Longines Quartz Watch Imitation, Longines Quartz Replicas

Longines Presence 38.5 Automatic Yellow (L4.921.2.11.2)

I got this for my husand for his bithday, he loved it. It is very sharp looking, he has gotten may compliments on it. Arrived within days of my order!!!!

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

Review by Marleen S, From Denmark Hellerup

Longines PrimaLuna Quartz 23 Pink Gold Leather Diamond MOP (L8.109.9.87.2)

I wear this one to work all the time. It fits well, looks great, and was a great value.

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

Review by Edward Barranco, From Russian Federation Gorodets

Longines Saint-Imier Chronograph (L2.753.8.72.3)

real good seller, fast shipping, smooth deal

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

Review by Esmeralda Q, From Paris France

Longines has once again looked to its rich history to expand the military wing of its Heritage collection. The Longines Heritage Military COSD is based on a piece of equipment used by the British Special Forces during the 1940s. Each item of this equipment was marked with the initials COSD and intended for the sole use of the Combined Operations Command created by the British War Office during the Second World War. These timepieces were much appreciated by the paratroopers.

The 40 mm steel case of the Longines Heritage Military COSD houses an L619.2 self-winding calibre. Maintaining its military look, it is mounted on a khaki Nato strap. Also created for the British army, these light-weight but robust straps were designed to meet the rigorous requirements of military equipment. The Longines Heritage Military COSD also exists in a version mounted on a black leather strap.

The opaline dial boasts a chapter-ring comprising large black Arabic numerals as well as a red 24-hour scale enhanced with blued hands. A railway-track minute ring serves to further emphasize the military style of the watch. A version with a matt black dial and rhodium-plated hands is also available. The upper part of the dial bears a broad arrow, a symbol used in Britain at the time to indicate government property. It was thus to be found on various pieces of military equipment including the watches used by the British forces. The numerals and the hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® to help the user read the time under all conditions.

This weekend, the best riders and horses were gathered in the French capital for the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping, the eighth stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour. On Saturday, after a thrilling trial, Bertram Allen on Romanov won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Paris, followed by Diniz Luciana (Portugal) on Fit For Fun 13 and Darragh Kenny (Ireland) on Sans Souci Z.

For the second year running, the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping is included in the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT), a prestigious 15-stage tour of which Longines is the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper since 2013. In addition, this 5* show jumping event, the highest category in the FEI's hierarchy, counts towards the world's ranking of the discipline: the Longines Rankings.

This event was the perfect opportunity to discover the Longines DolceVita collection. Since its inception, this line has illustrated worldwide the brand's contemporary elegance. This year Longines has decided to offer a new interpretation of this collection, subtly combining geometric lines with soft curves.  
The Official Watch of the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping, decorated with diamonds and cased in steel, features a silver-coloured "flinque" dial adorned with painted Roman numerals. Driven by their quartz movement, the blued-steel hands point to the passing hours and minutes. This timepiece is mounted on a stainless steel bracelet.

The magical backdrop of Port d'Hercule and the Prince's Palace in Monaco provided once again a spectacular venue for the seventh round of the Longines Global Champions Tour from 25 to 27 June. Friday was marked by the victory of Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Escribano on Cascin and Abdelkebir Ouaddar on Cordano Sitte Z at the Longines Pro-Am Cup, while Scott Brash riding Hello M'Lady won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix du Prince de Monaco presented by HSBC Private Bank (Monaco) SA on Saturday. To honour these amazing performances, they were all presented with elegant Longines by Mr. Charles Villoz, Vice President of Longines.

This event offered a great opportunity to discover the new Conquest Classic Moonphase, Longines chronographs which include a moonphase display. The sophistication of these timepieces makes them eminently refined watches and echoes the excellence and elegance of the stars of the equestrian universe.

Longines is the Title Partner, as well as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Longines Global Champions Tour. This prestigious series brings together the Top 30 ranked show jumpers in the world to compete in some of the world's greatest cities.

Mr Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines and Head of International Marketing, and Mr Christophe Ameeuw, Founder and CEO of EEM, announced a new partnership during a press conference held on Tuesday 23 June 2015 in Ecaussinnes.

This important agreement sees the Swiss watch brand becoming the Title Partner, as well as the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the Longines Masters. From now on, the three show jumping events set up by the Belgian organizer and held in Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong bear the name of Longines and become the Longines Masters of Los Angeles, the Longines Masters of Paris and the Longines Masters of Hong Kong. The Swiss watch brand already was the Official Timekeeper and Watch of all the events organized by EEM, as well as the Title Partner of the competitions held in Los Angeles and Hong Kong.

