Longines Quartz Replicas Sale, Buy Cheap Longines Quartz Watch

Longines Conquest Automatic 41mm Black Leather (L3.658.4.56.0)

This Longines Conquest Automatic 41mm Black Leather (L3.658.4.56.0) watch is gorgeous, sturdy and so, so reasonably priced. My boyfriend loves it!

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Ron K, From Australia Sydney

Longines Hydroconquest Chronograph Quartz (L3.690.4.59.2)

I collect watches and bought this Longines Hydroconquest Chronograph Quartz (L3.690.4.59.2) for fun because I didn't have a watch with a red band. I love this. I have only worn it a couple of times but received a few compliments. It's a nice watch, nice quality, and believe it or not, the material of the band is decent.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Adaorah Onwuka, From USA Anchorage

Longines GrandeVitesse Tachymeter (L3.636.4.50.0)

I got my Longines GrandeVitesse watch and it is exactly what I wanted. I couldn't pass up the cool design and digital function. So I chanced it and was pleasantly surprised to get exactly what I wanted. I have already had many positive remarks about it, and I've only had it for a week or so. Thanks.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by David Walter, From Viet Nam Hcm

We've heard conflicting opinions about the health of the watch industry in general during the show. Is it fair to say that there are no concerns at Longines and that you dominate your price segment?
Totally. We have some competitors, but they are confined to specific countries and regions. I don't know whether we will maintain this momentum or not, but among the Swiss brands I'm convinced that we still have a couple of good years in front of us.

You have a more or less 50/50 split between gents' and ladies' watches and more and more of them are mechanical. Is Longines unbeatable for mechanical ladies' watches?
We are able to produce ladies' watches at 25mm with self-winding mechanical movements. This still is the favourite size in our collection but fundamentally we always have pair watches in the collection. We have at least one each of gents and ladies' models, but usually it is two or three of each and this is a successful policy.

Some 80 percent of your production is now equipped with mechanical movements. Are you looking to increase this percentage even further?
I think we should push quartz a little bit more. We launched one new quartz chronograph here and I was very surprised by the sales figures for it at the show.

The economic situation in China remains an important concern for many watch brands. Although China is a big market for you, are you less affected by these concerns because of the price segment you operate in?
We are lucky that the buyers of our watches are putting them on their wrist rather than in their pockets. We have kept our position and we have made a very good start to the year there. It's nice to see that many people are becoming interested in classic design, because we have been doing this for years. We will stay in this segment and there will be no changes to this.

The limited-edition Heritage models are a good example of this. But there are only 60 of the gold versions and 600 for the stainless steel. This is just a drop in the ocean for Longines, surely?
I have to admit that I don't like limited editions myself. I think that if you do a limited edition you have to respect your commitment. The problem is that if I say 600 now, by this evening I could have orders for far more than this and I would have to do a lucky draw.

You have been in the industry for many years and Longines has survived the recent crises. Is that because you have stayed firmly in your price segment?
Yes, that is my mission and I respect my mission. We saw some competitor brands entering our price segment, which proved that the decisions we took were the right ones. It's a segmentation issue and quantity is in proportion to price. The Swatch Group also has very b brands from Longines down. I'm very confident because the way I measure my success is the volume I put into production and at the moment I have put about a year's worth of sales into production.

So this must give you some peace of mind for the year ahead?
No, not peace of mind - responsibility! Because once you put the watches into production they will come. We can afford to have some inventory but there is less risk in having an inventory of classic watches than there is with fashion watches.

What is your general outlook for 2014 then?
Let's just say I have put enough pieces into production to have a good year and the first three months of 2014 have been positive.

As part of this agreement, the Swiss watch brand will this year present the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano. This flat racing event is the perfect occasion at which to discover Conquest Classic, a collection dedicated to the world of horse racing. The event's Official Watch will be a steel chronograph from this line. With its 41 mm diameter, this timepiece has a black dial and is equipped with an exclusive column-wheel self-winding movement. As is the case with all models in the Conquest Classic collection, the watch's movement can be admired through its sapphire crystal case back.

Longines supports the activities of OSAF (Organización Latinoamericana de Fomento del Sangre Pura de Carrera), an institution involved in the promotion and development of horse races and thoroughbred horses throughout Latin America. OSAF is present in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Don Marcel Zarour, President of the OSAF said: "In the name of OSAF, I am very proud to count with the support of Longines as OSAF's first Official Partner, and their great contribution for the promotion of horseracing in Latin America. The materialization of this agreement with the prestigious firm Longines means another important achievement for OSAF, by promoting the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano which features our best Latin American thoroughbreds, and supports our spirit of tradition, excellence and constant improvement."

Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, said: "Longines is proud to be the Official Partner and the Official Watch of the OSAF. Our brand and this prestigious institution share common values such as tradition, performance and elegance. We'll work together for the good of equestrian sports in a part of the world known for its horse culture. In addition, we are happy to announce that Longines will be the Title Partner and the Official Timekeeper of the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano."

The Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano is the most important international Group 1 horse race in Latin America. This annual event is held in a different country in the region every year. On 15 March 2014, the Monterrico racecourse in Lima will host this prestigious event.

The Longines Heritage 1973 displays a vintage look that is true to the original model. The latter, a chronograph produced in 1973 by the brand, was fitted with a Longines mechanical chronograph movement, the 30CH. The Longines Heritage 1973 houses the L688 calibre, a column-wheel chronograph movement developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines.

The silvered dial of the Longines Heritage 1973 boasts a fascinating play of contrasts. At 3 and 9 o'clock, two black counters were included. The applied hour symbols are decorated with a fine black line and a dot of Super-LumiNova®. These are interposed and balanced out by a minute-circle, also of fine black lines. A blue tachometric scale surrounds the dial, adding a subtle touch of colour to the whole.

With a diameter of 40 mm, the cushion-shaped steel dial of the Longines Heritage 1973 has retained the lines and mood of the original model. The back is fitted with a transparent sapphire glass cover through which the wearer can admire the movement of the calibre as well as the blue column-wheel. This model is completed by the rounded push-pieces. The whole is mounted on a black alligator strap.

Tourbillon, chronograph, moonphase? Whichever complication you find the most fascinating, click on the picture above to watch the photo-gallery and make your choice!

Our selection:

A.Lange & Söhne, Saxonia Annual Calendar
Atelier Loiseau, 1f4 Grande Sonnerie Complication
Audemars Piguet, Grande Complication Royal Oak Offshore
Baume & Mercier, Capeland Worldtimer
Bell & Ross, BR 126 Flyback
Christophe Claret, Kantharos
De Bethune, DB16 Tourbillon Regulator
Eterna, Royal KonTiki Two Time Zones
Greubel Forsey, Double Tourbillon Asymetrique
L.Leroy, Osmior Chronographe Monopoussoir Automatique
Longines, Asthmometer-Pulsometer Chronograph
Romain Gauthier, Logical ONE
Vulcain, 50s President Moonphase

As official timekeeper of the FIS Ski World Cup, Longines honored in Lenzerheide for the first time Mikaela Shiffrin and Alexis Pinturault with the "Longines Rising Ski Stars" award. The American and the French skiers are the most successful young female and male athletes taking part in the current season of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. Both of them received a prize consisting of a trophy, a watch and a check for 20'000 CHF. This new competition reflects Longines' continued support for young athletes.
As official timekeeper of the FIS Ski World Cup, Longines presented for the first time the "Longines Rising Ski Stars" award which has been given to Mikaela Shiffrin and Alexis Pinturault. The American and the French skiers have been the best young female (under 21) and male (under 23) athletes taking part in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup this season. They have received a trophy, a watch and a check for 20'000 CHF from the hands of Charles Villoz, VP Sales of Longines.

This new competition reflects Longines' continued support for young athletes and joins established events including the "Longines Future Tennis Aces" tournament at Roland Garros for young tennis talents under the age of 13, and the race "Longines Future Racing Stars" during Prix de Diane Longines highlighting young and promising jockeys.
Mikaela Shiffrin "One of my goals from the very start of my ski racing career was to be the youngest to win World Cups and make a mark as a young athlete. It's really cool that Longines has this award dedicated to young athletes. It's cool to push young athletes to do their very best and this helps do that because we're not always going to be competing for an overall globe or titles - it's great to know that young athletes have something special of their own to shoot for."
Alexis Pinturault: "This prize is a great idea for the young skiers! The highlight of my season definitely is my first victory in Val d'Isere. It was a great moment, my first podium after my surgery and my first success in slalom."
Longines' long-term association with competitive ski started in Chamonix in 1933. For many decades, Longines has introduced important innovations to match the technological advancements of alpine skiing competitions and to address the demands of timekeeping and the audience. In 1993, for example, Longines developed a new TV technology that displays the intermediate time of the athlete versus the fastest competitor of the race.

