Dolce Vita
Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland since 1832, Longines watchmakers enjoy an expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as the official partner and timekeeper for world championships, Longines has created strong and long-lasting relationships in the world of sports over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd., the world’s leading watchmaker.
In its early days, the firm was run by Auguste Agassiz and was a “comptoir” or trading office like many others in the area. The watches were produced under the “établissage” system, whereby watchmakers worked at home. In 1867, Ernest Francillon, Agassiz’s nephew and successor decided to abandon this production method and he brought together the different stages that go toward making a watch under one roof. The Longines factory was born. From then on, the factory in Saint-Imier steadily developed and produced many horological creations that gained international
recognition. Longines was rewarded by various prizes, which gradually gave the company its reputation of winning the most awards in international and world exhibition up until the 1929 exhibition in Barcelona, by which time Longines had won no fewer than 10 Grand Prix. In 1889, Francillon patented a trademark comprising the name Longines and its now famous winged hourglass. Today, Longines is proud to continue its tradition by creating products based on values that it has adhered to throughout the history.