In addition, Longines gives its name to two highlights of each one of these events: the exciting Longines Speed Challenge and the renowned Longines Grand Prix. In the Longines Speed Challenge, the competitors' aim is to achieve the fastest time, knowing that 2 penalty seconds are added for each pole that is knocked down, while the Longines Grand Prix celebrates the highest level of show jumping.

The Longines Masters combine the very best sports level and the most elegant lifestyle with a unique staging. They are prestigious 5* indoor show jumping events where the best riders in the world are competing. Indeed, Longines and EEM share common values such as elegance, tradition and performance.

Longines, Official Partner and Official Watch of IFHA, and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) rewarded the performance of the greatest racehorses of 2014 on 20 January 2015 in London, at the hotel Claridge's.

The Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings are established by international handicappers according to the performance of the horses in elite races.
Rated 130, the Japanese racehorse Just A Way secured first position and was crowned as the 2014 Longines World's Best Racehorse. Fellow Japanese runner Epiphaneia, victor of The Japan Cup in association with Longines was rated second at 129. A unique group of horses were rated 127 and placed equal third; Hong Kong's Able Friend, Great Britain's Kingman and The Grey Gatsby, Irish trainee Australia and two-time South African Horse of the Year Variety Club. The owners of the winning horses were presented with elegant Longines watches from the Conquest Classic collection, a line of refined timepieces dedicated to the equestrian world.

Mr. Akatsuki Yamatoya, owner of Just A Way, received the trophy, a chronograph in rose gold fitted with an exclusive column-wheel caliber, and a replica of the vase of the Longines World's Best Racehorse. The vase of the Longines World's Best Racehorse is a crystal vase named Equus, on which the name of the Longines World's Best Racehorse is engraved each year.

The Conquest Classic collection is dedicated to Longines' passion for equestrian sports. True to the brand's values of elegance, tradition and performance, this collection of models, all fitted with self-winding calibres, is at the same time totally contemporary and perfectly timeless.

Longines's CEO Walter von Känel has spent most of his professional career in an industry that captured his imagination while still a child, the industry that was the lifeblood of the Saint-Imier region where he lived. After leaving business college Walter von Känel became a technical administrator in the Swiss customs service and subsequently held a number of positions in accounting, logistics and sales with dial manufacturer Jean Singer.
He joined Longines in 1969 at the age of 28 as sales manager and was quickly seconded to the United States to work with the brand's New York agent. Walter von Känel continued to work his way up, holding positions as head of sales, then head of sales and marketing, before being appointed general manager in 1988. Since 1991 he has been a member of Swatch Group's expanded management board.
Walter von Känel is also very active in the politics of his region, and is passionate about local history.

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.

La Grande Classique de Longines 100 Diamonds maintains all the characteristics of the original creations of this emblematic collection but now combines the classical elegance of those ultra-slim models with the sparkle of 100 diamonds. 

A large part of the attraction of La Grande Classique de Longines is the ultra-slim case - only 4.60 mm for the new models. This profile has been achieved through the particular design of the case, which incidentally Longines has patented, whereby the back incorporates the lugs for the bracelet.

The glittering timepieces set with 100 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds around the bezel and 12 diamond indices on the dial are made of steel and equipped with a quartz movement.

La Grande Classique de Longines 100 Diamonds has a diameter of 29 mm. The models are fitted either on black alligator straps with buckle or on steel bracelets with folding safety clasp.

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.

87.7

Located at the heart of the Longines head office in St-Imier, the Museum was completely refurbished in 2012 to mark the brand's 180th anniversary. It houses many treasures including a magnificent square timepiece that was the inspiration for the Longines Heritage 1968. The Longines Heritage 1968 is available in two sizes: 26 x 26 mm and 33 x 33 mm. The grey brushed dial features black, finely painted Roman numerals and a chapter-ring around the outside. A fine line of black varnish on the minute and hour hands echoes the lines of the numerals, providing a delicate contrast.
While the square case is at first glance more classical, the Longines Heritage 1968 reveals an interesting profile with its slightly bevelled glass that protrudes over the middle. Moreover, the trapezium-shaped date aperture lends the watch a fresh, avant-garde air that contrasts with the more stringent lines of the case.  The watch is fitted with a mechanical movement, L595 and the whole is mounted on an elegant black alligator strap. Also available in steel.
 

