Longines paid tribute to some of the timing mechanisms developed over its history, with the launch at BaselWorld of a column-wheel chronograph.
The watchmaker's association with timing equipment began more than 100 years ago, in 1878 when it launched a simple, 20-line chronograph. It has since devised a collection of measuring equipment which formed the basis for its involvement in the timing of sporting events. As a result, the mechanical, column-wheel chronograph became a technical device in the Longines workshops.
The new Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph is the next step in the timing field for the watchmaker. At the heart of the watch is the L.688.2 movement, a self-winding calibre with a blued steel column wheel which controls the chronograph functions.
Longines and other brands in the Swatch Group - its parent company - pooled resources and backed the development of the calibre which is now produced by its movement making division, ETA.
The watch case housing the movement was inspired by the watch styles associated with Longines' success in the 20th century: classical, elegant lines made from stainless steel, gold-plated dauphine hands and a silvered dial with gold-plated applied hour symbols.
Chronograph counters are positioned at 9 o'clock, 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock.
Elsewhere, Longines added novelties to its Sport collection with new models in its GrandeVitesse and Longines Admiral series.