A vintage Longines Ultra-Chron automatic came into Ross Watch Repairs with two faults: the date function was not working correctly and the watch also had a timekeeping issue.
The customer chose our mechanical Mini Service rather than a full overhaul. The movement was cleaned, carefully re-oiled and checked, with the aim of improving its operation while preserving the existing components. No replacement movement parts were required for this repair.
The Fault: Date Function Not Working and Poor Timekeeping
Two symptoms were reported on this Ultra-Chron. First, the date mechanism was not operating as it should. Second, the watch was not keeping time correctly.
On an older automatic watch, those symptoms do not automatically mean that parts must be replaced. Dried or displaced lubrication, contamination and changes in movement performance over time can all affect how a mechanical movement operates.
That is why we assess the watch before recommending the level of service. In this case, the customer chose a Mini Service focused on cleaning, re-oiling and improving movement performance without replacing components unnecessarily.
What the Longines Mini Service Involved
The agreed work was a mechanical Mini Service. This is different from a full strip-down overhaul: it is intended for watches where a lighter intervention is appropriate after assessment.
- Movement inspection to assess the reported date and timekeeping problems.
- Cleaning of accessible movement areas as appropriate.
- Re-oiling to refresh lubrication where required.
- Timekeeping checks and adjustment after servicing.
- Date-function checks during final testing.
- No replacement movement parts used on this particular repair.
That last point is important. Vintage watch repair is not always about replacing as much as possible. Where the existing components remain usable, careful servicing can sometimes return the mechanism to better operation while preserving more of the original watch.
Why Lubrication Matters in an Older Automatic Watch
Mechanical movements rely on very small interacting components. Oils and lubricants are used at specific points to reduce friction, but they do not remain in perfect condition indefinitely.
As lubrication ages, a movement can become less efficient. That can contribute to poor timekeeping or unreliable operation of functions linked to the movement. Re-oiling is therefore part of the work carried out during our Mini Service when it is appropriate for the watch.
A Mini Service is not a substitute for a full service and overhaul when a movement is heavily worn, damaged or contaminated. The correct level of work depends on what we find during inspection.
Why the Longines Ultra-Chron Is an Interesting Vintage Watch
The Ultra-Chron name is closely associated with Longines’ history of high-frequency mechanical watchmaking. Longines says it developed a high-frequency wristwatch movement in 1959 and later launched the Ultra-Chron Diver in 1968 as the first dive watch equipped with a high-frequency movement.
That history is one reason vintage Ultra-Chron watches remain interesting to collectors and owners today. The watch featured here is a dress-style automatic Ultra-Chron with a silver dial, applied hour markers and a date display at 3 o’clock rather than the later diver design.
You can read more about the Ultra-Chron family on Longines’ official Ultra-Chron page.
Servicing Without Replacing Parts
With vintage watches, keeping original components where they remain serviceable can be desirable. This Ultra-Chron did not require replacement movement parts as part of the agreed Mini Service.
The focus was instead on cleaning, lubrication and functional checks. Once the work was completed, the movement, timekeeping and date operation were checked again before the watch was returned.
Longines Ultra-Chron Repair in London
Ross Watch Repairs can assess vintage and modern Longines watches for timekeeping problems, date faults, servicing, movement repairs, crowns, glasses, straps and other mechanical issues.
For more information, see our main Longines watch repair page.
Visit our London Bridge workshop at The Shard or our Canary Wharf branch for a free initial assessment.
Ross Watch Repairs – The Shard
306 The Shard Retail Arcade
London Bridge Street
London SE1 9BZ
Ross Watch Repairs – Canary Wharf
Unit 4B, Cabot Place Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QT
Customers elsewhere in the UK can use our postal watch repair service. Postal repairs should be sent to Canary Wharf using Royal Mail Special Delivery with cover appropriate to the watch’s value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Longines Ultra-Chron date fault be repaired without replacing parts?
Sometimes. It depends on the cause of the fault and the condition of the movement. On this watch, the customer selected a Mini Service involving cleaning and re-oiling, and no replacement movement parts were required.
What is included in a mechanical Mini Service?
For a mechanical watch, our Mini Service is a lighter servicing option that can include inspection, re-oiling, regulation and function checks. It is recommended only when the watch’s condition makes it appropriate; heavily worn or damaged movements may need a full overhaul instead.
Why is my automatic Longines gaining or losing time?
Mechanical watches can gain or lose time for many reasons, including regulation, ageing lubrication, wear, impact or magnetism. The watch should be assessed before deciding whether regulation, a Mini Service or a full service is appropriate.
Is every Ultra-Chron the same movement?
No. Ultra-Chron has been used across different Longines models and periods. The exact movement and repair requirements should be identified from the individual watch rather than assumed from the Ultra-Chron name alone.
Get a Free Longines Ultra-Chron Repair Assessment
If your Longines Ultra-Chron has a date problem, is gaining or losing time, or has not been serviced for some time, contact Ross Watch Repairs for a free assessment.
Ross Watch Repairs is an independent watch repair company and is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Longines.
