During the late 1960s and early 1970s, watchmakers were engaged in a technological race to improve the accuracy of mechanical wristwatches. One of the most important approaches was the development of high-frequency movements - balances that oscillated faster than traditional calibers in order to deliver improved stability and precision.

Longines was one of the companies at the forefront of this effort. Models marked “HF” (High Frequency) represented the brand’s participation in this accuracy movement. By increasing the balance rate to 28,800 beats per hour, these watches ran faster than many traditional mechanical movements of the era, helping them maintain more consistent timekeeping.

Longines ran ad campaign's for their high-freqency watches with the slogan "A New Standard of Time: Guaranteed Accurate to a Minute a Month." In a world before quartz technology, this was an audacious claim. Ultra-Chron watches were the first widely-produced watches to guarantee this accuracy. And it was proved true, even in "real world" testing conditions.

Few names in watchmaking are as closely intertwined with Olympic history as Longines. For generations, the brand stood at the forefront of precision timekeeping in the world’s greatest athletic arenas. This Longines Admiral HF Olympic Edition is a direct reflection of that legacy - an elegant and historically meaningful model commemorating the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

We are pleased to offer this all-original Admiral HF. Its has a wonderful retro designed case and classic dial. The dial's subtle linen texturing add a touch of elegance and the crisp “Admiral HF” signature that highlights its technical pedigree.

This Longines Admiral HF beautifully captures that moment in horological history. Inside beats the Longines Caliber 6942 manual wind movement designed to take advantage of this faster 28,800 beat rate, much faster than the traditional 18,000 beats per hour of most watches.

The look of the watch reflects the clean, confident design language of the early 1970s. Its softly tonneau-shaped stainless steel case measures approximately 37mm across with a 40mm lug-to-lug length - slightly larger than a Datejust, giving it wrist presence for the period while remaining comfortably wearable today.

Adding another layer of historical interest, the screw-back case is engraved with the Olympic rings and the inscription “XX Olympiad Munich 1972.” Longines served as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games along with the Games’ distinctive sunburst emblem. It is a subtle yet powerful reminder of Longines’ role as Official Timing Partner - an era when mechanical precision and international sport were united on the global stage - an appropriate connection for a watch whose very purpose was improved accuracy.

The result is a watch that combines two compelling narratives from the era: the pursuit of mechanical precision through high-frequency technology and Longines’ longstanding involvement in international sports timing.

It has all of its original parts and is a prime example. Its case has never been polished - it is in excellent condition with only very light wear - a light polishing could make it present as very close to mint.

Its untouched original dial is mint even under magnification.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new Longines in our testing recording position.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new high-quality cordovan leather style strap and an aftermarket Longines buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Longines
Country of origin: Switzerland
Case no.: 16,347,494
Movement no.: 51,108,479
Year built: c. 1971 - 1972
Model: Admiral HF Olympic Edition, ref. 2301
Designed for: Men
Function: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (outside): Caseback engraved Olympic Games Munich 1972, case no. 16347494
Case condition: Its case has never been polished - it is in excellent condition with only very light wear - a light polishing could make it present as very close to mint.
Dimensions: 37mm wide (excluding crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
Hands: Original, steel, luminous and black inserts
Movement type: Longines Caliber 6942, manual wind, 17 jewels, high-grade, 28,800 fast beat balance system for greater accuracy, rhodium plated, shock resistant
Jewels: 17 rubies
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new Longines in our testing recording position.
Timed: Timed to precision on a computerized system. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new Longines in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide