Ardath Super Long Distance Dual-Movement Automatic Watch — Reference 14311-2
Overview
This is an original Ardath Super Long Distance dual-movement automatic watch from the 1970s, a rare example of Swiss horological innovation in dual-timezone wristwatches. The model features two independent automatic movements housed in a single elongated case, each driving its own dial—an engineering solution for travelers requiring simultaneous local and home time display. The reference 14311-2 was part of Ardath‘s late-1960s to early-1970s production, following the 1968 introduction of the Super Long Distance series, which evolved from the 1962 Long Distance model (the first dual-movement watch with one automatic and one hand-wound caliber).
The watch is built around two ETA Cal. 2551 automatic movements, a robust 17-jewel caliber known for its reliability in mid-century Swiss watches. The case is a half-cuff design in rose-gold-plated stainless steel, measuring 30 mm (excluding crowns) by 56 mm, with acrylic crystals over both dials. The upper dial (local time) uses applied Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock with hour markers, while the lower dial (home time) features applied Roman numerals and hour markers. Both dials include a date aperture at 3:00. The watch is fitted with a period-correct plastic strap and pin buckle, typical of 1970s production.
Condition is functional but unserviced, with the watch currently keeping time. As with all vintage timepieces, a full service (cleaning, oiling, and timing adjustment) is recommended for long-term reliability. The case shows expected wear for a 50-year-old rose-gold-plated watch, and the acrylic crystals may exhibit minor scratches consistent with age. No original box or papers are included.
Specifications
Reference number: 14311-2. Case dimensions: 30 mm width (excluding crowns) × 56 mm length × 12 mm approximate thickness (standard for half-cuff designs of this era). Case material: stainless steel with rose-gold plating. Case-back finish: brushed stainless steel, marked with engravings in six lines: SWISS MADE | AUTOMATIC | 17 JEWELS | INCABLOC | STAINLESS STEEL BACK | Super Long Distance | 14311-2.
Movements: Two ETA Cal. 2551 automatic calibers, each with 17 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, and hacking seconds. Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz). Power reserve: approximately 42 hours per movement when fully wound. Both movements feature bidirectional winding via central rotors and are independently adjustable via their respective crowns (positioned at 2:00 for the upper dial and 4:00 for the lower dial).
Dial: Upper dial (local time) in gold-toned finish with applied Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, applied hour markers, and dauphine-style hands. Lower dial (home time) in matching gold-toned finish with applied Roman numerals (II, IV, VI, VIII, X, XII), applied hour markers, and identical dauphine hands. Both dials include a date window at 3:00 with white-on-black date discs. Crystal: dual domed acrylic, typical of 1970s production.
Strap: Original-style plastic strap in black, measuring 18 mm lug width with a pin buckle in rose-gold-plated steel. The strap shows patina consistent with age but remains intact and wearable.
Notes
- The article is sold “AS IS”. Please read our Warranty Policy before purchasing.
- Any parts not explicitly mentioned in this description or not visible in the accompanying photographs are not included.
- Colors may appear slightly different across various screens and devices so we cannot guarantee an exact screen-to-reality color match.
This Ardath Super Long Distance is a collectible example of 1970s dual-timezone innovation, combining two ETA automatic movements in a distinctive half-cuff case design.
