1974 Longines Ultronic Blue on Bracelet 41mm with Box 8477-4
Ref: 8477-4
Specification
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 6-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Longines box but no paperwork. It comes paired with its original 22mm Longines 3-link stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, the bracelet will fit up to a 7.25inch wrist. The watch is from Circa 1974 and is sold in worn vintage condition, but overall fair condition, with patina to the original blue dial, as you can see. The watch comes with our 6-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NUwSZJ-P2PQ-fewugsLmINzzbe2d9mVA?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 1:35 - https://youtu.be/NixJ5A0hrxQ
The Watch
Here, we have a 1974 Longines Ultronic Blue on Bracelet with Box 8477-4, with a 41mm brushed and polished stainless steel tonneau-shaped case, the polished flanks lead to stubby lugs, a chamfered edge leads to a lug-to-lug length of 44mm, and a case thickness of 10mm, which ensures a cushion-like fit on your wrist, thanks to its wrist ergonomics. On the right side is a signed recessed crown. The top of the case has a concave slope with a domed crystal above a dynamic blue electroplated vertical brushed dial. An outer minute track has applied steel arched square “Tuning Fork” shaped indexes marking the hours; at 3 o’clock, a framed date window, steel sword hands are filled with Tritium, and the minute hand perfectly slides under the arched indexes, a vibrant red tapered second hand sits in the centre, at noon we have the applied steel Longines motif and at 6 o’clock the “Ultronic” logo completes this striking sports watch. On the reverse, a solid screw-down case back, inside a Tuning Fork Longines 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 paired with its original 22mm Longines 3-link stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, and the watch comes with its original Longines presentation box.
Personal Note
I have been fortunate enough to have sold multiple Longines Ultronic over the years, varying in colour, size and design, but this reference 8477-4 has to be one of my favourites on my wrist. Coming in at a whopping 41mm but with a short 44mm lug-to-lug, it hugs the wrist effortlessly, especially with its original bracelet. The blue dial has developed some patina spotting, common on these early electroplated blue dials, as we see across many brands. This example even comes with its Longines Quartz box, a real gem for your collection!
The Brand
Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and is considered to be the oldest registered watch brand. The Longines factory was opened in 1867 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. From this date, the name Longines was present on their dials, and the winged hourglass was engraved on their movements. After visiting the Universal Exhibition of 1876 in the United States, Longines became pioneers in mechanised production. In 1880, the brand name was filed with the Federal Office of Intellectual Property; later, their logo was registered in 1889. Their first wristwatch with a single pusher, the calibre 13.33z, was introduced in 1913. They became the official supplier of the International Aeronautical Federation in 1919. Lindbergh, the aviator and adventurer, worked with Longines to create the Hour Angle watch in 1927. Their first self-winding calibre 22A was produced in 1945. With continued innovation and technical achievements, Longines became the official timekeeper for Formula One in 1983 for ten years. In 2009, they became the official timekeeper for the French Open at Roland Garros. Purchased in 1971 by ‘Ebauches SA’, Swiss watchmakers SSIH owned Omega, Tissot, and Lemania, and ASUAG owned Certina, Endura, Eterna, Hamilton, Longines, Mido, and Rado. were merged in 1983 to become the Swatch Group in 1998.