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

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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.

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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.

The Discussion

nilomis

Mar 28, 2013

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

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.

Tony C.

Mar 28, 2013

those red bezels are so attractive, and also seen on the sister Wittnauers as well. Cheers, Tony C.

foversta

Mar 28, 2013

Even if it is not in the context of the Diver Chronograph that I prefer the 30CH. Fx

G99

Mar 28, 2013

i wonder if they will ever recover the status they had in the 50's and 60's? will they ever make another in house calibre or will they stick with ETA, Valjoux and Valgrange? if Omega can do it and rise again from the doldrums of ETA to making excellent in house calibres then why not Longines? i would be very happy to own this watch because of its history, quality and looks. best G

amanico

Mar 28, 2013

Group. There are other brands which reperesent the horological side of this Group. This is not fair, in my opinion, as Longines had such a prestigious past! Best, my FQ friend. Nicolas

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