Longines Nonius Chronograph Vintage Variations

amanico · 2021-02-19T00:47:32Z

Explore the vintage Longines Nonius Chronograph, focusing on the revered Caliber 30CH. Discover its unique 9-second scale and market insights.

Nicolas 'amanico' provides a compelling look at the vintage Longines Nonius Chronograph, highlighting two distinct iterations. His post serves as a crucial starting point for understanding the nuances of this specific reference, particularly the distinction between models housing the revered Caliber 30CH and those with more common Valjoux movements. This exploration is essential for collectors seeking to appreciate the historical significance and technical prowess of Longines' vintage chronographs.

2 iterations, well, I would say that for me, there is only one Nonius, the version housing the famous cal 30CH:

While the later is not bad looking at all, but it houses a more pedestrian Valjoux movement.

Why Nonius? Because you have a 9 seconds scale, you can see in yellow or orange, on the minutes scale.

Credit picture Bulang and Son.

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The Longines Nonius Chronograph, especially with the Caliber 30CH, is considered an incredible watch with a movement that is as good as it gets, embodying the distinct 1960s Longines aesthetic.
The 'Nonius' scale is designed to improve the precision of reading to tenths of seconds, even though the movements are not high-beat. This functionality can be further understood by referencing the Vernier scale principle.
A unique Longines Nonius Chronograph, featuring the last ever produced 30CH movement, was created as a piece unique for a Longines employee, Steve G., approximately twenty years ago.
The market for vintage Longines 30CH chronographs has seen prices 'go through the roof,' making them significantly harder to acquire compared to a few years prior.
The hazards and pitfalls of vintage watch collecting, particularly regarding parts availability and restoration to correct condition, have markedly increased in recent years for brands like Omega and Longines, especially for highly finished movements such as the 13ZN.

The Discussion

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Feb 19, 2021

I am always amazed to see how many great looking longine vintage are out there!

amanico

Feb 19, 2021

There are so many to fall in love with!!!

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Feb 19, 2021

I know it’s not their business model and for so many of them, put a nicer movement in there and could be some of the most desirable watches out there

Echi

Feb 19, 2021

Agree. Wish they could put out a more serious heritage line and it doesn’t even have to be necessarily pricey. Doesn’t need to be limited. Maybe Omega type price points? But that’s not the direction laid out for them so we can only dream.

amanico

Feb 19, 2021

Alas, my friend, alas....

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Feb 19, 2021

yeah that would be too good to be true!

Longines Nonius Chronograph Vintage Variations

Key Points from the Discussion

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