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The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph

May 21, 2009 12:00 by Aarti Nagraj

Longines started manufacturing timing equipment in 1878 with the launch of a simple 20 line chronograph; reference number 20H, that had a column wheel (covered by a washer) that governed the chronograph mechanism. Following Longines’ progression into the field of timing, almost all the measuring equipment devised by the company used this same principle. Both calibres for pocket chronographs made by Longines, such as the 19CH (1889), the 19.73 (1887), the 19.73N (1909) and the 19.73N with a split-seconds function (1922), the 18.72 (1929) or the 24 line calibre intended specifically for sports timing (1939) and movements for the brand’s wrist-chronographs, such as the 13.33Z (1913), the famous 13ZN (1946) or the 30CH (1947) thus all incorporated column-wheel systems for controlling and activating the chronograph functions, which varied according to the specific calibre.

This collection of timing equipment formed the foundation for Longines’ history of involvement in timing and the world of sport. The mechanical, column-wheel chronograph thus became a traditional and authentic technical device at Longines. The new Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph model continues this horological heritage into the 21^st century.

Having identified the modifications that have affected the world of mechanical timepieces over the past few years (a marked demand for high-quality mechanical watches, the popularity of mechanical chronographs and a fascination for traditional horological devices among the general public), Longines and other brands within the Swatch Group mandated and financed the exclusive development of a self-winding movement with a column wheel for a wrist-chronograph which has now been produced by ETA. This calibre is a contemporary embodiment of a long tradition of mechanical timing which is Longines’ heritage.

Fitted with 27 jewels, the L.688.2 movement is a self-winding calibre with a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 7.90 mm. The blued steel column wheel controls the chronograph functions (start, stop, return to zero) and is part of a work of art that is a stylish update of a traditional technique. Beyond its sleek design, the L.688.2 calibre is an inspiring creation designed specifically to meet the demands of timing.

To house this brand-new, exclusive movement the watchmaker has chosen classical and elegant lines that are reminiscent of the timepieces that contributed to its success during the 20^th century. The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40 mm that houses the L.688.2 calibre whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent case back. The gold-plated Dauphine-style hands are mounted on top of a silvered dial featuring, gold-plated applied hour symbols, a small seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute continuous action counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour continuous action counter at 6 o’clock. The timing features of the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph combined with a classical design make this model a contemporary watch that echoes the great tradition of mechanical timing.

Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.

For further information, please contact:

Longines Public Relations, 2610 Saint-Imier, Switzerland

Alexandra Kirchhofer, Tel. +41 32 942 52 41, Fax +41 32 942 52 39, E-mail a.kirchhofer@longines.com

Internet: www.longines.com