of mechanical precision, utilizing high-beat escapements to offer unparalleled accuracy in a wristwatch. This specific chronometer-certified example stands out not only for its technical pedigree but for its breathtaking state of preservation, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary reference in uncompromising condition. Brand: Longines Model: Ultra-Chron Reference Number: 3202 1 Serial Number: 16408650 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6651 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, exceptionally clean with creamy aged lume plots Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with exceptionally preserved case geometry and an immaculate dial. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial of this Ultra-Chron is a masterclass in varied textures and applied elements, presented in an incredibly well-preserved state. The surface features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that radiates dynamically under direct light. The dial furniture is highly detailed, featuring applied faceted baton hour markers with black central inserts, complemented by an applied Longines winged hourglass logo at twelve o'clock and the signature applied Ultra-Chron lightning bolt emblem at six o'clock. The typography is crisp and entirely intact, reading "LONGINES", "Automatic", and "CHRONOMETER" in elegant serif and script fonts. A framed date aperture sits at three o'clock, featuring a stepped and chamfered border. A careful inspection of the dial reveals an exceptionally clean surface, completely free of moisture marks, spotting, staining, or surface damage. The original tritium luminous material, indicated by the "T - SWISS MADE - T" text at the bottom edge, is present at the outer tips of the hour markers and within the black-striped stick hands. This lume has aged uniformly to a highly attractive, warm creamy pumpkin tone, providing a beautiful vintage contrast against the pristine silver backdrop. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion or tonneau profile characteristic of the era, offering substantial wrist presence. The top surface of the case displays a prominent radial brushed finish that sweeps outward from the dial, creating a striking visual texture. This brushed finish transitions abruptly and cleanly to the highly polished case flanks, demonstrating sharp, well-defined factory geometry that has not been subjected to heavy polishing. The watch retains its original Longines signed crown, featuring the winged hourglass logo in crisp relief. The solid screw-down caseback is deeply engraved with the Ultra-Chron logo and the serial number 16408650, while the interior is stamped with the reference number 3202 1. The case exhibits only light, honest handling marks and superficial signs of careful wear, remaining in remarkably sharp condition. A clear, domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and appears in excellent condition, free of any distracting scratches or crazing. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Longines Caliber 6651, a highly sophisticated 25-jewel automatic movement. As stamped clearly on the balance bridge, this is a high-beat caliber operating at 28,800 beats per hour, a technical achievement designed to maximize chronometric precision. The movement is beautifully finished with perlage on the baseplate and fine brushing on the gold-toned rotor, which proudly bears the "Longines Chronometer" signature. The bridge is also marked "Adjusted four 4 positions and temperature," further attesting to its strict chronometer-grade regulation. The movement serial number 51625638 is crisply engraved on the plates. Visually, the caliber presents in immaculate condition, with bright surfaces, undamaged screw heads, and clean jewels. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +2 to +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct style black leather strap featuring a reptilian grain pattern and prominent white contrast stitching. The strap is supple and complements the vintage aesthetic of the steel case and silver dial perfectly, securing to the wrist with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Longines Ultra-Chron is graded in stunning vintage condition. It is exceptionally preserved, with a nearly flawless dial that serves as the visual centerpiece of the watch. The case geometry remains incredibly crisp, showing only minimal signs of use, while the movement is visually immaculate and mechanically robust. It is a premium example of a highly sought-after reference, exhibiting all the traits that discerning vintage collectors demand. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 millimeters in width, excluding the signed crown. The cushion case design ensures the watch wears with substantial presence, providing a comfortable and balanced profile on the wrist that feels slightly larger than traditional round cases of the same measurement. Remarks Finding an Ultra-Chron from this era with a chronometer-certified movement is a significant horological discovery, but finding one with a dial and case preserved to this standard elevates it to investment-grade territory. The combination of the high-beat Caliber 6651, the sharp radial brushing of the cushion case, and the flawlessly aged pumpkin lume plots make this an irresistible piece for enthusiasts of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. It is a watch that commands attention on the wrist and respect in the watch box. History Introduced in the late 1960s to commemorate the brand's centenary, the Longines Ultra-Chron was marketed as the most accurate watch in the world. During an era when the Swiss watch industry was racing to perfect mechanical timekeeping before the widespread adoption of quartz, Longines utilized ultra-fast beat rates to minimize the effects of positional variance and shocks on the balance wheel. The Ultra-Chron line became a symbol of Longines' technical prowess, representing the absolute zenith of mechanical chronometry at the time. Today, these high-beat marvels are celebrated by collectors as historically significant milestones in the evolution of the automatic wristwatch. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LAU-0001