Longines unveils the Ultra-Chron Carbon

0 0 Thursday, 2 January 2025 Edit this post

Longines opens 2025 with the launch of the Ultra-Chron Carbon, a new iteration of the high-frequency model introduced in 2022 (read our review here), inspired by the original Ultra-Chron from 1968, the first dive watch to feature a high-frequency movement.

Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon ref. L2.839.4.52.2

This model marks the first time that carbon is used in a Longines watch case. Widely used in cutting-edge industries such as aeronautics, carbon is known for being both ultra-resistant and lightweight.

The 43 mm x 14 mm cushion-shaped case is crafted from strips of unidirectional carbon fibre and epoxy resin, which are then placed into a mould and heated to a high temperature, compressed under high pressure, and finally cold-cut.

This unique manufacturing process creates random patterns in the layout of the fibres, making each case visually unique.

Thanks to carbon’s lightweight properties, this new model weighs less than 80 grams, including both the watch case and strap.

Unlike the 2022 release, which features a unidirectional rotating bezel, this new reference is equipped with a fixed titanium bezel with an aluminium insert engraved with a scale in increments of 10. As a result, the Ultra-Chrono Carbon is positioned more as a sport model than a diver’s watch.

The case back and screw-down crown are also in titanium. Water resistance is rated to 30 bars (300 metres / 660 feet).

Protected by a box-shaped sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective treatment, the sand-blasted anthracite dial features a chapter ring marked by twelve applied silver indexes.

These, along with the grey PVD hour and minute hands, are coated with a Super-LumiNova blue luminescence treatment. The original Ultra-Chron logo is applied at 6 o'clock.

The watch is powered by the exclusive Longines high-frequency calibre L.836.6, which beats at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of 52 hours.

Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, this calibre is up to ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 standard.

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.

Paired with a black technical fabric strap featuring a titanium buckle, the Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon (ref. L2.839.4.52.2) has a suggested retail price of €5,400 / US$4,900. longines.com