Longines is not just any watchmaker, they are now one of the most respected and high-end companies in the business. But they didn’t start at the top. What is Longines’ journey, and how can we learn from it?
Longines, the esteemed Swiss watchmaker, was established in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and his brother Ernest Francillon. It is one of the oldest watchmaking companies in continuous operation since its founding. The company began as a family business producing pocket watches before it ventured into creating wristwatches in 1895. In 1907, Longines produced their first chronograph model with two push buttons on the side for stop and start functions. This innovative design set Longines apart from all other brands at that time, who only had single-button chronographs to measure short periods of time. Not long after that, Longines introduced numerous new innovations, including water resistance, anti-magnetism technology, and even designs made specifically for pilots during World War I, sparking international recognition for their quality products worldwide. The success continued throughout the decades following when it received various awards such as the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal) which certifies high levels of precision while adhering to strict regulations imposed by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
In 2014 they were named “Official Timekeeper” of FIFA World CupTM, symbolizing their position within today’s society as a world-renowned manufacturer synonymous with technical excellence and sophistication.
Here are some of Longines’ greatest models over the years:
- The Flagship Heritage collection from Longines pays homage to some of their greatest watches ever made. This collection includes re-editions such as the Avigation Watch Type A7 1935, inspired by an original design used during World War II for navigational purposes.
- There’s also the Record Collection which features high-precision quartz movements housed in spectacular gold or steel cases. It includes classic models such as the La Grande Classique de Longines and Conquest VHP GMT Perpetual Calendar – both equipped with advanced technology while maintaining timeless designs that appeal to modern audiences.
- Also worth mentioning is The DolceVita Collection featuring sleek rectangular-shaped watches in vibrant colors like pink or blue – perfect for any woman looking for something fashionable yet sophisticated at the same time.
Longines’ was not only one of the first watchmakers to advance their technology rapidly into modern expectations, but they are still at the top of this mountain today. Here’s more on their latest release: The Longines Heritage Collection. This beautiful range of watches combines the classic elegance and precision that has been synonymous with Longines since its inception in 1832. Each watch is designed to reflect a certain milestone or moment from the brand’s long history. The Heritage Chronograph Tachymeter is one such example, drawing inspiration from timepieces made for the British Royal Air Force during World War II. It features an Airplane logo at 12 o’clock on its black dial and utilizes Super-LumiNova indexes to ensure perfect legibility no matter what lighting conditions you may find yourself in.
Longines, like any wildly successful company, has a long and interesting history. And while we can always say more, write more, and learn more, it’s important to know that it is a company that takes a great deal of pride in that history. When you buy a Longines, you’re purchasing a piece of history.
