About the Watch

The Ultra-Quartz, heralded as the pioneer Swiss quartz timepiece upon its introduction, was dubbed "cybernetic" during its era. Its operational dynamics involve the collaboration of two oscillators: a primary timekeeping force driven by a 9,350 Hz quartz crystal, and a secondary vibration motor that operates at a slower pace, initiating the wheel train in a manner reminiscent of a tuning fork's movement. The reciprocal feedback between these oscillators serves to meticulously regulate timekeeping, drawing parallels to the eventual design concept adopted by the 1971 Bulova Accuquartz, marking the inception of quartz watches in the United States. Distinguished by its reliance on 30-40 miniature electronic components, the Ultra-Quartz eschews integrated circuits, a technical capability Longines lacked at the time. This intricate design mirrors the costly and challenging approach akin to Seiko's competition chronometers from 1967. Longines undertook the development of the movement in-house at its Saint-Imier facility, concurrently participating in the CEH Beta 21 project. The unveiling of the Ultra-Quartz took place at a press conference in Geneva on August 20, 1969, a notable eight months before the Beta 21's introduction (which also saw Longines' involvement), as well as preceding the launches of the Omega Megaquartz, Girard-Perregaux Elcron, and Neosonic by four months, and the Seiko Astron by the same duration. At the Fair, Longines showcased both the Ultra-Quartz and the "Quartz-Chron" (Beta 21) models, marketing and selling them side by side.

About the Brand

Founded in 1832 at Saint-Imier in Switzerland, Longines is the oldest trademark still in use in its original form registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization. Over the years, Longines has played a pioneering role in many timekeeping technological breakthroughs. In 1912, Longines helped shape the history of the sporting world by introducing the first timing mechanism automatically triggered by an electric wire. Since then, the brand has been designated as the official partner and timekeeper of international federations and prestigious sporting events throughout the world. Longines has also marked the history of aviation by timing, among other feats, the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic by Charles Lindbergh. Today, the brand remains at the cutting edge of innovation and seeks to ensure that all its watches offer a unique combination of tradition, elegance, and performance