Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Longines Ultronic Jumbo, ref. 8477-1, Tuning Fork Movement, Linen Silver Dial, circa 1970
- Maker / attribution
- Longines (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- silver
- Stock no.
- vws3984
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3984)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Longines Ultronic Jumbo - Reference 8477-1 - Tuning Fork Movement - Linen Silver Dial - c.1970 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3984), this is a wristwatch by Longines, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Striking Longines Ultronic with a Tuning Fork Movement Comprising a Stylish Linen Dial with Brushed Steel Tonneau Case – c.1970 The Longines Ultronic range, introduced in the early 1970s, marked the brand’s embrace of the electronic watch revolution. Powered by the tuning fork ESA 9162/9164 movement, shared with brands like Omega and Longines, these models delivered exceptional accuracy and a smooth, humming seconds hand. With bold 1970s case designs and IWC’s trademark craftsmanship, the Ultronic bridged tradition and innovation, reflecting the industry’s experimentation during the Quartz Crisis. Today, they’re admired as distinctive, collectible pieces of horological history. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this striking Longines Ultronic, a fantastic showcase of 1970s design. The brushed stainless steel tonneau-shaped case exudes retro charm, complemented by a linen-textured silver dial that adds both depth and sophistication. Applied indices, lume-filled baton hands, and a framed date window at 3 o’clock complete the balanced layout. Inside beats the electronic Calibre 6312 tuning fork movement with 12 jewels, a fascinating piece of horological history. Paired with a black leather strap, it’s a bold, wearable vintage statement for any collection.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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