Longines 30 CH Diver Chronograph

amanico · 2013-03-28T06:59:09Z

Discover the Longines 30 CH Diver Chronograph, a vintage timepiece with a 40mm case, red cross-hair dial, and in-house 30 CH movement. Explore its unique character.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

23 replies7773 views0 photos

Amanico shares two quick pictures of the Longines 30 CH Diver Chronograph, highlighting its character and historical significance. This article explores why this particular Longines reference, with its distinctive design and fine in-house movement, holds a special place for collectors, despite not always being considered a 'fine watch' in the traditional sense.

23 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Not really what I call a fine watch, but certainly a cool watch, with a big presence and a lot of character.

This 30 CH is one of the last ( I think there was another one, after this Diving Chrono ) in house chronograph, before the Valjoux slippery slope, and the beginning of a less glorious chapter of Longines History.

Its case is big for the period, with a diameter of 40 mm.

The dial has a stunning " red cross hair ", and an oversized minute subdial.

The red bezel is another interesting detail, on this Chronograph, without forgetting that it houses of f the finest chrono movement.

It doesn't have the class and the distinction of a 13 ZN or other 30 CHs, but I think it has its interest in a collection of fine chronographs.

The good news is that it is not too difficult to find and still affordable for such a quality watch...

Still, I am hunting it, without being able to put my hands on it!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Longines 13ZN caliber can also be found with shock protection, a feature often associated primarily with the 30CH movement.
The Longines ref. 7981-2 is appreciated for being a rare diver chronograph, representing the culmination of the 30CH line, and featuring a symmetrical dial with an asymmetrical twist in sub-dial sizing, a red cross-hair, and an original 'in its juice' condition.
The 30CH is preferred by some over the 13ZN due to its shock protection, and this specific diver chronograph, despite its 'funky' red bezel, maintains the balance of an 'immortal design'.
The discussion raises the question of whether Longines can regain its 1950s and 60s status by producing in-house calibers again, similar to Omega's resurgence.
The incredible variety within the 13ZN and 30CH movements makes building a comprehensive collection around them challenging due to their vast scope. The Diver Chronograph breaks from classicism, making it particularly desirable.
The 'ShockResist' system, an early and likely expensive solution for shock protection, was implemented in many Longines calibers of that period.
Other brands also released diving chronographs in the same era, such as the JLC Shark, but the Longines Diver Chronograph stands out as something special.

The Discussion

nilomis

Mar 28, 2013

The 30CH is, by my humble book, the nirvana ...

Of the Longines chronograph movement. I know that everyone here loves the 13ZN but I prefer the 30CH because of a single "modernity" that is the shock protection. This one that you show here is a little funky (the red bezel) but it carries the symmetry and the perfect balance of an, I dare to say, immortal design. I just cut a "blind date/deal" with one, from another brand, that has this design that I love (design, no date, hand wound, 30 minutes timing). Let's see what my "blind date/deal" reve

amanico

Mar 28, 2013

Well, I :love both the 13 ZN and 30 CH.

And the breathtaking detail or information is the incredible variety of 13 ZNs and 30 CHs. I don't think it is possible to build a collection on this theme, which is way too wide. This one, the Diver, I mean, is breaking the code of classicism which is expected with such a movement. This is the reason of my lust for that Chrono. Best, Nilo, and thabnks for your input! Nicolas.

SuitbertW

Mar 29, 2013

Just as a side note....

Hello, Nilo, "... I know that everyone here loves the 13ZN but I prefer the 30CH because of a single "modernity" that is the shock protection..." Just in case I understood this quote correctly, I'd like to add a little bit of info - you can find the caliber 13ZN with a shock protection as well. It is an earlier type of shock protecting devive though, namely "shock resist" which used to be a trademark name - you can recognize it by the star shaped spring covering the cap jewel only on the outer p

amanico

Mar 29, 2013

Thank you so much for these very valuable informations, Suitbert.

ztirual

Mar 29, 2013

shock proof balance

Hi Suitbert, Many thanks for this precision. Does it look like something like this claw-like device? Credit P. Boutros for the second picture Do you know whether this form for primitive protection appeared on other models/ watch brands or was it proprietary to Longines and the 13ZN? Best regards Z'

SuitbertW

Mar 29, 2013

Exactly

Hi, Yes, that's it. You'll find it implemented in many Longines calibers oft that period. As said, trademark is 'ShockResist', don't know which supplirr made it, but will check that. Btw, it's far from beeing primitive, :-) -it's just an early, I'd guess expensive solution. Best regards suitbert