The Ladies Diamond Conquest models combine the brilliance of precious stones with the strength of ceramic in black and white. The dynamic beauty of those models, achieved through a marriage of sporty design and glittering diamonds, echoes the fine balance between performance and elegance. Sporty women who appreciate elegance will find exactly what they are looking for.

The Ladies Diamond Conquest models are aimed at those women who enjoy sport but are not willing to compromise on elegance. Thanks to the use of diamonds and the innovative combination with ceramic, these models add a touch of sophistication to the sporty beauty of Longines' range of products. With its delicate balance, the Ladies Diamond Conquest watch is the ideal timepiece to weapon many occasions; during an equestrian competition, a tennis tournament or while having fun on the ski slopes, but in the same vein it will add a touch of elegance worn for a cocktail party or a formal dinner.
These glittering timepieces boast a dynamic beauty which has been achieved by the use of ceramic embellished with 54 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds set around the inside of the bezel and on the dial. The bezel and the bracelet are reinforced by the use of white or black ceramic while the matching dial - white mother-of-pearl or black - completes the appeal of this model.
The Ladies Diamond Conquest models have a screw-down case back while the crown has a lateral protection. They are water-resistant to 5 bar and the bracelets have a triple safety folding clasp. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 35 mm and houses a quartz movement that shows the hours, minutes, seconds and date.

Thanks to their delicate balance between performance and elegance, these robust timepieces are ideal for women who enjoy sport but at the same time appreciate refinement. The Ladies Diamond Conquest models have added a new dimension to the Longines Sport Collection thanks to the inclusion of diamonds and the combination of these precious gems with the strength of ceramic.

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As the Official Timekeeper of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Longines continues a b partnership with the Victorian Racing Cup approaching its twelfth year. The Swiss watch brand is the Title Partner of the Longines Mackinnon Stakes, won this year by British trainer Andrew Balding and his star gallop Side Glance and jockey, Jamie Spencer. Owner Sheik Fahad Al Thani is one of the luckiest visiting owners to ever come to Melbourne as for the third consecutive year, saw one of his horses win a major prize at the Spring Carnival. In 2011, Sheikh Fahad's Dunaden won the Melbourne Cup, Australia's race that stops the nation, Longines was thrilled to see the same colours win the Longines Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday.
A key highlight in the Longines' Carnival Program is the partnership of the international Group 1 Race on AAMI Victorian Derby Day, the Longines Mackinnon Stakes. On Saturday, Jamie Spencer on Side Glance won the Longines Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. The Longines timepiece trophies were presented by Longines General Manager Australia, Amelia Michael.
Saturday, a crowd of 100,000 explodes out of the start gate as the first race meet on the 2013 Melbourne Cup Calendar. Derby Day, a day of tradition presents the perfect scene for race-goers with four elite Group One races run at Flemington and mirrors an equal celebration of high fashion race-wear. An undisputed institution of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is the 'Myer Fashions on the Field' held at Flemington and is pronounced as Australia's largest outdoor fashion event. Amelia Michael presented the winner of the Longines Award for Elegance, Louise McDonald, with a sparkling timepiece of the Longines DolceVita Collection. Amelia Michael, Longines General Manager Australia also awarded the Men's Racewear winner, and runner-up an elegant Longines timepiece.

As a proud partner of the most prestigious flat races in the world, Longines was delighted to launch Conquest Classic - a collection of timepieces to be worn amidst the excitement of the parade rings at Chantilly, Hong Kong, Royal Ascot and Flemington. The official Watch of the 2013 Carnival was a chronograph from the new Conquest Classic Collection in steel, fitted with a self-winding calibre.

The day spent in Saint-Imier provided the Taiwanese actress and top model an opportunity to see for herself the various steps in the production of Longines's famed timepieces. A visit to the Longines Museum, fully renovated last year, proved one of the high points of a day full of emotion and discovery. Chi-Ling Lin was obviously fascinated by all the watches that have written the company's history.
A Longines ambassadress since 2005, Chi-Ling Lin embodies to perfection the Longines catchline "Elegance is an Attitude". Every hour of her visit and its various activities as well as her graceful distinction and wit delighted the people she met.
At the end of her visit, Chi-Ling Lin declared "It gives me great pleasure to be in Saint-Imier and in its superb Swiss mountainous countryside. I really enjoyed my visit to Longines. You can really feel the company's expertise and the history of a brand that has long defined the ideals of elegance".

Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Global Champions Tour, Longines partnered the Monaco leg of the competition and presented two of its major events: the Longines Pro-Am Cup on Friday, won by Mark McAuley riding Loriot and by Maddalena Valenzano Menada on Quidana, and the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of the Prince of Monaco on Saturday, the latter won by Richard Spooner on Cristallo followed by the riders William Funnell and Edwina Tops-Alexander.
 

The winners were each presented with a Longines wristwatch as they improved their rankings in the Longines Global Champions Tour Ranking.
This year, the official watch of the Monaco show jumping competition is a model from the new Conquest Classic line, dedicated to Longines's support of equestrian sport disciplines. This new collection of models is fitted with self-winding calibres.
 

The partnership includes naming Longines as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Preakness Stakes (G1) as well as the title partner in the Longines Dixie Stakes (G2) and the presenting partner of the International Pavilion.
The partnership begins with this year's Preakness, which has played host to 11 Triple Crown winners and other Hall of Fame horses such as Man o' War, Native Dancer and Spectacular Bid. The 138th running will take place on Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course.
 
"By becoming the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Preakness Stakes and the title partner of the Dixie Stakes, Longines is proud to be part of a great event," Longines president Walter von Känel said. "This new partnership reinforces our commitment to equestrian sports in the US and reflects our devotion to and fashion for these exciting sports, which match perfectly with our core values of elegance, tradition and performance. We are also looking forward to be the presenting partner of the International Pavilion with Japan as the host nation."
Longines will have a prominent presence throughout Pimlico on Preakness day serving as the official timepiece at the finish line and the presentation of elegant watches to the owner, trainer and jockey of the winning horse. To highlight its partnership, the watchmaker will also have a digital "Longines Preakness Stakes Countdown Clock" on the official Preakness Stakes website, www.preakness.com.  
"The Maryland Jockey Club is proud to welcome Longines into the family of Preakness partners," said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. "We look forward to establishing and fostering this relationship for years to come, showcasing the Longines brand center stage at the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a tough, grueling series with the Preakness holding the key to the process with 13 of the last 16 winners named champion 3-year-old."

Longines will also serve as the presenting partner of the International Pavilion, the premier hospitality destination on Preakness day. Positioned at the finish line, the International Pavilion brings the world to the Preakness by selecting a different country each year to serve as the host nation with its respective embassy and Ambassador serving as Honorary Host. The embassy of Japan and Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae will serve as the 2013 host nation.

This year, the famous Swiss watchmaker reprises its role as the official timekeeper for the International Ski Federation's (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup and World Championship races.

Longines will be celebrating its return to Kitzbuhel and is extremely proud to be responsible once again for timing the Hahnenkamm races. Longines will also partner with the 16th KitzCharity Trophy. This season the brand launched the Longines Rising Ski Stars prize, which reflects the company's commitment to supporting young athletes. The official watch for the season will be the Longines Saint-Imier Collection chronograph, a model that exemplifies the links that bind the brand to the town where it was founded in 1832 and where its headquarters remains.
Longines' longstanding association with competitive skiing started in Chamonix in 1933. The Swiss watchmaker began timing the Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbuhel in 1948 and has carried out this task more than 50 times since then. In 2013 Longines, which is the official timekeeper for the International Ski Federation's (FIS) Alpine Ski World Cup and World Championship races, will be back in the popular Tyrolean resort. Kitzbuhel is well known for its demanding Streif piste - renowned as the most difficult and fastest on the circuit. Many great champion skiers have tackled this legendary piste where Longines has helped to develop the technical side of the competition for several decades, introducing a number of innovative ideas to improve the timing and the public's enjoyment of the race. In 1993, for example, Longines introduced a new technology whereby the racers' intermediate times could be shown on television alongside the time of the fastest competitor for comparison.

