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Ultronic

Introduced: Early 1970s (peak production around 1971–1975)

Purpose / Inspiration: The Ultronic was Longines’ entry into the electronic watch race of the 1970s—a time when Swiss brands were experimenting with new tech to beat the quartz threat. Powered by a tuning fork movement, the Ultronic offered smooth sweeping seconds, a quiet hum, and cutting-edge precision. It was part of the global push by Longines and ESA (Swiss Electronics Association) to stay ahead of Japanese quartz domination.

Designer: Internally developed by Longines using the ESA 9162/9164 tuning fork movement, also used by Omega (as the f300Hz) and other Swiss brands

Case size:

  • Ranged from 35mm to 40mm, depending on variant
  • Cushion, tonneau, and round cases all appeared
  • Bold, futuristic case styles typical of the 1970s era

Case options:

  • Stainless steel, gold-plated, and two-tone
  • Brushed and polished finishes
  • Most had screw-in casebacks or snap-backs
  • Acrylic crystals standard (some rare mineral crystal variants)

Powered by:

  • ESA Caliber 9162 or 9164 tuning fork movement
    • 300 Hz frequency, battery-powered
    • Smooth sweeping seconds (not ticking)
    • Date or day-date complications depending on version
    • Precision of ±1 minute per month (excellent for the time)
    • You can hear it hum—no tick

Bezel:

  • Typically integrated or fixed
  • Many models had no visible bezel—just case-to-crystal transitions

Dial options:

  • Silver, champagne, black, or blue sunburst
  • Applied indices with lume or tritium pips
  • Luminous baton or stick hands
  • Longines logo often in applied metal or printed at 12 o’clock
  • “Ultronic” branding clearly marked

Water resistance: Minimal—more of a dress/everyday watch than a tool piece

Bracelet:

  • Integrated steel bracelets or leather straps
  • Wide 70s-style links, sometimes signed with Longines logo
  • Folding clasps or signed buckles

Discontinued mid-to-late 1970s as quartz technology became cheaper, simpler, and more widespread—now a niche collector’s item for those into electro-mechanical watch history

Why it matters: The Ultronic was the future before quartz took over. A step between mechanical and modern electronics, it’s a fascinating chapter in Swiss watch evolution—and one of the coolest ways to own a piece of Longines’ high-tech history.

Hums, Doesn’t Tick. Glides, Doesn’t Jump.

Swiss Innovation at 300Hz

Half Watch, Half Science Experiment. All History.

The Future of the 70s—Now a Cult Classic

References for Ultronic