Founded in 1832, Longines has a history deeply intertwined with horological innovation and precision. From its origins as a modest Swiss watch workshop to becoming one of the world’s most iconic watchmakers, Longines has led the way in creating timepieces that blend functionality, elegance, and technical mastery. This article explores the brand’s remarkable journey and some of the groundbreaking milestones that have defined its legacy.
The Birth of Longines: A Vision of Excellence
In the summer of 1832, Auguste Agassiz established a small watchmaking workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, named Comptoir Raiguel Jeune & Cie. When Agassiz's partner left, the workshop was renamed Comptoir Agassiz & Cie, and it continued to grow, eventually becoming a prominent name in Swiss watchmaking. By 1862, Agassiz’s nephew, Ernest Francillon, took over the company and set it on a path toward even greater success. Francillon’s economic background allowed him to modernize the business, and in 1866, he acquired land in Les Longines, a move that would become a pivotal moment in the brand’s history.
Innovations That Shaped Horology
From the very beginning, Longines was committed to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. One of the company’s earliest innovations, the L20A caliber, was introduced at the 1867 exhibition, featuring a winding crown—a revolutionary development that eliminated the need for a key to wind the watch. This invention earned Longines a bronze medal at the Paris exhibition and marked the start of the brand’s reputation for innovative engineering.
With counterfeit watches becoming more common in the 19th century, Francillon began marking all Longines movements with a unique logo: the name "Longines" and a winged hourglass symbol. This emblem, still used today, became one of the earliest registered trademarks in Swiss watchmaking, officially filed in 1880.
Pioneering the Transition from Pocket to Wristwatches
For much of the 19th century, pocket watches dominated the market. Longines produced elegant and reliable pocket watches with intricate designs and robust mechanisms, which became popular among train engineers for their precision. However, the shift toward wristwatches in the early 20th century was a transformative moment for Longines and the watch industry as a whole.
Longines was one of the first brands to embrace this shift, launching its mass production of wristwatches around 1905. Although the popularity of wristwatches only surged in the 1920s and 30s, Longines had already prepared by transforming its production processes to accommodate the new demand. Wristwatches, initially favored by military personnel and drivers for their practicality, soon became a staple accessory, showcasing Longines’ foresight and adaptability.
The Weems and Lindbergh Models: Navigational Pioneers
Longines' reputation as a brand for adventurers and pioneers solidified in the 1930s with the development of two groundbreaking models: the Weems Second-Setting Watch and the Lindbergh Hour Angle. The Weems watch, designed for precise synchronization, was created in collaboration with U.S. Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems, enabling navigators to sync their timepieces with radio signals.
Following the success of the Weems, Longines worked with aviator Charles Lindbergh to create the Hour Angle watch, a timepiece that allowed pilots to calculate their exact longitude during flight. This watch became an essential tool for aviators and is still celebrated today as a symbol of innovation and exploration.
Chronographs for Precision Timing
Longines played a significant role in the development of chronographs, with its first chronograph movement produced in 1878. This simple yet powerful tool quickly became a favorite among equestrians for measuring race times accurately. In 1913, Longines introduced the 13.33Z, a single-button chronograph with precision down to one-fifth of a second, setting new standards in timing accuracy.
Throughout the 20th century, Longines chronographs were used to time prestigious sporting events, including the Olympic Games and significant expeditions. Their commitment to precision in timekeeping made Longines a trusted name in sports timing and chronometry.
The Quartz Crisis and Ultra-Thin Innovations
The 1960s and 70s brought new challenges and opportunities for the watch industry with the advent of quartz technology. Longines adapted by introducing the world’s thinnest quartz movements, a remarkable feat that underscored the brand's commitment to innovation even in the face of change. In 1984, Longines introduced high-precision quartz watches that were five to ten times more accurate than conventional quartz models of the time.
Expanding Designs and Artistic Expressions
Longines continuously pushed the boundaries of design, moving beyond traditional round watch cases to explore new shapes, including rectangular and oval designs. This shift not only provided more options for customers but also spurred a new era in watch aesthetics. With the introduction of diamonds and precious stones into their designs, Longines entered the luxury segment, creating stunning pieces that combined art with technical sophistication.
Marking Watches with the Longines Emblem
To combat counterfeiting, Francillon developed a distinctive emblem for Longines watches in 1874, featuring the winged hourglass and the brand's name. Over the years, this emblem evolved but always retained its core elements. Today, the winged hourglass remains an iconic part of Longines' identity, symbolizing quality, heritage, and authenticity.
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A Legacy of Excellence
Longines’ legacy is one of constant innovation and excellence. From their earliest models to their latest collections, each watch reflects the brand's dedication to quality, precision, and timeless design. With nearly 30 gold medals and numerous awards from international exhibitions, Longines has earned a prominent place in horology. Vintage Longines watches are highly sought after by collectors, valued for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and iconic status.
Conclusion
The journey of Longines is a testament to the brand's pioneering spirit and its relentless pursuit of innovation. From its first winding crown to high-precision chronographs and ultra-thin quartz watches, Longines has consistently set benchmarks in watchmaking. Today, Longines continues to blend tradition with modernity, creating timepieces that are as elegant as they are technically advanced. The legacy of Longines, marked by the winged hourglass, endures as a symbol of excellence and innovation in the world of horology.
FAQs
Q1. When was Longines founded?
A1. Longines was founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Swiss watch brands.
Q2. Who founded Longines?
A2. The company was founded by Auguste Agassiz as Comptoir Raiguel Jeune & Cie, later renamed Comptoir Agassiz & Cie.
Q3. What does the name “Longines” mean?
A3. The name comes from “Les Longines,” the land Ernest Francillon purchased in 1866 to build a centralized factory, marking a turning point in industrial Swiss watchmaking.
Q4. What is Longines’ logo and why is it important?
A4. The winged hourglass is Longines’ logo and is the oldest registered watch trademark still in use, officially registered in 1880 to combat counterfeiting.
Q5. What was Longines’ first major technical innovation?
A5. One of Longines’ earliest breakthroughs was the L20A caliber (1867), featuring a crown-winding system that eliminated the need for a separate key.
Q6. When did Longines begin producing wristwatches?
A6. Longines began mass-producing wristwatches around 1905, well ahead of the widespread adoption of wristwatches in the 1920s.
Q7. Why are Longines watches important in aviation history?
A7. Longines created iconic navigation watches such as the Weems Second-Setting Watch and the Lindbergh Hour Angle, which helped pilots calculate longitude during flight.
Q8. What role did Longines play in chronograph development?
A8. Longines produced its first chronograph in 1878 and later introduced the 13.33Z in 1913, one of the earliest wrist chronographs with push-button operation.
Q9. How did Longines respond to the quartz crisis?
A9. Longines embraced quartz innovation, producing some of the world’s thinnest quartz movements and high-precision quartz watches in the 1970s and 1980s.
Q10. Are vintage Longines watches collectible today?
A10. Yes. Vintage Longines watches are highly sought after due to their in-house movements, historical importance, elegant design, and strong craftsmanship.
Q11. What distinguishes Longines from other Swiss brands?
A11. Longines is known for its balance of technical innovation, understated elegance, strong aviation heritage, and long history of in-house movement production.
Q12. Does Longines still produce watches today?
A12. Yes. Longines remains an active Swiss manufacturer, blending heritage-inspired designs with modern watchmaking under the Swatch Group.
