LONGINES FLAGSHIP MANUAL WIND, VINTAGE 60s

The origins of Longines Auguste Agassiz established a modest watchmaking workshop with two collaborators in Saint-Imier (Switzerland) in 1832. Operating under the name Agassiz & Compagnie, they specialized in the creation of pocket watches, gaining recognition for their accuracy and refined craftsmanship in the demanding Swiss market. The emergence of the Longines identity In 1867, the company made a transformative leap by opening its first manufacturing facility, named Les Longines (translated from French as “the extensive pastures”), the origin of its current name. That same year, it presented its first in-house movement, the 20A, distinguished with an award at the Paris International Exhibition. Subsequently, the brand began patenting its innovations, and in 1889 adopted its iconic winged hourglass logo, becoming the watchmaker with the oldest still valid registered emblem. Chronometric precision and historical connections From its beginnings, Longines positioned itself as a leader in sports timekeeping and aviation. In 1912, it innovated by implementing electromechanical systems to record results in competitions, a revolutionary advancement for the time. It collaborated closely with explorers and pilots, designing timekeeping instruments for air navigation. A notable example is the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle, developed in 1931 with aviator Charles Lindbergh after his solo transatlantic feat. Innovative legacy and emblematic series During the 20th century, Longines solidified its prestige with pieces that merged sophistication, precision, and durability. Among its most recognized lines are: – Longines Master Collection: Epitomizes high watchmaking with automatic movements and artisanal details. – Longines HydroConquest: Designed for diving enthusiasts, offering resistance to extreme depths. – Longines Heritage: Revives classic archive designs, modernized with contemporary technology. Longines in the current panorama Today, Longines remains an icon of Swiss watchmaking, balancing historical heritage and technical innovation. Its dedication to millimeter precision has made it the official timekeeper of global sporting events, from equestrian competitions to Olympic games. With nearly two centuries of history, Longines preserves its philosophy: to create watches that embody enduring elegance and mastery in time measurement.