When it comes to luxury watchmaking, few brands can match the heritage, precision, and elegance of Longines. Founded in 1832, Longines has been at the forefront of horological innovation, producing some of the world’s most iconic timepieces. From aviation and sports timing to classic dress watches, Longines has left an indelible mark on watchmaking history.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the rich history of Longines, exploring its origins, key milestones, and the legendary watches that have defined the brand. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious about luxury timepieces, this journey through Longines’ past will give you a deeper appreciation for this legendary Swiss brand.
The Early Years: 1832 – The Birth of Longines
Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in the small Swiss town of Saint-Imier. Initially, the company operated under the name “Raiguel Jeune & Cie.”, but Agassiz soon took full control and renamed it “Agassiz & Compagnie.”
At this time, watchmaking was still a handcrafted, artisanal process. Longines (then Agassiz & Compagnie) specialized in pocket watches, which were the dominant style of the era. The company quickly gained a reputation for precision and reliability, thanks to Agassiz’s commitment to quality.
1867: The Longines Name is Born
In 1867, Agassiz’s nephew, Ernest Francillon, took over the company and revolutionized its production. He established the first Longines factory in Les Longines (“the long meadows”), which inspired the brand’s name.
Francillon introduced industrialized watchmaking, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. This allowed Longines to produce higher quantities without sacrificing quality.
The First Longines Movement: The 20A
In 1867, Longines introduced its first in-house movement, the Caliber 20A. This pendulum-windingpocket watch won an award at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, marking the beginning of Longines’ legacy in precision timekeeping.
The Golden Age: Longines in the 20th Century
The 20th century was a period of rapid innovation and global expansion for Longines. The brand became synonymous with aviation, sports timing, and elegant dress watches.
1912: Pioneering Sports Timing
Longines made history in 1912 by introducing automatic timing for sports events at the Federal Gymnastics Festival in Basel. This was the first time a brand used electrical timing for sports, setting the stage for Longines’ future in chronographs and precision timing.
1927: Longines and Aviation – The Lindbergh Connection
One of Longines’ most iconic moments came in 1927, when Charles Lindbergh made the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. Longines served as the official timekeeper for this historic journey.
Later, Lindbergh collaborated with Longines to create the “Hour Angle” watch (1931), designed specifically for aviation navigation. This watch allowed pilots to calculate their longitude and latitudeusing the time and the stars—a groundbreaking innovation.
1930s – 1950s: The Rise of Elegance
During this era, Longines became known for its slim, elegant dress watches. The brand introduced several legendary models, including:
- The Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch (1930s) – Designed for precise navigation.
- The Longines Flagship (1957) – A classic dress watch that remains popular today.
- The Conquest (1954) – One of the first automatic watches with a chronometer-certified movement.
1954: The Introduction of the Ultra-Chron
In 1954, Longines launched the Ultra-Chron, one of the first high-frequency (36,000 vph) automatic watches. This innovation improved accuracy, making it a favorite among professionals and watch enthusiasts.
Longines in the Modern Era: 1980s – Today
The quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s affected many Swiss watchmakers, but Longines adapted by focusing on its heritage and mechanical watchmaking.
1982: The Longines DolceVita
The DolceVita collection, introduced in 1982, became a symbol of elegance and sophistication. With its rectangular case and minimalist design, it remains one of Longines’ most stylish lines.
2005: The Longines Master Collection
The Master Collection revived Longines’ tradition of fine mechanical watchmaking. These watches feature moon phases, chronographs, and retrograde displays, blending classic aesthetics with modern technology.
2007: The Longines HydroConquest
As demand for luxury sports watches grew, Longines introduced the HydroConquest, a robust dive watch with water resistance up to 300 meters. Prices for this model start at around $1,200 USD, making it an excellent entry-level luxury dive watch.
2017: The Longines Avigation BigEye
A tribute to its aviation heritage, the Avigation BigEye is a pilot’s chronograph with a vintage-inspired design. Priced at $2,700 – $3,500 USD, it’s a favorite among collectors.
2020s: The Spirit Collection
The Spirit Collection (2020) combines heritage and modernity, featuring aviator-style watches with COSC-certified movements. Prices range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD, offering excellent value for a Swiss-made chronometer.
Why Longines Remains a Top Luxury Brand
Longines has maintained its prestige by:
✅ Balancing heritage with innovation – Staying true to its roots while embracing new technology.
✅ Offering exceptional value – High-quality Swiss watches at accessible prices (many under $3,000 USD).
✅ Excelling in sports timing – Official timekeeper for events like horse racing, gymnastics, and tennis.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Elegance and Precision
From its humble beginnings in 1832 to its status as a global luxury watch brand, Longines has consistently delivered precision, elegance, and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to its aviation history, sports chronographs, or classic dress watches, Longines offers something for every watch lover.
If you’re considering a luxury Swiss watch that combines history, craftsmanship, and affordability, Longines is an outstanding choice.
