In recent days, Longines has launched a new strategy! A new high-frequency precision observatory series of watches will be launched in 2025. For the first time, carbon fiber material is used, which is lightweight and technological. The appearance will also say goodbye to red elements, fully displaying the unique charm of gray and black tones. What does this all mean? Let’s take a deeper look at the story and technology behind this watch!
The innovative design and historical tribute of Longines’ new high-frequency precision observatory watch
In 2025, Longines will launch a new high-frequency precision observatory series of watches, made of carbon fiber for the first time. The entire watch of the new high-frequency precision observatory series is presented in gray and black tones, with the red elements removed to highlight the carbon fiber texture.
The birth of carbon fiber watches and the history of the high-frequency precision observatory series
The birth of the new high-frequency precision observatory series of watches marks another innovation and development of Longines in watch technology. The high-frequency precision chronometer series of watches will be launched in 2022, inspired by the UltraChron (Ref. 7970) launched in 1968. At that time, Longines used a new L888.4 self-winding movement in this watch, and increased the vibration frequency to 28800VPH. It was also certified by the Swiss Observatory. In order to distinguish it from the observatory certification, the dial of this watch is marked with the word “Chronometer” in red font. This is the first time that Longines has used red elements on a watch since 1968, which is of great commemorative significance.
Design and technical details of the new high-frequency precision observatory watch
The new high-frequency precision observatory series watches launched in 2025 will be made of carbon fiber. As the first time a new material is used in Longines’ mass-produced watches, its light weight, strong toughness, corrosion resistance and other characteristics will be perfectly combined with high-frequency precision movements. The carbon fiber case of the new watch will continue the overall design language of the high-frequency precision observatory series watches, and the dial, crown, back cover and other components will also be made of carbon fiber material. It is worth mentioning that as the second generation of the high-frequency precision observatory series, the new watch will pay tribute to historical works in appearance design. Compared with the first generation of high-frequency precision observatory series watches launched in 2022, the appearance size of the new watch will be expanded from 41 mm to 43 mm, and the thickness will also increase from 11.88 mm to 12.24 mm.
Movement technology and certification
In terms of movement, the new watch will be equipped with the new L836.6 self-winding movement, whose vibration frequency will be increased to 36000VPH and maintain a 72-hour power reserve. The movement will also obtain the observatory watch certification issued by TIMELAB, an independent watchmaking laboratory in Geneva, which means that the new watch will have further improvement in travel time accuracy than its predecessor. It is worth mentioning that there will no longer be the word “Chronometer” on the movement, but will be replaced by the word “High Frequency” as a mark of high-frequency movements.
Market positioning and brand strategy of new watches
This series fills the vacancy in modern Longines watches that do not have high-frequency movements. At the same time, the high-frequency precision chronometer series watches have become the only Longines watch series with a simple appearance, stainless steel materials and high-frequency movements. Because of this, this series has been sought after by many Longines fans after its introduction, and its simple appearance design has also attracted the attention of many retro style lovers. The first high-frequency precision observatory series watch to be released in 2022, although its appearance design retains many retro elements of the 1968 UltraChron (Ref. 7970), the color and material selection are biased toward modern style. Based on a 42 mm diameter stainless steel case, with a deep black dial and red fonts, and a new L888.4 high-frequency movement, it finally presents a new high-frequency precision observatory series watch that is both retro and modern. Although the overall design is excellent enough, due to the use of red elements and the matching of modern colors, it still fails to fully demonstrate the simple temperament of the 1968 UltraChron (Ref. 7970).
Summary and future prospects
The new high-frequency precision observatory series watches launched in 2025 will be comprehensively upgraded on this basis. On the basis of retaining the overall design language of the high-frequency precision observatory series, the new watch will adopt a deeper gray and black tone for the overall design to enhance the color integration between various components. In order to pay tribute to historical works, the new watch will also cancel the use of red elements and replace it with gray and black tones. In terms of movement, the new watch will be equipped with the new L836.6 self-winding movement, whose vibration frequency will be increased to 36000VPH and maintain a 72-hour power reserve. In addition, the movement will also obtain the observatory watch certification issued by TIMELAB, an independent watchmaking laboratory in Geneva, further enhancing the professionalism and value of the new watch. The new high-frequency precision observatory series watches will maintain a waterproof performance of 300 meters, and the weight of the entire watch will be controlled within 80 grams, making it extremely comfortable to wear. Currently, this watch has been officially launched on the Longines official website, priced at RMB 40,600.
Conclusion
Longines’ new high-frequency precision observatory series of watches not only makes bold attempts in materials, but also pays tribute to classics in design, demonstrating the brand’s profound heritage and innovative spirit. I think this combination is very interesting. It not only retains the richness of history, but also incorporates modern technological elements. What do you think of this watch? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to like and support!