In addition to its role as official timekeeper, Longines will partner with the famous KitzCharity Trophy, a race where professional skiers compete against celebrities on a section of the Streif piste. In order to help the event raise funds to improve the life of local needy mountain farmers and their families, Longines will compete in the race with its own team of skiers, made up of Richard Strohmeier, Longines VP Finance and two Austrian celebrities, Armin Assinger and Matthias Lanzinger.
At the end of the 2012/2013 ski season, Longines will present its Longines Rising Ski Stars prize to the two leading young skiers who take part in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. The best female skier under 21 years-old and the best male skier under 23 will each receive a trophy, a Longines watch and a cheque for CHF 20,000. This new award reflects Longines' continued commitment to supporting young athletes. The brand already shows its commitment through the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament in Roland Garros for children under 13, as well as the Longines Future Racing Stars at the Prix de Diane Longines for promising young jockeys from France, the UK, Germany, Ireland and Italy.

Launched in Adelboden at the beginning of 2013, the Ski Live - Live Alpine Skiing by Longines app offers the possibility of watching races in real time thanks to the live timing feature. At the same time, users can catch up on the latest news concerning the World Cup and the World Championships, receive alerts and exclusive information on skiers and consult the results and rankings, including those for the Longines Rising Ski Stars.
The official watch for the season - the Longines Saint-Imier Collection chronograph - features the L688.2 column-wheel movement developed and produced exclusively for Longines. The 41 mm diameter case is made of steel and the black dial displays the hours and minutes with a small seconds at 9 o'clock, a calendar between 4 and 5 o'clock and of course the chronograph functions: a centre sweep seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. This model is mounted on a steel bracelet with a folding safety clasp.

Finally, Longines would like to wish its ambassador of elegance Aksel Lund Svindal the very best of luck in his future races. The Norwegian has already got off to a b start this season.

Saint-Imier / Barcelona, 24th of September 2012 - With a passion for equestrian sports, Longines is responsible for timing various CSIO events including the Nations Cup. This year, the famous Swiss watch brand, which celebrates its 180 anniversary in 2012, was very pleased to be present in Barcelona for the CSIO. From the 20th to the 23rd of September, the brand has been the Official Timekeeper and Partner at the Nations Cup Promotional League Final.

On Saturday night, 22nd of September 2012, Longines had the honour and pleasure to present the most important competition of the CSIO Barcelona: The Longines Queen's Cup. Eugenie Angot with Davendy S arrived first. Brasilian Pedro Veniss on Norlam des Etisses took the second rank and Brianne Goutat from the United States on Nice de Prissey the third.

During the CSIO Barcelona, Longines presented a timepiece that perfectly reflects its philosophy and slogan « Elegance is an attitude ». The Longines Saint-Imier Collection has been inspired by the origins of Longines' watchmaking tradition. The sleek lines and the distinctive lugs provide these new models with a subtle balance between classical and contemporary design. With a diameter of 26 mm, this model in steel and rose gold displays a white mother-of-pearl dial and is set with 60 diamonds.

To mark its 180th anniversary, Longines is launching various new models throughout the year.

Founded in 1832 in the town of Saint-Imier, the famous Swiss watchmaker has a long tradition marked by the continual elegance of its products. Longines Heritage 1940 and Longines Heritage 1942 both symbolise the brand's rich history and are thus perfect products for celebrating this anniversary and extending Longines' Heritage segment. The distinctive shape of the watch case lends these models a striking look.

Longines Heritage 1940

Boasting a contemporary spirit, this watch is based on a model dating from 1940. It keeps indeed its central lines, such as the high bezel that gives it a b character and reminds the Longines' models of that time. Longines Heritage 1940 immediately catches the eye through its sleek lines and shaped contours. The circular steel case with a diameter of 38.50 mm houses a self-winding, mechanical movement, the calibre L615. The lacquered dial is available in white or black and features a railway-track minute ring and 11 Arab numerals. The hands are of blued steel in the white-dial version and rhodium-plated in the black version. And finally, the small seconds and date aperture at 6 o'clock complete the image of Longines Heritage 1940, which is mounted on a black alligator strap.

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Longines Heritage 1942

Longines Heritage 1942 has been directly inspired by a model dating from 1942 which was fitted with calibre 13ZN. This new timepiece has a circular steel case with a diameter of 40 mm which houses calibre L688, a column-wheel chronograph movement designed exclusively for Longines. The round push-pieces blend perfectly into the distinctive shape of the case and remind the Longines' chronographs of that period, which are exceptional and much sought after models. The lacquered dial, available in white or black, features 9 Arab numerals to contrast with the dial and a railway-track minute ring as well as a tachometric scale around the rim of the dial. Finally blued steel hands, for the white-dial version, or rhodium-plated hands, for the black-dial version, harmonise beautifully with the elegance of the dial. Longines Heritage 1942 is fitted on a black alligator strap.

