Forums Latest Members

OHPF Longines Ultronic Chronograph, very rare TV case tuning fork chronograph, circa 1975, serviced

  1. Tom Dick and Harry Sep 9, 2016

    Posts
    1,527
    Likes
    4,343
    Afternoon all


    This is a beautiful example of the first electronic chronograph chronometer ever made and at the time Longines flagship chronograph, sharing the identical movement to the Omega Speedsonic


    IMG_2706.JPG
    I wouldn’t think it needs much introduction to Longines enthusiast but they are a rare bird and far less common than their Omega Speedmaster 'Speedsonic' brother. The watch was introduced in the early 1970's as Longines flagship chronograph, considerably more expensive than the comparative chronographs and the only one that was Chronometer certified. The Longines was an adaptation of Omegas mosaba movement or as we know it the F300, a mechanical movement which ran on a battery and was controlled by tuning forks which vibrated at a frequency of 300Hz

    IMG_2707.JPG

    The movement was made under licence by Bulova, the chronograph version then adapted with basically and extra 'layer' for the chronograph operation. The movement in this watch was known as the Mosaba meaning 'montre sans balancier' translates for 'watch with no balance'

    IMG_2705.JPG

    In 1975 a new Longines ultronic was £188 compared to £124 for the moon watch so it sat at the very top of Longines Chronograph range and the price tag really did reflect the build quality of these watches, at 1/3rd more expensive than an Omega moon watch they needed to be something special…………. They are!

    IMG_2704.JPG

    So good was the quality of these movements that in 1978 Omega send approximately 12 of this model were sent to NASA with Radial Dials (and Star made cases) to test them as a possible replacement for the famous 145.022 moon watch, they passed all of the rigorous NASA tests (I am fortunate to also own one of these watches #12)

    They were produced in small numbers (due to cost of the movements) and when new was one of the most expensive Longines chronographs in the range in its day it was amongst the most advanced Longines made, even by today’s standards it is a work of genius and becoming increasingly hard to find in good condition.

    This example is good cosmetically , the case nice and original some age related marks but these would easily refinish, the crystal has some aged related marks but they do not detract and again it is easily replaced by a specialist. The watch is fully functioning and working and has been fully overhauled by KeithT including the date and day (notoriously an issue).

    Condition:

    Case: Originalcondition, some age relating marking and a few drinks but nothing that detracts.

    Case-back: Completely original and superb with only the lightest of marks

    Bracelet: Correct original bracelet which is full size and whopping

    Dial and hands: Perfect and a lovely honey patina to both dial and hands.

    Crystal: Original crystal (with age related marks and scuffs)

    IMG_2709.JPG

    I am looking for a bargain £875 posted RMSD or International signed for


    Cheers Tom
     
    Edited Sep 9, 2016
    LaCordobesa, Tet, accusteve and 7 others like this.