Why This Watch Matters An automatic, all-gold, and striking wristwatch made by Longines with a highly, highly accurate movement to fend off the quartz crisis. The Full Story The Ultra-Chron was first released in 1967 to celebrate Longines' 100th anniversary. Offering a high-beat caliber aimed at improving precision, this watch was guaranteed to not go over 1-minute variation per month, which is a more stringent deviation than any chronometer certification. The movement operated at 36,000 vph (the same rate as the Zenith El Primero chronograph movement, released in 1969) when the industry average was approximately 18,000 vph. The Ultra-Chron was only produced until the mid-1970s, and examples are therefore hard to come by. Despite their rarity, this reference was produced in a variety of case and lug shapes, materials, and dial variations. The thick lugs and cushion-esque overall case shape seen on this example truly set it apart. Not to mention the great dial details. This example was made exclusively for the United States market. The 14k solid gold case was made for Longines by the Star W.C Co. case company and signed "Longines-Wittnauer." The movement is stamped "LXW" which was the US import code for Longines. It's always nice when all these little details line up. The caseback of this watch says "14k Karat Gold" on the 12 o'clock side and "Use 1175 Wrench" on the six o'clock side to remind the watchmaker to use a certain type of wrench to take apart the watch since it is top loading. This detail reminds us of the "Tool No. 33" that is stamped on the back of Heuer Monaco watches for the same purpose. We paired this Longines Ultra-Chron with our Sedona in dark brown watch strap that just works so well with vintage yellow gold. The Fine Print Maker: LonginesModel: Ultra-ChronReference: 2892-431 Year: 1970sCase No: 6332030Movement No: 14514543Material: 14k yellow goldDimensions: 37mm diameter (from 2 - 8 o'clock); 9.5mm thickness Crystal: PlexiglassLume: N/ACaliber: Longines, self-winding, caliber 431 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Sedona Watch Strap In RattlesnakeLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - All-gold 'cushion' shaped case - Ultra-Chron logo on dial- 'Hi-beat' movement ticking inside Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Light patina on dial and hands This Longines is in overall very good condition. The 14k gold case is strong and shows some scratches throughout with a few light nicks. The brushing on the top of the case is present and the edges of the case are clearly visible and prominent. The engravings on the caseback are clearly visible. There are some scratches on the rear of the lugs from strap removal and placement. The rear of the lugs and around the edge of the caseback has developed some patina. The dial has a nice, soft patina with some patina throughout. The dial is signed "Swiss" at the very bottom, but isn't visible in photos. The dial has a few little marks throughout. The hands have developed patina, especially towards the base. The hour markers and window around the date window have also developed patina. The case, crown, dial, and movement are all signed by Longines. The crown shows a little wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
