Longines, a Swiss watch brand with over 190 years of history, has been synonymous with excellence in horology. Established in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and his partner Cesar Frédéric Buser, Longines has evolved into one of the most respected names in the industry. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has led to the creation of some truly remarkable timepieces.
Early beginnings
The journey began when Auguste Agassiz established a workshop for making pocket watches on Saint-Imier Street in St-Imier, Switzerland. He was joined by César Frédéric Buser soon after, who became an integral part of shaping Longines' future success. Over time, their passion for precision and attention to detail helped them create intricate mechanisms that would set new standards for watchmaking.
A legacy born from tradition
In 1866, Henri Vacheron founded another prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer – Vacheron Constantin – which later merged with Les Fils du Réveil (the sons of the alarm clock), founded by Charles-Armand Hüther and François Raspail Lévy-Léger in 1845. This union gave birth to Société des Montres Longines Francillon SA (SMFL) - today known as Longines Watch Group S.A., further solidifying its position as a prominent force within the world's luxury watch market.
Pioneering innovations
Throughout its history, Longines has consistently pushed boundaries through groundbreaking inventions that revolutionized watchmaking techniques and designs alike. In 1889 it introduced one-minute flying chronograph hands; this technology allowed pilots during World War I to easily read flight times without needing complicated calculations or separate stopwatches.
An enduring relationship with sports
Longines formed close ties with various international sports events early on; these relationships have continued ever since then while also fostering goodwill towards global communities worldwide through partnerships such as tennis grand slams like Wimbledon or equestrian disciplines like show jumping at major championships like CHIO Rotterdam.
5.Historic collaborations & limited editions
Over time, collaborating with other esteemed brands such as Hermès resulted in unique creations like La Grande Classique de Cartier or Cartier Santos Dumont watches showcasing exceptional craftsmanship combined between two long-established companies leading up an era defining style statement across generations!
6.The Future is Bright
Today under Swatch Group ownership since acquiring it back from Segula Technologies AG’s holding company ETA Holding AG back on April 24th ,2017 along side sister brands Blancpain & Omega—Longine continues striving towards staying ahead-of-the-curve innovation creating captivating masterpieces while maintaining respectability throughout numerous generations worldwide!