Longines is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Initially, the company produced pocket watches, but in 1867, they began producing wristwatches as well. Longines soon became known for their precision and accuracy in watchmaking and began competing in international chronometer competitions, where they consistently won awards.
In 1900, Longines was selected as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Paris, which was a significant milestone for the brand. Longines also became the official timekeeper for several other international sporting events, including equestrian, gymnastics, and alpine skiing competitions.
During World War II, Longines continued to produce watches for the military, and after the war, they expanded their production to include a variety of styles, including dress watches and sports watches. In the 1960s, Longines introduced their first automatic chronograph watch, which was a major innovation at the time.
In the 1980s, Longines was acquired by the Swatch Group, which helped the brand to expand its distribution and reach a wider audience. Today, Longines is known for its elegant and classic designs, as well as its commitment to precision and innovation in watchmaking.
Over the years, Longines has also been associated with several famous people, including aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh, who wore a Longines watch on his historic transatlantic flight, and actress Audrey Hepburn, who was a fan of the brand and wore Longines watches both on and off screen.
Overall, Longines has a rich history of precision, innovation, and elegance, and has become a well-respected and beloved brand in the world of luxury watches.