During 4 days, the spectators attended performances of the world's best riders and horses topped by a first highlight: The Longines Cup of the City of Barcelona, which was won by Patrice Delaveau (FRA) on Carinjo HDC. 
The event also included the final stage of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ during which the French team defeated the teams from Brazil and Ireland, and won the inaugural Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final. Longines was the Official Timekeeper of this competition. 18 nations were represented at the final leg of the series in Barcelona: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and USA. There were three competitions during the Furusiyya Final - the first during which all teams competed over one round, the second for the teams that had not finished within the top eight on the previous day and the third in which the leading eight nations battled it out for the brand new Furusiyya trophy.
The new Conquest Classic line - which is dedicated to Longines' involvement in equestrian sports - was the Official Watch of this year's show jumping event in Barcelona.  

The Hampton Classic Horse Show took place in in Bridgehampton, NY, August 25-September 1. The brand joined the Hampton Classic as title partner of the Classic's Saturday afternoon Grand Prix, the $40,000 Longines Cup and presenting partner of Friday afternoon's $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier. Longines' partnership also included the initiation of the new Longines Rider Challenge which awarded $30,000 to the rider who accumulated the most points in the horse show's Open Jumper division.
Richie Moloney, winner of the Longines Rider Challenge and Longines Cup and Kent Farrington, winner of the Grand Prix, received a watch from Longines.
Longines also presented Jill Rappaport, The Today Show correspondent and animal enthusiast, with a donation, for her efforts benefitting the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Earlier this year, Longines entered into a long-term partnership with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) that involves a number of major rights packages and official timekeeper designations. A key element of its partnership with the FEI is a significant investment by Longines in the development of cutting-edge timekeeping and data-handling services, specifically for equestrian sport. The development of these services will be for multimedia applications, giant screens, scoreboards, and for broadcasters as part of the presentation of FEI events around the world.
Au debut de l'annee, Longines signait un partenariat a long-terme avec la Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), qui inclut un grand nombre d'evenements et d'implications en chronometrage. Au travers de ce partenariat, Longines s'investit de maniere significative dans le developpement de techniques de chronometrage et de gestion des donnees, particulierement pour le monde equestre. Le developpement de ces services comprend les applications multimedia, les ecrans de scores, ainsi que l'envoi d'informations aux diffuseurs pour les evenements de la FEI dans le monde entier.

The Swiss watchmaker will be Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the Longines Global Champions Tour, opening an exciting new chapter in equestrian sport.

The Longines Global Champions Tour announcement comes at the start of the biggest season so far for the premier show jumping series. Longines Global Champions Tour 2013 will include dynamic debut events in Madrid, London and Shanghai. For the first time the Championship Final will take place at the magnificent Al Shaqab equestrian facility in Doha, Qatar.

The announcement marks a major commitment by Longines to the high calibre 5* show jumping events that are the hallmark of Global Champions Tour. The partnership brings together shared traditions of speed, precision, elegance and a passion for horses.
Jan Tops, President and Founder of Global Champions Tour, said: "This partnership is a significant milestone in our history and I look forward to a successful collaboration that will bring many benefits for the future of our sport. Longines has a truly impressive heritage in equestrian sport and I am delighted by the decision to strengthen our relationship with a long-term commitment."
Longines' President Walter von Känel said: "The Longines Global Champions Tour and our brand share common values such as precision, tradition and especially a passion for equestrian sports. We are proud to support this extraordinary series of events in show jumping with our timekeeping expertise. True to Longines' slogan - Elegance is an attitude - we are delighted to witness the world's best riders and horses competing in exciting contests."
The Longines Global Champions Tour season kicks off in Madrid from May 2-5 when the world's top riders and horses will go into battle for championship points and prize money.
Longines can draw on a long-lasting and vast experience in sport and has been an active timekeeper in show jumping since 1926. Today, Longines' involvement in equestrian sports includes show jumping, flat racing and endurance competitions.
 
Around 21 million international viewers tuned into last year's events on Eurosport. Almost 300,000 spectators watched the events live in some of the world's most beautiful destinations. Longines was official timekeeper at four events last season.

Worldtempus - 12 March 2013
There are a host of wonderful timepieces on the market that fit in any woman's daily life - from getting the kids off to school, to managing business meetings, and going out after work with co-workers. Generally, these watches are strap or bracelet watches and often add a twist of versatility via either interchangeable straps or two-tone appeal. Indeed, with the price of an ounce of gold continually in the high retail prices, savvy dressers are looking for ways to mix gold with white metals such as sterling silver and stainless steel to get the most of today's best accessories looks for a more affordable price. 

