The Longines Ultra-Chron was one of the earlier high beat movements, and was a standard setter. Model reference 8302-5.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
We sent clear photos of the watch and the movement to Longines, showing the serial numbers, and they confirmed this watch was made in 1970.
CONDITION
A high beat movement is better at absorbing inaccuracies due to shocks, therefore is a more accurate movement – indeed Longines claimed the Ultra-Chron was accurate to a minute per month (about 2 seconds a day, when modern COSC is -4 to +6 seconds per day). We are pleased to say that on the timegrapher this watch is still running at +2 seconds a day, though real world wearing might alter this slightly due to positional and temperature differences that have an effect on all watch movements. Most watches of the time ran at half the pace, about 5 beats per second compared to the Ultra-Chron’s ten beats per second. A side effect of this high beat is the sweep of the second hand is smoother – second hands don’t actually sweep, but stutter around the dial – normally at five times a second, but here ten times a second, hence it looks smoother. The movement that powers the watch is Longines calibre 431, a seventeen jewel automatic with calendar that is nicely finished. This was from the last days before the quartz crisis, when manufacturers were concentrating on making the best rather than making things cheaper. The date can be quick set via the semi quick set method, as shown in the video. The case is gold plated and is showing some wear to the edges. The brown dial with gilt lettering is perfect for the time, but does have some wear to the edges. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.9 mm
Width without crown 36.7 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 41.9 mm
Case Thickness 10.5 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
