LONGINES QUARTZ GOLD 20 MICRONS, VINTAGE 70s

Longines: Tradition and Precision since 1832

Longines traces its origins to Saint-Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, when Auguste Agassiz founded a small watchmaking workshop with two colleagues. Initially operating as Agassiz & Compagnie, the company specialized in pocket watches, gaining recognition for its chronometric accuracy and exceptional craftsmanship, qualities that soon set it apart in the competitive Swiss market.

Birth of the Longines identity
In 1867, under the leadership of Ernest Francillon (nephew of Agassiz), the company established its first integrated factory in the area known as Les Longines (“the vast meadows”). That same year, it introduced the caliber 20A, its first in-house movement, which was awarded the gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition. This advancement allowed Longines to vertically control its production, solidifying its reputation as a Swiss high-watchmaking firm.

Global Expansion and Technological Milestones
The brand cemented its international prestige through key innovations:

• 1889: Registered the winged hourglass emblem, becoming the oldest active registered watch brand logo.

• 1912: Revolutionized sports timekeeping by implementing electromechanical timing systems in Basel, becoming the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1924.

• 1931: Developed the flyback chronograph for aviator Charles Lindbergh, optimized for aeronautical calculations.

Technical Evolution and Iconic Collections
Longines merged technical precision with refined design throughout its history:

• 1927: Created the first antimagnetic watch (caliber 21.59) for scientific environments.

• 1954: Launched the Conquest, its first water-resistant model with chronometer certification.

• 2005: Introduced the HydroConquest, a professional diver with 300 meters of water resistance, and relaunched the Master Collection with complications like moon phases and GMT.

• 2017: Presented the caliber L888 (72h power reserve), used in lines such as Spirit and Flagship Heritage.

Contemporary Legacy
Currently, Longines maintains its manufacture in Saint-Imier, producing over 1.5 million units annually. Its commitment to sports endures as the official timekeeper of the International Equestrian Federation, Roland Garros, and Olympic events. Collections like DolceVita (Art Deco design) and Legend Diver (1960 diving reissue) embody 190 years of Swiss craftsmanship, balancing innovation with timeless elegance.

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