Longines Olympic Rattrapante: 1/10th Second Precision

Rare Vintage Longines Olympic Split-Seconds Stopwatch – Ref. 6592

A rare opportunity to own a piece of Olympic timing history. This vintage Longines Ref. 6592 is a professional-grade split-seconds (rattrapante) chronograph, designed for the high-stakes environment of international sports timing. It features the legendary Calibre 262 movement, a high-beat manual-wind engine renowned for its extreme accuracy. The watch is housed in its original, protective leather-clad “cockpit” case, which allowed officials to hang the device around their neck for hands-free utility. The dial is exceptionally legible, featuring a central 60-second counter, a split-seconds hand for timing multiple competitors, and a 30-minute recorder at 12 o’clock. A true masterpiece of 20th-century analog precision.

• Overview: A rare, oversized (66mm) professional split-seconds chronograph designed for the highest level of international competition.
• Technical Highlights:
  • Movement: Legendary Calibre 262 manual-wind, high-beat (36,000 BPH).
  • Functions: Split-seconds (rattrapante) for timing two events simultaneously, 30-minute totalizer, and constant seconds.
  • Vernier Scale: Features a specialized yellow vernier/nonius scale on the chronograph hand for a hyper-accurate 1/10th second readout.
• Presentation: Encased in a custom Longines-branded leather holder with a neck strap, as used by track-side officials.

• The Narrative: Before the age of digital timing, the world relied on the mechanical heartbeat of the Longines Calibre 262. This was the instrument that timed Olympic champions and land-speed record attempts alike.
• Visual Design: The silvered dial is a masterclass in functional design, featuring bold Arabic numerals and striking orange and blued steel hands for instant legibility in high-stakes environments.
• Investment Grade: With only approximately 600 pieces originally produced for major events like the 1968 Olympics, this “Olympic” reference is a blue-chip asset for serious horological collectors.

• Brand: Longines
• Reference: 6592
• Movement: In-house Calibre 262, 26 Jewels (High-Beat) 5Hz
• Case Material: Stainless Steel (Staybrite)
• Dimensions: ~66mm diameter; 25mm thickness
• Special Feature: Integrated 1/10th second vernier scale (Used by official timekeepers during the 1960s and 70s Olympic Games.)

Condition Report

Outter Case : Good condition for its age in kind of leather type material. Open by pulling the long pin locating on the top right hand side of the leather case.

Case : Steel case is in good condition for its age with light scratches from usage over decades.

Dial : Silver tone dial in good condition with some aging marks.

Hands : original and good condition without dis-colouring. The key point is the orange | yellow (1/10) split seconds chronograph function.

Movement : running strong and in very clean and functional condition.

Remarks

This is a very rare Longines Olympic pocket chronograph used for Olympic games. It is not something that you will find easily in secondary market in such condition and it comes with a certificate issued by Longines to show the authentication of this piece. This piece has been a personally collection and has been with me for the last 30 years.