Longines has passed a new milestone in its exploration of timepieces fitted with authentic technical features by creating, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record, which has a direct-drive second hand with a vernier scale. Back in 2008 the company used a chronograph movement with a column wheel in the design of a contemporary embodiment of its expertise in mechanical chronographs this new model showcases the horological development and elegant appeal in the same vein.
The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record combines various elements that make this brand-new watch a modern descendant of the timing instruments created by Longines in the past. Thanks to its exclusive column-wheel movement, it joins the lineage of equipment developed by the brand since 1878, when Longines produced its first chronograph. Moreover, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record has a centre direct-drive second hand with a vernier scale – echoing a mechanical chronograph counter designed by the company in 1966. This system allows the user to read off the time measured easily and precisely using the position of the centre seconds hand with its vernier scale relative to the fixed scale on the dial. The centre direct-drive seconds hand with its vernier scale brings it into line with the most up-to-date mechanical timing equipment available today.
The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record has a sporty design which complements its chronograph functions. The self-winding movement is housed in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41 mm. The cream or black dial has a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, a small seconds at 9 o'clock and a date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock. The hands are coated with Super-LumiNova while the red centre dragging seconds hand with its vernier scale is complemented by a fixed scale on the dial which enables the user to read off eighths of a second. Echoing the timing equipment produced by Longines in the 1960s, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record is fitted on an elegant black alligator strap.
Fitted with 27 jewels, the L688.2 movement is a self-winding calibre with a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 7.90 mm. The column wheel which is part of the movement serves to steer the chronograph functions (start, stop, return to zero). This system, and in particular the column wheel that was designed by engineers at ETA on Longines' request, makes this mechanical chronograph exceptionally easy to use, requiring only a light pressure to start and stop the timing function and to return the hands to zero. The blued steel column wheel is a work of art and the whole movement is a stylised revamping of a traditional technical system. Apart from its sophisticated design, the construction of the L688.2 calibre has been especially created to meet the requirements of timing.
With its combination of timing functions and a beauty that is characteristic of timing equipment dating from the 1960s, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record is a contemporary timepiece steeped in the great tradition of mechanical timing.
The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record
Technical specifications
Reference number: L4.754.4.52/72.X
Calibre:Self-winding mechanical movement with column-wheel chronograph mechanism; Calibre L688.2 (ETA A08.231); 13¼ lines, 27 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour; 54-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Chronograph functions: Centre seconds with vernier scale; Dragging 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock; Dragging 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock
Case: Circular, stainless steel, Ø 41 mm; Transparent sapphire case back
Dial: Cream, 9 indices coated with Super-LumiNova; Black, 9 indices coated with Super-LumiNova. Small seconds at 9 o'clock; Date aperture at 4 o'clock; 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock; 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock.
Hands: Red direct-drive seconds hand with vernier scale; Rhodium-plated, hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova
Water-resistant: To 3 bar (30 metres)
Glass: Sapphire with non-reflective coating
Strap: Black alligator with buckle
