Ultra-Chron Classic

The new Ultra-Chron Classic exemplifies the Swiss watchmaker’s heritage, taking inspiration from the successful launch of the Ultra-Chron collection of 1967 and its subsequent Diver model in 1968 – the first high-frequency diver’s watch. Modern interpretations introduced in 2022  and  2025  honour  this  legendary lineage. The Ultra-Chron Classic demonstrates how timeless design principles, when combined with modern manufacturing expertise and enhanced materials, can create timepieces that remain faithful to the brand’s heritage while exceeding  contemporary  expectations  for performance and durability.

Bringing high frequency to the world
The original Ultra-Chron heralded a defining moment in horological history. Longines had already successfully developed the first high- frequency wristwatch movement with its 1959 observatory  chronometer  (calibre  360), created for timing competitions. The 1967 Ultra-Chron marked the first application of this highly  accurate  technology  in  volume production. Longines’ mastery of high-beat movements, however, began even earlier. In 1910, the brand patented a stopwatch capable of measuring to 1/10^th of a second and operating at a frequency of 5 Hz – or 10 times a second.

Revisiting an icon
In  2025,  Longines  revisited  this  icon, reinterpreting it to meet the practical demands of contemporary wear. The Ultra-Chron Classic retains the distinctive design features of its predecessor, with a domed, silver sunray dial that captures light with the same refined elegance of the original. Applied silver-polished indexes and hands preserve the authentic aesthetic, while a distinctive trapezoidal date aperture at 3 o’clock – set in the  vintage typeface of the original Ultra-Chron – together with enhanced water resistance to 5 bar provide  practical  functionality  without compromising the watch’s timeless character.

Precision on the wrist
At the heart of this revival beats the exclusive Longines calibre L836.6, a high-frequency movement first introduced in 2022 that honours the brand’s precision legacy while integrating cutting-edge innovations. Operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour or 5 Hz – exactly as the original Ultra-Chron did – this contemporary interpretation features a silicon balance spring and innovative materials that provide magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 standard. The high frequency ensures the watch quickly regains precision after shocks, changes in position, or acceleration, offering the wearer consistently superior performance. With a power reserve of up to 52 hours, the self- winding  movement  delivers  both  the exceptional accuracy that defined the Ultra- Chron name, and the reliability expected from modern Longines timepieces.

The Ultra-Chron Classic’s precision credentials extend  beyond  traditional  chronometer standards. Unlike conventional certification processes, which test only the movement, this timepiece  achieves  full  chronometer certification   from   the   Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève, represented by the TIMELAB foundation. In keeping with the ISO 3159  standard,  the  qualification  process subjects the finished watch to a rigorous 15-day testing  period,  during  which  the  entire assembled timepiece undergoes functional tests in various positions at three different temperatures—8°C, 23°C, and 38°C—to verify its  accuracy.  This  commitment  to  high- frequency precision in even the most daunting conditions reflects the expertise that has established Longines as a leader in professional sports timekeeping worldwide. For disciplines such  as  alpine  skiing  and  equestrian competitions, this guaranteed timing accuracy is critical to success.

Timeless design, contemporary comfort
Longines’ commitment to its heritage is also evident in the bracelet design. The distinctive groove pattern of the original 1967 model inspired the contemporary collection. This meticulous attention to details extends to the alternating brushed and polished stainless-steel finishes that provide both visual interest and comfortable wear, while a double-folding safety clasp with micro-adjustment ensures optimal fit and secure closure. For those who prefer leather, the watch is also available with a black leather strap featuring a heritage stainless-steel pin buckle that reflects the design codes of the original era.

Like its predecessor, the new Ultra-Chron Classic excels with its elegant proportions: the stainless-steel case, available in both 37 mm and 40 mm, is exceptionally thin at under 11 mm. The smaller 37 mm version was carefully chosen to honour the original 1967 model’s 35 mm proportions,  preserving  the  timepiece’s authentic character.

The Ultra-Chron Classic embodies the brand’s belief that true innovation builds upon proven excellence. As the winged hourglass continues its  journey  into  the  future,  this  revival demonstrates that when heritage design meets contemporary craftsmanship, the result is timeless elegance.

longines.com