But not just any Ultra Chron...one of the relatively rare chronometer versions. I hate doing the tease with the unveiling, so let's get right to the point: It is one of the more uncommon 18K gold versions. Not too many around. In fact, the only other one I could find with the same dial was in this Japanese catalog from 1972: If we have Japanese speakers in the audience today, I'd love to know what that means. I did a historical exchange rate analysis and it came out to about $2,100 in '72. But that included a gold band. There was another version of this case reference in the same catalog, priced at about $900 on a leather band. What I can't tell is whether the dial is also solid gold. It is gold in color, with either onyx or painted markers. It was certainly intended to be a competitor to the Omega Constellations and Rolex Oyster Perpetuals of that time. Movement is the cal. 431 high-beat Watch is in pretty good condition overall. Running at +5/sec a day. I'll leave it alone until the next service. The crown looks to be the correct type, but not signed. I think I've found an OEM replacement for a reasonable price at CousinsUK, but I've asked Longines for the dimensions to be sure. I'll post again when I've receive the particulars from Longines. Absolutely outstanding people to deal with. gatorcpa
Score! The only other 18k model like this I've seen was from a South American seller who several members had problems with (including me) so I can't even say if it was a franken or a redial. Yours looks excellent though!
Nice. Congratulations. I'm dubious about the crown being original, but it's not a model line that I have focussed on. While this one is steel, I believe that the smaller crown is a hint to what may be correct for yours: and another steel one that sold in 2011: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs...chron-automatic-chronometer-watch-489012.html Here's a slightly different case version, sold a long time ago at a now defunct Japanese dealer: http://www.i-dsw.com/horidashi/LONGINES/ULTRA/ULTRA.htm
I'm 99.9% sure it's not original also. Waiting for Longines to get back to me. In the meantime, I couldn't resist the urge to make sure the reference was correct. Yeah, I think it's good. gatorcpa
Those c cases or cushion cases (which one would this be considered?) are hefty in SS. lots of metal. I would imagine a SG 18k case must be serious heavy metal. I bet these are really rare. Probably less than 1:50 made were SG.
This would be a cushion case. Dennis has a "C" case version in steel. You can search it out here. gatorcpa
One in steel, one in 18k pink gold. On the left is a 1970 18ct Ultra-Chron 8382A caliber 431. On the right is a 1973 ss Ultra-Chron 8355-3 caliber 6651.
Begs the question...? Where do you prefer the date complication - @ 4:30 or 6:00 ?? I don't think I really have a preference - both those watches look really nice. * edit - sry 'bout that - my iPhone is really spazzing out...
6 is the most readable and best balanced presentation. However, as a Longines collector I want as much variety as possible - having one example of every automatic caliber. The only date-at-6 caliber I'm aware of is the 341 which usually came inside a Grand Prize or a non-series watch..... but I have already a 341 inside an even rarer date-at-12 Flagship. I'd love to know for certain if the later version 343 offered it too, and I vaguely remember one from years ago, but it might have been a franken because the 343 and 345 had larger date windows and I distinctly remember the normal size date window on the watch from back then (which is why I passed on it). The 4:30 date window plus the chronometer rating for a caliber 6651 made this a must-have for my collection since I didn't have either. It was just icing on the cake that it's a 37-ish mm C-case. Now let's get back to ogling Evan's watch.
Did anyone here snag this one? Dirt cheap and and plenty of room to have serviced and get your money back later. gatorcpa
...no, not me...if I'd seen it would have snapped that up though. Congratulations to whoever did, great buy!
My search somehow doesn't seem to include the U-Cs. Man!!! It will now.. Hope the buyer is an OF member
I just go crazy over these markings showing the gold content. If you want know if the dial is gold, I suggest you just (gator) bite it It worked in the Westerns. Nice grab. Regards. Bill
Just heard back from Longines regarding the watch, here's what they have to say: Dear Mr XXXX, We thank you for your message. Further to your request, we are pleased to provide the information contained in Longines' registers. 1. Originally, the serial number 50'331'324 identifies a wristwatch in gold 18K bearing the reference 8352. It is fitted with a Longines mechanical self-winding movement, caliber 431. It was invoiced in 1969 to the company Longines-Wittnauer, which was at that time our agent in New York. 2-3. The dial is not made of solid gold and the gold-colored portions of the Longines Chronometer movement are gold-plated. Remainder edited for relevancy.... Truly yours, LONGINES Brand Heritage
Thanks – quite useful information. If I were rich, I'd send Longines a big fat check in appreciation of their superior customer service (as it relates to the historical department).