Often, too, these watches have a little extra function to them. Some may sport a date indicator, a sub seconds dial or a chronograph. Top watch brands today totally understand the concept of ease and comfort on the wrist for daily needs, and are complying by offering some of the trendiest, but timelessly elegant, watches on the market. Most often these watches are an insatiable mix of stainless steel and rose gold tones - often with a shimmering accent of diamonds to bring the look all together for a day to night appeal. What's more, today's trends are calling for slightly smaller watches, so most of these beauties are a sleek 30 to 34mm in diameter - perfect for any wrist.

Among the top brands in this arena are Baume & Mercier, with its classic Linea line that features interchangeable straps and bracelets that the wearer can easily change to match her any mood. In fact, recently, the brand even teamed with actress Emmanuelle Chriqui to design a strap for Linea. The result is a sporty chic woven strap in orange, tan and white.

Similarly, brands such as Longines and Raymond Weil are also on top of trends with two-tone bracelet looks and seasonal color strap watches that let women mix and match their jewelry wardrobe and always be in style. For everyday living and easy wearability in any situation, basic is beautiful.

Saint-Imier / Dublin, 20th August 2012 - To round up the Nations Cup, the Swiss watch brand, which celebrates this year its 180th anniversary, awarded this distinction at the Dublin Horse Show, the final stage of the Longines Press Award for Elegance. Longines would like to congratulate them on their distinctive elegance as well as on their exceptional sporting performance throughout the 2012 Nations Cup season. Carsten-Otto Nagel (GER) won The Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland. Dermott Lennon (IRL) was named Longines Best International Athlete and also received the title of Best Irish Athlete.
Longines is proud to have served for the seventh consecutive time as official partner, timekeeper and title sponsor of The Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show.

Among the best performing riders throughout the six previous CSIO events (La Baule, Rome, St. Gallen, Rotterdam, Falsterbo and Hickstead), Penelope Leprevost (FRA) on Mylord Carthago*Hn and Pius Schwizer (SUI) on Verdi III convinced the international jury of equestrian experts most with their incomparable elegance at the Dublin Horse Show.

Both riders have been awarded yesterday with the 2012 Longines Press Award for Elegance receiving a trophy, a set of Longines watches and a cheque for 20,000 Swiss francs.

Penelope Leprevost said she was honoured to receive this year's Longines Press Award for Elegance and Pius Schwizer added: "I always try to think about a good and elegant performance when I ride. I am happy if others see it the same way and I'm delighted to win the Longines Press Award for Elegance for the second time!" Under a mostly sunny sky, the Dublin Horse Show was very successful. Carsten-Otto Nagel (GER) has won the last Grand Prix Longines of the season and the titles of Longines Best International and Irish Athlete have been awarded to Dermott Lennon.

Founded in the town of Saint-Imier, the famous Swiss watchmaker Longines, which celebrates this year its 180th anniversary, has a long tradition marked by the continual elegance and performance of its products. The Conquest line is the quintessential expression of Longines' sporting elegance and presents most emblematic pieces within the Longines Sport Collection. The brand now extends this line with the Conquest 24 hours - dedicated to all of those who aim to discover new horizons.

The Conquest series perpetuates the spirit of conquest of all those who, to discover new horizons, have dared to go further than others, without sacrificing elegance. It is with this spirit and its personal heritage that Longines has designed the models in the Conquest line. The design of each watch contains the subtle fusion of performance and elegance, including the most demanding technical characteristics.

The new Conquest 24 hours now adds a second time zone, a tool used by pilots crossing different time-zones in both directions. As the sun was not always visible as a point of reference, instruments were needed that could immediately indicated the correct part of the day. With a 24-hour dial navigators had no problem in this respect. The new Conquest 24 hours will attract people with an adventurous streak always trying to get a step further without sacrificing elegance. With its water-resistance to 5 bar (50 m), this model is not only a reliable partner in the air but also under water.

The robust, yet elegant stainless steel case of the new Conquest 24 hours has a diameter of 41 mm and houses a self-winding mechanical movement. The sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on the underside protects a black, silvered or blue dial with 2 applied Arabic numerals and 9 applied indices. Rhodium-plated hands with Super-LumiNova show hours, minutes and seconds, the date is indicated at 3 o'clock. The bright red 24-hour hand immediately attracts the eye. All models are available on a stainless steel bracelet and have a screw-in back cover and crown. Another feature is the lateral protection for the crown.

The Conquest 24 hours definitely meets the most demanding requirements of travellers, sportsmen and -women and people searching for a reliable watch wherever they are.

