Longines watch ULTRA-CHRON 8383-1 Vintage Cal 6651

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Longines ULTRA-CHRON 8383
Movement : 6651 25 jewel 28800 b/ph
Age : Circa 1970s
Case Size : 36mm
Case Thickness : 11mm
Lug to Lug : 40mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Used Longines watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great preowned condition with light wear from use
• Case has some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced high Beat 28.800 bph movement
  
• Grey sunburst dial has some light freckles that hard to see in person
• Longines signed Crown
  
• Paired with an unworn grey leather strap 

A BIT OF TRIVA

The Longines Ultra-Chron was launched in 1966 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the company. At that time it was the world's most accurate watch. It was advertised within a “minute a month”. Hi-Beat movements started to be brought to market by the likes of Seiko in their Lord Marvel line Cal. 5740C. The faster oscillating balance was designed to be less vulnerable to shock, making it a better timekeeper. A pleasant side effect was the incredibly smooth seconds hand. Beating at 28,800 beats per hour, Longines developed a new lubricant “molybdenum disulphide” which proved to remain on the parts longer than traditional oil lubricants. The Ultra-Chron line ran for nine years.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Ultra-Chron collection gained attention, especially in the world of high-performance sports. It was known for its ability to keep precise time under extreme conditions. The Ultra-Chron was marketed as a watch capable of providing "ultra" precision, and it helped to solidify Longines' reputation as a manufacturer of quality, high-performance timepieces.

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 Longines Ultra-Chron is remembered as one of the pioneering high-frequency mechanical watches and remains a symbol of Longines' ongoing commitment to precision and craftsmanship. Its introduction helped shape the trajectory of watchmaking in the mid-20th century, especially in the context of high-performance mechanical timepieces.

While the Ultra-Chron may not be as widely recognized as other iconic Longines models, it holds a special place in horological history, marking a significant leap in mechanical watchmaking technology

OUR THOUGHTS

The Ultra-Chron might not have the same household-name status as some vintage icons, but it’s a hidden gem in horological history — a bold leap forward in mechanical watchmaking technology. Every time I handle a fine Longines, I’m reminded of the incredible value and rich heritage they offer, and this piece is a shining example. Crafted by one of Switzerland’s most respected watchmakers, it’s an exceptional vintage timepiece that any collector would be thrilled to call their own.