Longines Watches

Longines Watches Introduction and History

Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines is one of the oldest and most famous luxury watch brands in the world. Longines has an incredible history of horological innovation, which continues to this day. The brand has extensive experience in manufacturing chronographs, having made its first in-house chronograph in 1878. Aviator watches are a strength of the brand as well. In 1931, Longines collaborated with Charles Lindbergh on the famous Hour Angle watch, which is still popular with pilots to this day. 

Longines is also famous for its logo, the winged hourglass. This logo is the oldest trademark still in use in its original form, registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization. Today, Longines is part of the Swatch Group and manufactures a wide range of stylish and dependable watches to suit any wrist.

Longines Equestrian Collection

Longines has a long history of support of equestrian sports. In 1878, Longines introduced a very special pocket watch that is now displayed at their museum in Saint-Imier. This pocket watch featured an engraving of a horse and jockey and signaled what would be the start of many more equestrian watches. In 1912, Longines was named the official timekeeper of a famous show jumping event in Portugal. And in 2013, Longines signed a partnership deal with the International Equestrian Foundation, further showcasing their commitment to equestrian sports. 

Today, Longines continues this association with their Equestrian collection. This collection of watches is inspired from by shapes that we often see at the racetrack, including stirrups and horseshoes.

Longines Record Collection

Only 3% of the annual production of watches in Switzerland are officially certified chronometers. A chronometer is a particularly precise watch, designed to keep accurate time in even the most extreme environments. The Longines Record collection is the first collection of watches from the brand that are entirely chronometer certified. This is made possible in part by the use of a very high-tech part in its mechanical movement: a silicon hairspring. If you are looking for a watch that is among the most precise in the world, take a look at the Longines Record collection.

Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle

In 1927, an American aviator set out to complete a flight that had never been done before. Charles Lindbergh flew nonstop across the North Atlantic Ocean by himself. This momentous achievement led to instant fame for Lindbergh and signaled a turning point in aviation. 

Lindbergh completed his flight using the navigation technique known as “dead reckoning,” but he knew that this method was unreliable for the future. With no landmarks to reference in the middle of the ocean, a huge element of luck was necessary to complete a flight like this. Lindbergh began collaborating with Longines to develop a new type of aviator’s watch, which could accurately calculate a flight’s position. This watch is known as the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle and is now one of the most historically important aviator tool watches available. 

Longines Admiral Sport Collection

In the 1950s and 1960s, ultra-thin watches were very popular. These watches worked well with the style of the time, as they were able to fit smoothly under the cuff of a dress shirt and blend in with a nicely tailored suit. 

Manufacturing watches this thin was no easy feat, but Longines mastered the technique. In 1958, the Longines Admiral was introduced and quickly became a brand favorite. Today, Longines has modernized the Admiral and created an entire collection around the concept. The Longines Admiral Sport collection is the perfect watch for those looking for a thin alternative to oversized watches.

Longines Conquest Classic

The Longines Conquest Classic is a modern classic in the category of luxury sports watches. This sleek and sturdy watch reflects the history of support that Longines has given to scientific expeditions around the world. 

In 1899, Longines collaborated with the Arctic expedition led by Prince Luigi Amedeo. And later, in 1947, Longines had a partnership with the famous French Polar Expeditions, for which it created customized prototype wristwatches. These prototypes inspired the 1954 Longines Conquest, which was the first watch by Longines to bear the name Conquest. Today, the Longines Conquest Classic is an entire collection of luxury sports watches, sure to suit the taste of anyone.

Longines Watches Pricing and Availability

Longines watches are incredibly popular today, and there are styles available on the preowned market to suit every taste. Buyers will find a wide selection of vintage and modern examples in a range of prices. Longines watches represent an incredible amount of value with the horological history to back it up.