Born in the heart of the Quartz Revolution of the 1970s, the Longines Ref. 8484-4 stands as a fascinating witness to one of the most transformative chapters in watchmaking history. During the so-called Quartz War, Swiss manufactures faced the rise of electronic precision, and Longines responded with bold innovation. At its core beats the Bulova-derived Caliber 6312 tuning fork movement, a remarkable electro-mechanical caliber that uses a vibrating diapason to regulate time — a groundbreaking technology bridging the gap between mechanical tradition and quartz accuracy.
This particular example, serial 52.xxx.xxx, is a rare and charismatic Longines diver, immediately recognizable for its unmistakable 1970s aesthetic. The matte black dial forms a striking contrast with the vivid orange hour hand and the distinctive bakelite orange bezel, whose glossy depth and translucence lend the watch its unmistakable vintage charm. The Tritium lume on the indexes and hands has aged gracefully, offering warm patina and excellent legibility.
Fitted with an exceptionally rare Swiss blue Tropic strap (22mm), this piece perfectly embodies the adventurous spirit of the era — a seamless fusion of design, experimentation, and innovation. Robust, precise, and visually captivating, the Longines 8484-4 remains a bold testament to the time when tradition met technology beneath the surface of the sea.