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education raised more than $26.1 million, a record amount, at the 16th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert, in conjunction with its longtime partner and presenting sponsor, Swiss watchmaking brand Longines. A donation of $18 million from Kirk Kerkorian, $1.5 million from the Engelstad Family Foundation and $1 million from Windsong Trust combined with ticket sales and proceeds from a live auction accounted for the largest amount raised in a single night for the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education. The package including a weekend for four at the 2012 Kentucky Derby and a Longines Master Collection Moon Phases "Andre Agassi" special watch was auctioned for $90,000. The funds benefit the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a tuition free public charter school serving students in historical West Las Vegas.

"I am both astounded and humbled by the generosity and compassion of our community, the artists, sponsors, partners and donors," said Andre Agassi. "With b support from our presenting sponsor Longines, the Engelstad Family, Windsong Trust and a truly magnanimous gift from Kirk Kerkorian, this record- breaking evening will make a positive difference in students' lives as we continue to work to transform education."

Longines, represented by President Walter von Känel, was delighted to be for the first time the presenting sponsor of the Grand Slam for Children.

Held Saturday, October 29th at Wynn Las Vegas, the Grand Slam featured a star-studded lineup of performers including Michael Buble, Jimmy Kimmel, Martina McBride, Smokey Robinson and Train, with surprise appearances by Gladys Knight, Signature Group and comedian Jeff Ross.

A.J. Green, a graduate of Agassi Prep, performed a heartfelt introductory song and the school's drum line started the festivities for the evening.

The Grand Slam brings together international stars and noted artists- from music to comedy - to build awareness and raise money for the Foundation's biggest fundraiser. Dedicated to transforming and elevating education, the Foundation opened Agassi Prep in 2001. In 2009, the public charter school graduated its first senior class, with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college, as were the graduates of the classes of 2010 and 2011. The Foundation's work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi's hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide.

Danedream and jockey Andrasch Starke won the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe run over a distance of 2,400 meters at Longchamp racecourse in a record time of 2'24''49. Danedream, that had also captured the Longines Grosser Preis von Baden in September, easily won the race and broke the racecourse record time dating back to 1997. Longines has the honour of being the official timekeeper of this Parisian racecourse, where the prestigious race is run. During the tremendous raceday, under a sunny sky, the Swiss watch brand also handed over to the jockey, trainer and owner of Dream Ahead, winner of the Qatar Prix de la Forêt, a model that embodies its philosophy as well as its famous slogan "Elegance is an attitude": The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph.

Having been involved in the world of sport since 1878, Longines has a vast experience in timing equestrian events. As part of its partnership with France Galop, the organisation responsible for national flat racing and steeplechase in France, Longines is present at Chantilly, Deauville and Longchamp racecourses as official timekeeper. The brand is also the title partner of the Prix de Diane Longines.

With a passionate involvement in equestrian sport, Longines is also an official partner and timekeeper for many equestrian events, such as most of the CSIO Nations Cup show jumping competitions as well as the various competitions organised by the Arab Equestrian League. In addition, apart from its traditional involvement in the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which includes the Longines MacKinnon Stakes, Longines is also the official timekeeper for other major meetings such as the Longines Singapore Gold Cup, organised by the Singapore Turf Club, the Dubai World Cup and the traditional Kentucky Derby, which is held at the Churchill Downs racecourse. Moreover, Longines has the honour of being a partner in Royal Ascot. The brand has deliberately chosen to be involved in equestrian events because they demand concentration, precision and experience.

The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph
Longines took the opportunity to present a watch that embodies its philosophy as well as its famous slogan "Elegance is an attitude". The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph gives priority to classical and refined beauty. The column wheel that forms part of the movement serves to steer the functions of the chronograph mechanism. This model has a stainless steel, 39 mm diameter case that surrounds a silvered dial with 13 hour symbols. It displays the hours and minutes with a small seconds at 9 o'clock, as well as the date plus of course the chronograph functions. This model is fitted on a dark brown alligator strap and is water- resistant to 3 bar (30 metres).

With a passion for equestrian sports, Longines is already responsible for timing various CSIO events including the Nations Cup. Famous for the elegance of its products, Longines will also be presenting The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph, a refined timepiece that perfectly embodies the precision and beauty of equestrian sports.

