The story of Longines and the equestrian world is one of unchanging passion and shared values. Elegance, performance, precision and the quest for exploits: an unwavering commitment that dates back the nineteenth century, only a few years after the inception of the company’s factory in the Swiss village of Saint-Imier. Today, this passion is more alive than ever, with the brand being involved in major equestrian events and institutions across the world.
Longines’ passion for the equestrian world dates back to 1869, when the brand crafted its first equestrian pocket watch found to date. Not long after, in 1878, Longines developed a famous chronograph movement, fitted in a case engraved with a jockey and his mount. Seen on the American racetracks since the late nineteenth century, this type of timepieces proved extremely popular among jockeys and horse-lovers, as it enabled its user to time performances to the second. Designed in the workshops of the factory of Saint-Imier, one of the world’s historic centres of watchmaking, these first creations were the founding act of Longines’ involvement in the equestrian world.
The name of Longines thus very quickly became associated with sports timekeeping. While the brand was constantly pushing the boundaries of precision, its involvement in the equestrian world progressively intensified. In 1912, a new step was taken when Longines concluded its first official partnership with a show jumping event in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the discipline.
Throughout the years, countless equestrian competitions have enjoyed the qualities and reliability of the chronograph calibres and automated instruments that Longines has developed to time sports performances. As a result of its legitimacy and expertise, Longines’ involvement in equestrian sports today includes flat racing, show jumping, endurance, dressage, driving and eventing disciplines.
As part of its engagement with the equestrian world, the brand also supports major equestrian institutions, such as the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), as well as the International Federation of Gentlemen and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI).
In the Middle East region as well, Longines has been a long-standing partner to the Dubai World Cup, which is one of the most anticipated events of the horse racing season. The Dubai World Cup attracts some of the best thoroughbreds to compete and Longines has always been proud to associate with the event as the ‘Official Partner and Timekeeper.’
Longines is distributed by the Rivoli Group in the UAE
