Longines - The Tachymeter Chronograph
The Longines Tachymeter Chronograph features a technical tool initially introduced around 1811 to measure the hourly pace in assembly lines, as well as the velocity of the first modern means of locomotion: the tachymeter. To measure the hourly pace, the chronograph is started at the beginning of a task and stopped once the task is completed. The hand then shows the average production pace per hour. To find out the velocity of a subject, the chronograph is activated at distance zero and stopped once the distance of one kilometre has been covered. The hand then indicates the average velocity in units measured.
The Longines Tachymeter Chronograph now combines in a very unique way the technical specifications of a tachymeter with the values of the brand, namely tradition, performance and elegance. The circular steel case with a diameter of 41 mm houses the caliber L688, a self-winding mechanical movement with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism exclusively developed for Longines, which can be admired through a transparent case back. The model features a date aperture at 4h30, a small second at 9 o'clock, a 30-minutes counter at 3 o'clock and a 12-hours counter at 6.
Besides its extraordinary technical features, the model stands out with its remarkable design. The white lacquered dial is inspired by the one of a chronograph developed by Longines in 1934 and contrasts perfectly with the black Arabic numerals, the tachymeter scale in blue (1000 m) and red (100 m). A subtle touch of elegance is added to this model by its blued steel Breguet hands indicating hours and minutes and the blued steel counter-weight line pear hand indicating the seconds. To complete the traditional yet contemporary design of the model, it is mounted on an elegant black alligator strap.