Longines' long history in equestrian events dates from its involvement in the Concours Hippique International Officiel de Geneve in 1926. As official partner for the first edition of the Equestrian Beijing International Grand Prix, the famous Swiss watchmaker will thus be perpetuating a commitment to the world of equestrian sports that is already more than 80 years old. Since the early days of its involvement in this field, the brand is proud to have taken part in over one hundred national and international equestrian events and to have been responsible for timing many competitions such as world championships, European championships and various other events organised by the CSIO and the Arab Equestrian League. Longines is also official timekeeper of some prestigious flat races such as the Prix de Diane Longines, Royal Ascot, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Dubai World Cup, Longines Singapore Gold Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

The Equestrian Beijing International Grand Prix will showcase the highest level of equestrian competition in China and throughout Asia, with appearances of international and Chinese masters. The Grand Prix will be held in the architecturally stunning and world-renowned Bird's Nest which is China's National Stadium. The International team will be led by German horserider Ludger Beerbaum along with 9 top riders from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Belgium. Zhu Meimei, who is representing China in the international field along with Zuping Huang and other top Chinese riders, will also be competing.
Longines will be presenting a model at the Equestrian Beijing International Grand Prix that typifies the brand's philosophy and slogan "Elegance is an attitude". The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph embodies classical and refined beauty. Its stainless steel case houses an exclusive self-winding caliber with a blue column-wheel that can be admired through the transparent back. This model displays a silvered dial with 13 indexes and offers the chronograph functions, central seconds sweep, 30-minutes and 12-hour counters. A dark brown alligator strap puts the finishing touch to this elegant watch.

Longines has passed a new milestone in its exploration of timepieces fitted with authentic technical features by creating, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record, which has a direct-drive second hand with a vernier scale. Back in 2008 the company used a chronograph movement with a column wheel in the design of a contemporary embodiment of its expertise in mechanical chronographs this new model showcases the horological development and elegant appeal in the same vein.

The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record combines various elements that make this brand-new watch a modern descendant of the timing instruments created by Longines in the past. Thanks to its exclusive column-wheel movement, it joins the lineage of equipment developed by the brand since 1878, when Longines produced its first chronograph. Moreover, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record has a centre direct-drive second hand with a vernier scale - echoing a mechanical chronograph counter designed by the company in 1966. This system allows the user to read off the time measured easily and precisely using the position of the centre seconds hand with its vernier scale relative to the fixed scale on the dial. The centre direct-drive seconds hand with its vernier scale brings it into line with the most up-to-date mechanical timing equipment available today.

The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record has a sporty design which complements its chronograph functions. The self-winding movement is housed in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41 mm. The cream or black dial has a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, a small seconds at 9 o'clock and a date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock. The hands are coated with Super-LumiNova while the red centre dragging seconds hand with its vernier scale is complemented by a fixed scale on the dial which enables the user to read off eighths of a second. Echoing the timing equipment produced by Longines in the 1960s, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record is fitted on an elegant black alligator strap.

Fitted with 27 jewels, the L688.2 movement is a self-winding calibre with a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 7.90 mm. The column wheel which is part of the movement serves to steer the chronograph functions (start, stop, return to zero). This system, and in particular the column wheel that was designed by engineers at ETA on Longines' request, makes this mechanical chronograph exceptionally easy to use, requiring only a light pressure to start and stop the timing function and to return the hands to zero. The blued steel column wheel is a work of art and the whole movement is a stylised revamping of a traditional technical system. Apart from its sophisticated design, the construction of the L688.2 calibre has been especially created to meet the requirements of timing.

With its combination of timing functions and a beauty that is characteristic of timing equipment dating from the 1960s, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record is a contemporary timepiece steeped in the great tradition of mechanical timing.

 There will be a special aspect to the French Open Tennis Tournament in Roland Garros this year: Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf will be present on 6 June to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their respective victories at this prestigious Parisian tournament. It is the ideal opportunity for Longines, the watchmaker for which they are Ambassadors of Elegance, to organise the event of the year around these two tennis legends and their charity foundations. Among other things the programme will include: 8 challenges between the two champions and budding stars from over ten different countries, a gala evening and a very special auction. The whole event will take place under the sign of elegance, the key characteristic of watches made by Longines, the Official Partner of Roland Garros since 2007.