Longines is thought to tread rigorously in creating new watches, usually delving into its vastly spectacular archives to seek out inspiration for tons of wonderful heritage-related watches. It’s additionally a model that doesn’t bounce in sudden instructions, leading to unusual and inexplicable decisions and subsequent releases. So it’s honest to say this Extremely-Chron Carbon took us without warning, because it’s the very first time – that I do know of – that Longines has ventured out of the sphere of steel circumstances and right into a composite materials. There merely has by no means been a watch from the Winged Hourglass like this earlier than. Greater than sufficient motive to dive deeper into this light-weight, high-beat Extremely-Chron Carbon!
The Extremely-Chron holds a particular place in Longines’ intensive historical past. The title goes again to 1968 and thus predates Zenith’s well-known high-beat El Primero computerized chronograph by a yr. The reference 7970 (beneath, left), with which the Extremely-Chron was launched, was a 200m dive watch and the very first diver to be fitted with a fast-paced 5Hz computerized motion (calibre 431). A decade earlier, Longines entered its handbook calibre 360, which additionally beat at a 5Hz or 36,000vph frequency, into observatory chronometric competitions. So, the model is aware of a factor or two about high-beat motion development!
Longines Extremely-Chron Diver reference 7970
The 2022 remake of the Extremely-Chron, on the leather-based strap.
With this in thoughts, we had been fairly happy when the Extremely-Chron made a comeback in true-to-original type in 2022 (above, proper), however it has gone quiet across the watch ever since. No extra, although, because the Extremely-Chron Carbon received us all excited once more, however it additionally had us scratching our heads. Usually, manufacturers are inclined to introduce color variations first earlier than venturing into unique supplies like this. However, contemplating the truth that the Extremely-Chron was a really modern and vital watch again within the day, it looks as if a becoming selection if you consider it. Carbon fibre or solid carbon has been round for fairly some years now, however it’s nonetheless thought of a comparatively fashionable materials. Mix this with the benefits in accuracy and the ultra-smooth sweep of the seconds hand due to the excessive frequency, and issues begin to make some sense!
Time to maneuver to the watch itself, which retains its attribute form, albeit the ‘classic’ component does take a little bit of a backseat with the introduction of this new (to Longines and the Extremely-Chron) materials. By way of measurement and proportions, we’re nonetheless coping with 43mm in diameter however with a 14mm peak as a substitute of 13.6mm – only a small enhance, however a rise nonetheless. The lug-to-lug measurement is kind of cheap, at roughly 48mm, because of the brief, built-in lugs. The case is comprised of strips of carbon fibre combined with epoxy resin, that are put right into a mould after which heated and compressed to type the outside casing. That is then topped with a hard and fast titanium bezel (the earlier one was rotatable) with a black aluminium insert, all so as to add as little weight as doable. Total, the Extremely-Chron Carbon suggestions the scales at simply 80 grams, which makes for a really fulfilling expertise on the wrist.
To match the stealthy exterior, the Extremely-Chron Carbon has adopted a matte black dial with a white printed minutes observe on the periphery. The utilized hour markers have luminous inserts and printed white traces on both facet. The central fingers for the hours and minutes are faceted and in addition completed with Tremendous-LumiNova. The one one which doesn’t mild up at night time is the smooth-sweeping central seconds hand. Regardless of retaining all of the attribute design parts, the face of the watch has a way more muted and up to date look, pairing effectively with the carbon case. Even the utilized winged hourglass emblem joins in on the enjoyable, nearly seamlessly mixing into the background!
Ticking away on the elevated price of 36,000vph behind the stable titanium caseback is Longines’ calibre L836.6. As defined in Brice’s in-depth protection of the 2022 Extremely-Chron, it is a closely modified ETA base with an elevated frequency. It’s fitted with an anti-magnetic silicon hairspring and has a working time of 52 hours when absolutely wound, which is completed by a central rotor. As a substitute of being COSC licensed, which was maybe to be anticipated, it’s licensed by TimeLab Geneva and is labelled as an ultra-chronometer (therefore the watch’s title). The watch head is subjected to rigorous testing over a 15-day interval in 5 positions and three temperatures to make sure it performs in response to TimeLab’s strict ISO 3159:2009 requirements.
The Longines Extremely-Chron Carbon comes on a technical black cloth strap with a titanium pin buckle. Excluding watches with gold, two-tone or gem-set circumstances, the Extremely-Chron Carbon sits on the very prime of Longines’ portfolio of watches when it comes to value. Retailing for EUR 5,450 (incl. VAT), it’s fairly a bit pricier than the chrome steel Extremely-Chron, which is available in at EUR 3,700 on a leather-based strap and EUR 4,000 on a metal multi-link bracelet.
Now, that’s one thing to think about, however in the long run, it’s as much as you if it’s justified or not. Regardless, the Extremely-Chron Carbon is one heck of a cool watch and an sudden shock from Longines! We’re curious to see what door this may need opened up for the model! The one downside, maybe? Dropping the operate of the rotating bezel renders it a dive watch not… which is unhappy.
For extra data, please go to Longines.com.
