Longines

Saint-Imier, Switzerland

Longines is one of the watch brands with an amazing history. Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, where they still reside today.

Over the years, Longines has played a pioneering role in many timekeeping technological breakthroughs, with a particularly strong presence in the field of sports, while constantly exhibiting its characteristic elegance across the globe.

Longines developed its first chronograph in 1878. It was quickly adopted by horse enthusiasts. In 1912, Longines helped shape the history of the sporting world by introducing the first timing mechanism automatically triggered by an electric wire. Since then, the brand has been designated as the official partner and timekeeper of international federations and prestigious sporting events throughout the world. Longines has also marked the history of aviation by timing, among other feats, the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic by Charles Lindbergh.

Longines is a prominent player in the fields of equestrian sports, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, alpine skiing, archery, and the Commonwealth Games.

Highlights

1832
August Agassiz and two partners founded the Swiss watchmaking company in 1932 in a town called Saint-Imier. The exact town where Longines is till located today.
1867
In this year, the Longines factory is inaugurated by Ernest Francillon. It is also the year in which Longines produces its first own movement, caliber 20A.
1878
The first Longines chronograph movement is introduced, the caliber 20H.
1888
Longines is now involved in producing high-precision movements. Their caliber 21.59 is the first to receive a chronometer certificate.
1900
In this year, Longines wins the Grand Prix at the Universal Exhibition in Paris with a pocketwatch (with caliber 21.59).
1913
Longines produces its first wristwatch movement, with a single-pusher. Caliber 13.33Z is born.
1931
Pilot Charles Lindbergh develops a watch based on the 1927 Weems, the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch. It helps aviators to calculate longitude.
1936
Longines develops the now highly sought-after caliber 13ZN chronograph movement.
1945
Longines develops its first self-winding movement (caliber 22A), suitable for large scale production.
1954
The Longines Conquest collection is introduced.
1957
The Longines Flagship collection is introduced.
1967
The Ultra-Chron movement, with a ticking speed of 36000vph is introduced.
1972
Together with Texas Instruments, Longines introduces its first LCD watch.
1977
Caliber L990 is introduced, a very thin self-winding movement (2.95mm).
1983
Longines becomes part of SMH (now Swatch Group).
1984
Longines introduces the 276 VHP movement. A very high precision quartz movement, used in their Conquest watches.
1992
Longines celebrates its 160th anniversary and opens their museum (in Saint-Imier).
2005
The Longines Master Collection is introduced.

Did you know?

Oldest Watch

Every year Longines holds a 'Oldest Longines Watch' contest in a different country?

Archives

Longines kept an archive of all watches since 1867?

Extract for free

You can request an Extract of the Archives of your watch free of charge?

Warranty

Longines provides a 5 years warranty on all watches equipped with an antimagnetic silicon balance-spring?
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