SpotlightAfter Dark Hours With The New Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon

Longines have a long-standing history of creating high-frequency movements, dating back to 1910 when the brand patented this technology for sports timekeeping. The Ultra-Chron, first launched in 1968 also used a high-frequency movement back then and became the first diver’s watch to use this technology. In 2022, the brand revamped this watch with the latest technology to launch a new generation Ultra-Chron, which paid tribute to the original model from the 1960’s. Continuing on the path of technological innovation, Longines have now launched a new version of the Ultra-Chron timekeeper with a carbon case—a first for the brand. The new Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon stands out for its ultra-resistant and lightweight framework, thanks to the use of carbon fibre. Here’s the watch at a glance.

Featuring dark undertones, the Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon has been developed using cutting-edge technology and measures 43mm in diameter. The 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, then compressed under high pressure, and finally cold-cut. These processes eventually lead to the watch gaining its iconic cushion-shaped case, which offers a generous water resistance of up to 300m. This manufacturing process also creates random patterns on the carbon case, hence giving a unique identity to each watch, which now weighs less than 80 g—including both the watch and strap.

Featuring dark undertones, the Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon has been developed using cutting-edge technology and measures 43mm in diameter. The 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, then compressed under high pressure, and finally cold-cut

It is topped by a fixed titanium bezel, which features an aluminium insert engraved with a scale numbered in increments of 10. The solid screw-down caseback and crown are also in titanium, and add to the waterproofness of this dive watch. The dial is sand-blasted and is in an anthracite hue, with a chapter ring marked by twelve applied silver indexes. These, along with the grey PVD hour and minute hands, are coated with Super-LumiNova, and perfectly complement the carbon case when it comes to the design aspect.

The dial is sand-blasted and is in an anthracite hue, with a chapter ring marked by twelve applied silver indexes. These, along with the grey PVD hour and minute hands, are coated with Super-LumiNova

The solid screw-down caseback and crown are also in titanium, and add to the waterproofness of this dive watch

The Ultra-Chron Carbon is driven by the exclusive Longines high-frequency calibre L.836.6. This movement oscillates at 5 Hz or 36,000vph and supplies the watch with a power reserve of at least 52 hours. So, when compared with traditional mechanical movements, the watch offers greater stability in response to shocks and changes in position, while wearing the timepiece. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, this movement is also up to ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 standard.

The Ultra-Chron Carbon is driven by the exclusive Longines high-frequency calibre L.836.6. This movement oscillates at 5 Hz or 36,000vph and supplies the watch with a power reserve of at least 52 hours

This dive timer is also fully certified as a chronometer by TIMELAB—an accredited independent watch testing laboratory in Geneva. ‘In keeping with the ISO 3159 standard, the qualification process subjects the finished product to a 15-day testing period during which the entire watch is put through a series of functional tests in various positions, repeated at three different temperatures, 8°C, 23°C and 38°C, to confirm its accuracy’, as explained in their official press release. The Longines Ultra-Chron Carbon is presented on a black technical fabric strap featuring a titanium buckle, which makes for a fine fit on the wrist.