Longines Watch Co.: Swiss Heritage of Precision and Elegance Since 1832

Longines is a prestigious Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Known for its rich tradition of innovation, elegance, and sports timekeeping, Longines combines heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Key Highlights

Founded: 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland by Auguste Agassiz, initially under the partnership Raiguel Jeune & Cie.

Name Origin: The name Longines derives from Les Longines, meaning “long meadows,” the area near the first factory site established in 1867 by Ernest Francillon, Agassiz’s nephew and successor.

Industrial Innovation: Francillon shifted production from the traditional établissage system, bringing all watchmaking stages under one roof, pioneering mass production in Swiss watchmaking.

Trademark: Longines’ winged hourglass logo, patented in 1889, is the oldest registered trademark still in use for a watch brand worldwide.

Horological Firsts:

Developed the first chronograph in 1878.

Created the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch in 1931 in collaboration with aviator Charles Lindbergh, aiding transatlantic navigation.

Introduced ultra-thin watches and advanced timing technology.

Sports Timekeeping: Longines became a leading sports timekeeper, offering chronographs and timing equipment for horse racing, gymnastics, alpine skiing, equestrian events, and tennis (French Open).

Global Reach: The brand is recognized worldwide, selling watches in over 150 countries with a commitment to tradition, elegance, and performance.

Membership: Longines has been a member of the Swatch Group since 1983, leveraging modern manufacturing prowess while preserving its historical legacy.

Legacy of Excellence: Longines has gained no fewer than 10 Grand Prix awards at world exhibitions by 1929 and maintains a comprehensive archive, recording every watch produced.

Why Longines Matters

Pioneering Swiss Watchmaking: Early adopter of factory-based production methods and modern manufacturing efficiencies.

Innovative Timekeeping: Instrumental in sports timing and aviation history, combining precision with elegant design.

Iconic Trademark: The winged hourglass logo is a symbol of longevity and brand consistency.

Legacy and Modernity: Easily bridging tradition with contemporary styling and technical innovation to remain a global luxury watch leader.

Longines epitomizes Swiss watchmaking excellence through almost two centuries of unwavering dedication to precision, elegance, and technical innovation.