Hands-on review of the Longines Ultra-Chron WBP5A8A.BF0619, one of the few diver's watches with a high-beat 5Hz movement. Price €3,080. Exclusive pics
The recently launched Longines Ultra-Chron is one of the few diver's watches to be equipped with a high-frequency mechanical movement.
Usually, a movement is referred to as "high-frequency" when its balance spring oscillates at 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz), thus delivering improved precision.
Longines experience in manufacturing high-frequency timepieces dates back to 1914 with the creation of stopwatches capable of measuring 1/10th of a second for the timekeeping of sport events.
The new Ultra-Chron takes inspiration from the Ultra-Chron Diver that the Swiss brand presented in 1968. This model was powered by the Calibre 431 that introduced a dry lubrication patent as a solution to the fact that, being more exposed to strain, high-beating movements require more durable parts and better lubricants to deal with the added friction.
The original Ultra-Chron - 1968
After our introductory article, we had the possibility to wear and test this new model for a few days and we are now delighted to share our impressions and pictures. For our review, we used a version matched to a brown leather strap but a stainless steel bracelet option is also available.
Offering water resistance up to a pressure of 30 bar (approximately 300 metres / 1,000 feet), also thanks to a screwed crown, the Ultra-Chron is strongly characterised by the cushion shape of its stainless steel case.
Its dynamic lines are well highlighted by the alternation of satin-brushed and polished surfaces.
Measuring 43 mm x 13.60 mm, the Ultra-Chron offers excellent wearability thanks to short and ergonomic lugs (the wrist in our pictures is 17.7 cm / 7 in). The comfortable leather strap is secured to the wrist by a stainless steel pin buckle decorated with the winged hourglass symbol.
The unidirectional rotating bezel integrates a sapphire insert with a 60-minute scale to measure elapsed dive time. It rotates with 120 perceptible and precise clicks and offers optimal grip thanks to a knurled edge.
The triangle at 12 o'clock and the 15, 30, 45 numerals stand out in white and glow in green in darker environments thanks to their Super-LumiNova coating.
The black grained dial features a white minute track with alternating Super-LumiNova-coated batons and rhodium plated appliques.
Super-LumiNova is also used for the hands, rhodium-plated for the hours and red for the minutes to make them recognisable at first glance. The original Ultra-Chron logo is applied at 6 o'clock.
The box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides enhances the vintage look of the watch.
Featuring a silicon balance spring and offering a power reserve of 52 hours, the self-winding Calibre L836.6 is hidden beneath the screwed-in solid caseback, embossed with the Ultra-Chron logo that we also found on the dial.
Silicon is impervious to magnetic attraction as well as highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Lighter and harder than steel, it reduces inertia and requires no lubricant.
The chronometric precision of the Ultra-Chron is certified by Timelab, an independent testing laboratory in Geneva.
Their process goes much further than the classic Chronometer certification by the COSC as it tests the complete watch head and not only the movement. During a 15-day testing period, the watch is submitted to a series of tests at three temperatures (8°C, 23°C and 38°C) confirming that it meets the strict precision criteria of the ISO 3159:2009 standard.
In the picture below, you can see the certificate of the timepiece that we had the possibility to review with the daily rates recorded during the 15 days of Timelab test. Performances are superior to those of COSC-certified chronometers.
Delivered in a special wooden presentation box that includes an additional NATO strap crafted from recycled material, the new Longines Ultra-Chron with brown leather strap (ref. L2.836.4.52.8) has a price of Euro 3,080, in line with the overall quality of the timepiece and the exceptional performances of its movement and costly certification process.
In alternative to a leather strap, it is possible to opt for a 7-link stainless steel bracelet (ref. L2.836.4.52.9) with the price increasing to Euro 3,340. longines.com
Impressive launch from Longines. Love it. And nice article too.
ReplyDeleteMy only gripe here is that to be a true diver there should be lume on the seconds hand. Especially when going to vintage route.
ReplyDeleteGood point. Especially considering that the original 1968 model had it.
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