Longines: The History of a Pillar of Swiss Watchmaking
Longines: Journey to the Heart of a Watchmaking Icon
Founded in 1832 in the Swiss village of Saint-Imier, Longines has established itself as one of the great names in world watchmaking. A visionary from the very beginning, the company has successfully combined refined aesthetics with technical innovation, making precision its trademark. Throughout its history, Longines has continued to redefine watchmaking standards, becoming a symbol of elegance and reliability, prized by explorers and lovers of fine watches alike.
The First Advances of a Character Brand
From the 19th century, Longines began to stand out by introducing significant innovations. In 1867, the brand created its first in-house caliber, the 20A movement, for a pocket watch that won a medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. This first recognition on the international scene inaugurated a series of successes for Longines, whose timepieces would soon travel around the world.
Innovation in the Service of Aviation and Sport
Longines has been at the forefront of timekeeping instruments for aviation since the 1930s. The brand collaborated with Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems to develop a chronometer that allowed aviators to synchronize their watches with radio signals, thus facilitating navigation. This innovation attracted the attention of aviation pioneers and consolidated Longines' reputation in this field.
In the 1950s, Longines took a new step forward by introducing electronic chronographs used to time sporting events. Its electronic chronograph, used at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, paved the way for Longines' future collaborations with major sporting events, confirming the reliability of its instruments.
Longines at the Edge of Space
In the 1960s, Longines partnered with NASA, developing instruments for the Apollo missions. This space adventure highlighted the robustness of Longines watches, capable of withstanding extreme conditions. This partnership reinforced Longines' reputation for precision and durability, qualities appreciated by watch enthusiasts and adventurers of the time.
Design and Elegance through the Decades
Longines' commitment to timeless design is evident in collections that leave a lasting impression. By the 1950s, the Conquest line embodied unparalleled sporting elegance, while the Flagship, launched in 1957, became a model of refinement. In 1967, the brand innovated with the Ultra-Chron, a watch equipped with a high-frequency movement that ensured unprecedented precision for the time, attracting collectors of exceptional timepieces.
Iconic Figures and Iconic Watches
Longines has conquered legendary figures, such as aviator Amelia Earhart, who wore a Longines watch during her historic flights. Albert Einstein, another fan of the brand, is a testament to Longines' appeal to brilliant and avant-garde minds. Wearing a Longines watch means identifying with a prestigious heritage that spans the ages and has marked the great adventures of the 20th century.
Longines Vintage Watches: The Allure of Time
Today, vintage Longines models are prized by collectors for their exceptional quality and timeless design. Timepieces from the 1940s and 1950s, equipped with movements renowned for their reliability, continue to be sought after for their beauty and history. Each vintage Longines watch, preserved in its original condition, tells a part of the brand's watchmaking heritage and testifies to its technical expertise.
Longines Today: Tradition and Innovation Combined
Today, Longines perpetuates its legacy through iconic collections such as the Longines Master Collection, the Conquest Classic, and the HydroConquest. These collections embody the encounter between timeless elegance and modern precision, recalling the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation. More than 190 years after its creation, Longines continues to redefine watchmaking luxury, uniting tradition and modernity in each timepiece.
