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

Figij005

Feb 19, 2021

I.e. when one number hits the scale line perfectly, its for the 10th of a second? Best, Jens

kev09

Feb 19, 2021

The nine minutes scale looks a bit strange and, I have to admit, baffles me. I can’t figure out what it’s for. Regards Kev.

Figij005

Feb 19, 2021

It is used to improve the precision of reading for 10th of seconds (although none of the movements used is a hi-beat-movement). Best described in Wikipedia. Best, Jens

Mostel

Feb 19, 2021

It's quite an incredible watch! The movement is about as good a it gets for any price... and the dial is so LONGINES, so 60's... When I bought it, (10 years ago?) I wasn't really sure what I was doing... I just loved it and wasn't sure if anyone on earth would agree. I had met a collector who was a crazy Longine Heuer guy... and I bought a mint 60's Longines diver off his wrist (that was not for sale, still own it) which led to this one... Nonius seems to have come into its own with the Longines

Mostel

Mar 17, 2021

I am so bad about pics. It is certainly an economical way to own this crazy-beautiful, legendary movement

Dr No

Mar 18, 2021

. . . from my place, one in slightly better condition than the other, both in the high $3K range. I thought long and hard about them, but passed, much to my regret. That was my last chance at owning a 30CH. They've gone thru the roof since. Art

Longines Nonius Chronograph Vintage Variations

Key Points from the Discussion

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