This 70's Longines 8229-1 is a rare vintage diver chronograph with a striking design.
The combination of an unusual cushion case and orange bakelite bezel create a distinctive look. A domed acrylic crystal protects the black dial with three sub-registers and a white outer ring with minute markers. The chronograph features a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour totalizer. This Longines is powered by a prestigious movement: the coveted Valjoux 72 caliber, modified by Longines and renamed to 330.
Due to the rarity of this Longines reference, the search can become a tough challenge, especially if you are looking for a well-preserved specimen.
Condition report
Dial: black dial with original tritium lume in hands and hour markers, authentic even patina, the black surface is very well preserved, all scratches visible in the pictures are on the crystal and not on the dial, signed with "T SWISS MADE T".
Case: Cushion case with natural signs of wear, a visible scratch on the lug at 5 o'clock.
Bezel: orange bakelite bezel, rotatable in one direction, except for the small dent at 45 minutes the bezel is in perfect condition.
Movement: Longines manual-wound caliber 330 (Valjoux 72) runs precisely and reliably, timegrapher +/-2 s/d.
Summing-up
This Longines is one of the watches that are worn often and receive a lot of attention on the wrist. The vintage chronograph offers a coveted and reliable movement and is very rare, mainly due to its great condition.
Serial number: 15889272
Int.Exe.: 12418