At Baselworld 2015, Longines has expanded its line of vintage-styled timekeepers. Besides the gorgeous 2012 Tachymeter and Telemeter models, the brand will also soon start selling their new Longines Pulsometer Chronograph (ref. L2.801.4.23.2).
Overall Impression
The Pulsometer Chronograph looks suspiciously close to the 1998 limited-edition Ulysse Nardin Monopulsant (ref. 386-22) and the Omega Museum (ref. 516.53.39.50.09.001) save for gold alloys of the more expensive models replaced with cheaper stainless steel. Yet, this is not a rip-off, but actually a respectful tribute to a model that was manufactured by Longines back in the 1920s.
Mechanism
The Pulsometer features the self-winding Caliber L788.2 with hacking seconds for more accurate time adjustment and an advanced anti-shock device.
Being in fact a version of the ETA caliber A08.L11 that was built to Longines’ higher quality standards, it is the same movement that also animated their earlier Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph 180th Anniversary that went on sale three years ago.
The caliber features a so-called “monopusher” design that allows you to control the chronograph function with a single push-piece, just like that trusty stopwatch your coach used back at school.
The good old ETA Valjoux 7750 sports a “cam and lever” design that is both more robust in the long run and easier to manufacture in greater quantities. This caliber A08.L11, on the other hand, offers a column-wheel design with a vertical clutch that is not only more energy-efficient (the power reserve here is at least 54 hours: about ten to twelve hours more than you can get from a 7750,) but is also more pleasant to operate.
Dial
The L2.801.4.23.2 features the same layout dial as the aforementioned 180th Anniversary model but adds a nicely executed pulsometer scale to the list of available functions.
Unlike the aforementioned tachymeters and telemeters, the complication is surprisingly usable: if you happen to have older parents or yourself suffer from a heart condition, knowing your pulse may be of vital importance.
Of course, the same can be done without a special device (I usually just count heartbeats for fifteen seconds and simply multiply the number by four). However, as most of us know when something bad happens to your loved one, some arithmetical operations that you usually do in your head in split seconds, become almost impossible just because of all the stress you experience at the moment.
As the inscription in French explains, to use the function, you need to start the chronograph and, after you have counted 30 beats of your patient’s heart, stop it (doing that would be easy thanks to the ‘monopusher’ design where you control the chronograph using just one push-piece which is, in this example, is integrated into the setting crown).
The central chronograph hand will show his or her pulse on the logarithmic scale. Painted in bright red, the telemeter scale is clearly visible, although the numbers closer to its end may be a bit more difficult to discern for those with poor eyesight.
Well, it isn’t bad, but I know several timekeepers that are better in this respect.
Conclusion
If I had to choose between this model and the three other pulsometers that I had reviewed during the last couple of years, it would sit comfortably between the 2013 Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service, an almost unreadable scale with tiny red numerals makes the function hard to use) and Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph by Minerva (with the latter being its major competitor because it, too, is styled to look “vintage” and features better font face for the numerals).
However, the best in this regard would be the 2011 Alpina Startimer Classic Chrono-Automatic which uses a large sans-serif font for the pulsometer scale with its black numerals looking contrast over its silvered dial.
On the other hand, the models made by Oris and Montblanc are a bit more ergonomic, since, too, being monopushers, they have their push-pieces placed at 2 hours and are easier to operate with your index finger. On yet another hand, if you don’t plan to actually measure someone’s pulse and simply would like to get yourself a nice vintage-styled timekeeper, this looks like a nice choice.
First, its case is unusually compact. Measuring just 40 millimeters in diameter and not terribly thick, it may be a bit larger than your ultimate dress watch, but it still looks great with formal attire even if you happen to have a thin wrist. Also, the monopusher design greatly increases overall ergonomics, while the choice of “standard” lugs makes replacing the original strap with something different a lot easier or, at least, less frustrating.
The second factor is, of course, the caliber. The ETA A08.261 has a reputation of a reliable, robust movement. It may not be as fancy as some in-house jobs by major brands, but it also won’t become a source of headaches like some new-fangled calibers, like, say, the relatively new Caliber B01 by Breitling with all the mechanical problems reported by actual owners on different forums.
You must also understand one thing. Buying a watch in this price range (it will be close in terms of pricing to the 2012 Longines Avigation Type A-7 that currently retails for below €4000), what you want is a workhorse: a movement that will work for years requiring only minimal attention like, say, changing oil at recommended intervals, scheduled regulation, and this sort of things.
And the third thing is, well, it is Longines. Although the brand seems a bit overpriced to me, they still design and make accessories that are stylish, elegant, and, again, reliable. I guess I just can’t recommend this piece enough.
See also: Omega Number 9 Milestone 1941 Museum Collection
Photos: Longines
WWR verdict
Originality 4/5
Build quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4.5/5
Longines Pulsometer Chronograph Automatic (ref. L2.801.4.23.2) specification
Price: $4000 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber L788.2 (base ETA A08.261), Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 27
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 54 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph, pulsometer
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Case size: 40.00 mm
Dial: Lacquered White
Numerals: Arabic, black, Breguet type
Hour markers: Black
Hands: Breguet, blued steel
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Brown alligator leather strap with contrast stitching, small steel buckle
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Sapphire