LONGINES Admiral HF ref.2302-3 cal.6952 / 1970s High Beat, Zero-Reset

— Quiet form —

A solid case design that looks machined from a block of steel, very much of the 1970s.

The sunray hairline radiating from the centre survives crisply — an excellent condition.

The dial carries the same finish, and shows an expression in which light and shadow cross.

Pencil hands and slim indexes combine black printing with luminous paint, balancing usability against form.

"HF" stands for High Frequency: a high-precision movement beating ten times per second, keeping time quietly.

Longines' high-beat model, the HF, in a solid 1970s design. Fitted with the masterly Cal.6952, beating ten times per second. A rare zero-reset function, returning the seconds hand automatically to twelve and stopping there. A beautiful sunray dial with luminous indexes that have coloured handsomely. A sharp-edged slim case that wears superbly — a supreme dress piece.

— Traces of time —

The dial has changed colour only minimally and keeps its silky texture.

The hands are clear and clean; the indexes are unlifted and legibility is intact.

The luminous paint has turned beige, colouring the whole like a faint lamp.

— A calibre with the zero-reset function —

The movement is calibre 6952, made by Longines.

Its notable feature is a zero-reset function: pull the crown and the seconds hand advances to twelve and stops.

Unlike ordinary hacking, this is a highly practical design allowing the time to be set exactly against a time signal.

— A sound at the cuff —

The case is sharp and slim, and could hardly sit badly on the wrist.

A long minute track raises legibility, giving it the functional beauty of an instrument.

Seen at the cuff, it works across a wide range, from daily wear to formal occasions.