Business / Collectibles

Race To The Finish: Longines Celebrates 185 Years of Excellence in Horology

Longines celebrates 185 Years of horology excellence with an exhibition showcasing museum pieces as far back as 1878

Oct 19, 2017 | By Andrea Sim

The Longines Universe: Watches created for great performance

Longines has been the leader of fine craft in horology since 1832, and the Swiss-based luxury watch company is most renowned for its consistent state-of-the-art innovations and creating only complicated movements with astonishing finishes that will leave a long-lasting legacy for generations.

Since its first pocket-chronograph made a debut in 1878, Longines timepieces have struck a chord with many watch collectors who were intrinsically bonded to the world of sports. Following the succession of the earlier watch models, Longines further established itself as a timekeeper for sporting performances.

For many years, the watchmakers have worked hard to preserve the traditional craft of watchmaking and meticulously design only quality timepieces that will stand out, while respecting the boundless creativity to bring concepts to reality.

What’s revealing are exclusive watches expressing the innate characteristics of a top sportsman – those of fortitude, drive and masculinity – who has inevitably stood the test of time and mastered the art of thriving under pressure. Afterwards, the subsequent development process saw the birth of a myriad of Longines watch models dedicated either to professional timekeepers or amateur athletes.

This year, the end of season pays tribute to Longines’ 185th anniversary celebration with a special edition of Longines vintage watch exhibition, showcasing a wide range of museum pieces, dating back to 1832. The exhibition is ongoing from Oct 17-22, 2017, at The Marina Square Central Atrium, Singapore, highlighting the various vintage watches and timing devices, including a range of exceptional archive records, films, photographs and posters as well as the recent state-of-the-art models from Longines.

Longines’ first pocket-chronograph from 1878

Pictured here is a wrist-chronograph fitted with the famous Longines movement 13ZN from 1936, and recognised as one of world’s best, which can fetch auction prices of up to US$30K due to its provenance.

A stunning jewellery timepiece designed for ladies, with an emphasis on dainty elegance and aesthetic quality

Longines showcases diamonds and sapphires from the twentieth century, set on the bezel that frames the face. As the slogan says it all: ‘Elegance is an attitude’, this model emphasises on simplicity and perfection as well as inner beauty.

Longines 24-line calibre is made for time reading with accuracy

In 1939, Longines designed a 24-line calibre to track timing for sporting events. Incorporated within the bespoke design, this movement includes the latest technological features of the day to tell time quickly. Various versions of this calibre are personalised to meet high-level competitions across the different sports disciplines.

 

 


 
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