Longines Regatta Diver '1969 Chrono 8224-3 Valjoux 72

We are presenting you here a fine well preserved Longines Regatta Diver 1969 Chronograph 

Ref 8224-3 

Case: Stainless Steel, Diameter 44 mm

Dial: Well preserved Black Dial, T Swiss Made T

Movement: Automatic, Valjoux 72

Year: ca 1969'

Comes on a new vintage style nato bracelet

The Longines Regatta Diver 1969 Chrono 8224-3 is a rare and highly sought-after vintage chronograph, powered by the Valjoux 72 movement, one of the most iconic manually wound chronograph calibers in watchmaking history.

The Longines Regatta Diver 1969 Chrono 8224-3 holds a unique position in the history of diving watches, combining the functionality of a chronograph with features tailored for yachting and regatta timing. While it may not be as famous as the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster, its design and use of the Valjoux 72 movement make it a highly significant and collectible piece.

By the 1960s, the demand for professional-grade diving watches had grown significantly. Brands like Rolex, Omega, Blancpain, and Longines were competing to create highly water-resistant and functional watches for divers, professional and amateur alike.

Longines had already established itself as a pioneer in water-resistant watches, producing some of the earliest waterproof wristwatches in the 1930s and introducing dive-focused models in the 1950s. Watches like the Longines Skin Diver (Ref. 6921) showcased the brand’s dedication to underwater exploration.

However, the Longines Regatta Diver 8224-3 from 1969 took a different approach. Rather than solely focusing on scuba diving, it was designed for sailors and regatta racers, incorporating a countdown function for timing the start of yacht races while still maintaining the water resistance needed for marine environments.

One of the standout features of the 8224-3 is its Valjoux 72 movement, regarded as one of the greatest manually-wound chronograph calibers in watchmaking history. Found in legendary watches like the Rolex Daytona, Heuer Carrera, and Universal Genève Compax, the Valjoux 72 ensured high precision and reliability, making the Longines Regatta Diver a serious tool for professionals.

While most dive watches relied on simple rotating bezels for elapsed time tracking, the Longines Regatta Diver featured a chronograph complication, making it one of the few true regatta/diving hybrid watches of its era. The inner rotating countdown bezel added an extra layer of functionality, allowing for precise timing in competitive sailing.