The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph

The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph

Having launched a watch fitted with an exclusive, self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel which controls the chronograph functions in 2009, Longines has now identified new uses for this exceptional, user-friendly calibre. Longines mandated and paid ETA to develop this brand-new exclusive movement. Under the name of The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph, these latest models represent an updated version of the timing equipment that Longines has developed over the years.

Longines mandated and paid ETA to develop a brand-new exclusive self-winding movement with a column wheel for a wrist chronograph. The reference number given to the new calibre was L688.2. As part of the continual programme of reviving the mechanical watch that was started at the beginning of the 21st century, this new creation meets the requirements of changing demand with regard to watches as well as the growing popularity of mechanical chronographs and the fascination for traditional horological devices. Column-wheel chronographs correspond to the new taste in watches. As part of the line of timing instruments created by Longines, this calibre constitutes the present-day embodiment of the far-reaching experience in mechanical time-keeping that is the heritage of the famous Swiss watchmaker.

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 purpose of its column wheel is to control the chronograph functions (start, stop, return to zero). This system, and in particular the column wheel that was designed by ETA’s engineers, is exceptionally user-friendly for a mechanical chronograph, requiring only the finest touch to start and stop the mechanism and to reset the hands at zero. The blued steel column wheel is surrounded by the fascinating beauty of a movement which is in fact an updated version of a traditional technical system. In addition to its refined design, the L688.2 calibre reveals a construction designed to meet the demands of timing. Longines has so far created several timepieces as a tribute to this high-tech movement. The combination of these timing features and the re-issue of an elegant, traditional or sporty design results in several The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph models that are contemporary watches steeped in the great tradition of mechanical timing.


The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph (L2.733.4.72.2)

In the case of this The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph model, priority has been given to sleek, classical beauty. The L688.2 calibre is housed in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39 mm and its dauphine-style, rhodium-plated hands are set on a silvered dial featuring 13 hour symbols. With a date, a small seconds at 9 o’clock, a dragging 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a dragging 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, this watch modestly contains a movement that can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover. It is mounted on a dark brown alligator strap.

A very beautiful watch! This is the most classic version, aesthetically speaking, of this new collection "The Column-Wheel Chronograph Longines". Inside beats a very sophisticated chronograph movement, equipped with a column wheel. At affordable price, in the tradition Longines.