Longines has always linked its name with precision and innovation. With the launch of the new Ultra-Chron Carbon, the House of the Winged Hourglass is once again redefining the boundaries of watchmaking by combining cutting-edge materials with high-frequency timekeeping technology. This latest creation represents a perfect marriage between the brand’s history and the watchmaking future.
Longines’ latest carbon gem is inspired by the iconic Ultra-Chron Diver from 1968, which was the first diver’s watch to house a high-frequency movement. This technology, which enables superior precision, thanks to a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), had already enabled Longines to distinguish itself in previous decades, starting with pocket chronographs patented in 1910 and high-frequency counters used in sports competitions in the 1920s and 1930s.
With this new reissue, the maison celebrates the past by looking to the future, introducing for the first time a case made of carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightness, used mainly in the fields of aeronautics and motor sports. This is not a casual call, considering Longines’ longstanding relationship with the world of flight.
The design of the new Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon
The “cushion” shaped case of the Ultra-Chron Carbon, with a diameter of 43 mm, is made of carbon fiber (fibers laid in a mold unidirectionally) combined with epoxy resin. This manufacturing process involves heating the material to high temperatures, followed by high-pressure compression and subsequent cold cutting. The result is a structure with unique and irregular patterns, making each piece different from the next.
The choice of carbon fiber is not only for an aesthetic reason; thanks to this material, the weight of the watch is less than 80 grams, including the strap. This ensures exceptional comfort on the wrist, without compromising its robustness. The Ultra-Chron Carbon is also water resistant up to 30 bar (300 meters), making it a perfect companion for underwater adventures.
What about the bezel, however? It is made of titanium with an aluminum insert bearing an engraved numbered scale, while the crown and screw-down case back are also made of titanium, a material known for its lightness and resistance to corrosion. In short, weight and sturdiness were the main focus for Longines’ designers.
When it comes to the dial, however, minimalism and functionality reign supreme, in perfect keeping with the tradition of professional dive watches. Every detail is designed for ease of use, without sacrificing the elegance and distinctive character of the Longines brand.
Beneath the multi-layered anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the sandblasted anthracite dial offers optimal visibility even in low-light conditions. The gray PVD applied hour markers and baton spheres are coated with SuperLuminova material with blue luminescence, ensuring instant reading of the watch in the dark.
The Ultra-Chron Carbon comes with a black technical fabric strap, fastened with a titanium pin buckle. The overall design is modern and bold, ideal for those looking for a watch that is sporty yet has a refined character.
The Heart of the New Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon
If you thought the scene was all about carbon fiber and titanium, you were wrong. The Ultra-Chron Carbon is powered by the prestigious Longines caliber L.836.6, a high-frequency movement beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour). This movement offers superior stability compared to traditional 4 Hz mechanisms, ensuring greater precision even in the event of shocks or changes in position.
The caliber is equipped with a silicon balance spring, a material that ensures high resistance to magnetic fields and increased durability. In fact, Longines claims that this movement is up to ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 standard.
To ensure maximum accuracy, the Ultra-Chron Carbon is chronometer-certified by TIMELAB, an independent laboratory in Geneva. The certification involves a 15-day test period during which the watch is examined in different positions and at three separate temperatures: 8°C, 23°C and 38°C.
Conclusions and availability of the new Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon
With the Ultra-Chron Carbon, Longines once again demonstrates its ability to innovate without forgetting its history. This model represents an ideal bridge between the glorious past of high-frequency chronometers and the challenges of the future, offering enthusiasts a superior precision watch built with state-of-the-art materials.
A timepiece that is not only a tribute to tradition, but a true statement of intent: Longines continues to focus on precision, reliability and innovation, values that have made the brand a benchmark in world watchmaking for more than a century.
To complete the incredible experience of having a Longines “High-Tech” watch, the Maison offers a special black box that echoes the design of the watch, further emphasizing the uniqueness of the product. Available in boutiques and on the Longines website starting January 1, 2025.
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