Vintage 33mm Longines Ultra-Chron (69-556)
The Longines Ultra-Chron (reference 69-556) is a vintage, high-beat automatic watch from circa 1967, recognized for its precision and 14k gold-plated finish. It features a compact 33mm case with a slim profile, making it a refined, classic dress watch from the “golden era” of high-frequency mechanical watches.
The Ultra-Chron line was introduced by Longines in 1967 to guarantee an accuracy of within a minute per month (roughly 2 seconds per day). The caliber 431, operates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz), allowing for improved accuracy and a smoother sweeping second hand compared to standard 28,800 bph movements. While modern Ultra-releases (like the 43mm diving models) are larger, the vintage 69-556 is part of the original, more formal, high-frequency series. This watch is popular among collectors for its technical history and high-frequency accuracy. This watch received a recent service and offers years of worry-free wear.