With the launch of the Ultra-Chron Classic, the Swiss watchmaker revisits one of its most significant achievements: the creation of the high-frequency movement. Nearly 60 years after the original 1967 model made its debut, the Ultra-Chron Classic brings this pioneering spirit into the present with refined elegance, technical innovation, and an unmistakably luxurious presence on the wrist.
The Ultra-Chron Classic draws directly from the house’s legacy of precision. Longines has been exploring high-frequency technology since 1910, when the brand patented a stopwatch capable of 1/10th of a second measurement at 5Hz. By 1916, the brand had pushed accuracy to 1/100th of a second for sporting competitions. This was an early indication of the winged hourglass’s future leadership in professional timekeeping.
The pursuit continued through 1959, when Longines created its first high-frequency wristwatch calibre for observatory chronometer trials, and again in 1967, when the Ultra-Chron became the first high-frequency wristwatch produced at scale.
This new chapter is a tribute to that heritage. The Ultra-Chron Classic reflects the proportions and restraint of its predecessor. The reimagined models feature 37mm and 40mm stainless-steel cases measuring less than 11mm thick.
The 37mm version pays homage to the 35mm silhouette of the 1967 original, preserving its authentic spirit while enhancing comfort for contemporary wearers. The dial remains quintessentially Ultra-Chron: a domed silver sunray surface; applied silver-polished indexes and hands; and the distinctive trapezoidal date window at 3 o’clock, set in the vintage typeface of the original model.
The refinement extends seamlessly to the bracelet. Inspired by the groove pattern of the earlier design, it features alternating brushed and polished finishes and a double-folding safety clasp with micro-adjustment. A black leather strap with a heritage pin buckle offers an alternative for purists drawn to the codes of the 1960s.
Inside, the Longines calibre L836.6 brings high-frequency excellence firmly into the 21st century. Operating at 36 000 vibrations per hour — just as the original Ultra-Chron did — the movement incorporates a silicon balance spring and advanced materials that provide magnetic resistance 10 times greater than the ISO 764 standard. Its design ensures rapid recovery of precision after shocks or changes in wrist position. With a 52-hour power reserve, it meets the demands of modern daily wear.
Precision is certified. Unlike many chronometer validations that test only the movement, the Ultra-Chron Classic receives full chronometer certification from the Observatoire Chronométrique de Genève (Timelab). Over 15 days, the fully assembled watch is tested at three temperatures – 8°C, 23°C and 38°C – across various positions. in strict alignment with ISO 3159 standards. This rigorous process underscores the brand’s expertise in disciplines where accuracy is paramount, from alpine skiing to equestrian competition.
The Ultra-Chron story has evolved through multiple eras – from the 1967 original to the high-frequency Diver of 1968, and more recently, the 2022 and 2025 reinterpretations. The Ultra-Chron Classic honours heritage without slipping into nostalgia, blending historic design with contemporary craftsmanship. This timepiece is as compelling today as it was six decades ago.
