1973 Longines Ultronic Quartz Rare Blue Dial "Ellipse" Case
Ref: 8616.1
Specification
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Longines box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited strap. The watch is from Circa. 1973 and is sold in worn, vintage condition, but overall fair condition as you can see with age to the original blue dial. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Our Longines Ultronic has a 37mm “Ellipse” stainless steel case. The smooth and rounded surfaces sit perfectly like a cushion. Recessed lugs with a lug to lug length of 44mm and a case thickness of 11mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, is a signed crown. The domed crystal sits above a rare vibrant sunburst blue dial. An outer minute track with applied indexes that arch over the hands which unusually move under the indexes marking the hours. At 3 o’clock a date window. Slender sword hands have lume infill with a sweeping tapered red seconds hand. At 12 o’clock we have an applied Longines motif. At 6 o’clock the Ultronic symbol. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside a Longines Tuning Fork Cal. 6312 (ESA 9162) F300 Hz is considered one of the very best tuning fork movements. Designed by Max Hetzel, who had previously worked for Bulova; he was also responsible for the Accutron 214, which was released In May 1972. This is the same movement that is used in the Omega f300 tuning fork watches. The watch comes fitted on an 18mm strap.
Personal Note
In my opinion, Longines produced some of the funkiest and best electronic watches in the 1970s, this is the perfect example of that! The original electric blue dial pops against the case shape, the blue is starting to peel in the areas with tritium, this is a good sign of an original dial. The indices sit high and overhang allowing the hands to pass under them, this creates huge depth and gives the watch a futuristic look, one I adore personally.
The Brand
Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and is considered to be the oldest registered watch brand. Its winged hourglass logo is the oldest registered trademark for a watch brand. Famously, Lindbergh, the aviator, and adventurer worked with Longines to create the Hour Angle watch in 1927. They are also the official timekeeper for the French Open. As a response to the ever-growing threat of electronic watches to the manufacturers of mechanical watches, Longines collaborated with 20 Swiss brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe to form Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH). Prototypes began in 1967, with production starting in 1968. Longines beat the rest of the industry and announced the first production quartz wristwatch on August 20, 1969. On April 10, 1970, the Basel Fair opened with more than 20 Swiss quartz watches on display.