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832. It is celebrating 180 years of non-stop craftsmanship in 2012 and its watchmaking expertise reflects a b devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations. Over the years, the brand has built b and long-lasting links with the equestrian sports. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world's leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

Worldtempus - 12 March 2012

Tissot sold more than three million watches in 2011 and Swatch Group colleague Longines passed the one million mark in 2011. In other words, these two Swatch Group companies comfortably perch on many wrists around the world, not the least of whom are located in China - which undoubtedly is these two brands' biggest single market.
The tactile success
"13 years ago Mr. Hayek asked who wanted to produce a tactile watch, and I was the only one who raised my hand," Tissot CEO Francois Thiebaud said.
The tactile watch, of course, is the highly successful T-Touch, a multifunctional watch that has been a pearl of the Tissot collection since its launch in 1999. "I am a private pilot myself and enjoy a multifunctional watch," Thiebaud revealed. "I had no doubt about the success of this kind of technology put into a wristwatch"

No regrets
"The T-Touch collection today accounts for more than 250,000 pieces of our annual sales," Thiebaud revealed, clearly not regretting his choice of production at the fateful Swatch Group meeting 13 years ago.
The success of the T-Touch, however, is not the only reason why he is all smiles. The company he captains experienced a sales increase of 45 percent from 2009 through 2011 - years in which many other brands struggled. This primarily occurred thanks to the huge demand from Chinese clients buying both from their mainland retailers and foreign outlets when traveling.
With an average price of 200-500 Swiss francs, Tissot offers both classic Swiss timepieces and innovative, sporty watches such as the T-Touch. Thiebaud and Tissot must be doing something right since one in five exported Swiss watches is a Tissot. "We sold 3.4 million watches in 2011 and I expect to sell four million watches in 2012," Thiebaud smiled.

Understanding the Chinese
How did Tissot become so hugely popular in China? We asked Longines CEO Walther von Känel, one of the most experienced and respected CEOs in the Swiss watchmaking industry, attending his 37th Baselworld.
"Longines sent its first invoice to Chinese clients back in 1867. Our history with the Chinese market goes way back. I visited China for the first time in 1971 and made business directly with the government. A few years later, the first Chinese delegation visited Switzerland," von Känel explained his first acquaintance with the largest consumer of Swiss watches today.
"In the 1980s, we opened our first representative office in mainland China (including Omega and Tissot --ed). Doing this gave us the opportunity to study the culture and get to know the Chinese customer up close," von Känel explained. "Understanding local culture is essential for any sale."

One million watches
Longines produces watches that are b in the 1000-1300 Swiss franc segment. "We passed one million watches in 2011," von Känel revealed. "That means that we sell 6-7,000 watches a day of sales," he laughed, declining to comment on what markets will come after BRIC.
"Longines is everywhere. Right now in China there's no limit for the next ten years. As long as Longines stays focused and maintains our continuing production and consistent quality and development then we will stay on top of the world. As I tell my colleagues every year, we need to reach the magic numbers and stay positive," von Känel leaned in over the table to emphasize his remark.

Located in Saint-Imier since 1832, Longines has established close links with the village that has seen the foundation and development of the firm. As the only watchmaking company that was set up and still remains in Saint-Imier, Longines has stayed true to its historical values: tradition, elegance and sport. Today, with The Longines Saint-Imier Collection, the brand is launching a series of exceptional timepieces fitted with mechanical movements that has sprung from the fertile area that constitutes the watchmaking heritage of its home territory.
The Longines Saint-Imier Collection has been inspired by the foundations of the watchmaking tradition on which the brand, known by its winged hourglass trademark, has been built. Longines was set up in 1832 in what was then a small village nestling in a valley deep in the Swiss Jura mountains: Saint-Imier. Right from the firm's early days, Longines Watch Co. Francillon Ltd. has played a central role in life in Saint-Imier, which has since become a watchmaking hub. The fate of Longines and the village of Saint-Imier has thus been closely interwoven. This long relationship has now been sealed by a collection of exceptional timepieces all fitted with mechanical movements: The Longines Saint-Imier Collection.

The shape of the case - inspired by a model dating from 1945 - is a common theme throughout the collection. The sleek lines and the distinctive lugs provide these new models with a subtle balance between classical and contemporary design. The Longines Saint-Imier Collection includes watches that show the hours, minutes, seconds and date, and chronographs, plus a prestige model featuring four retrograde functions as well as a day/night display and phases of the moon. All the models in this collection are fitted with mechanical movements whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover.
The versions that show the hours, minutes and seconds with a date aperture at 3 o'clock are available in steel, in steel and rose gold or in rose gold. With a choice of four case sizes (26 mm, 30 mm, 38.50 mm and 41 mm), including some set with diamonds all our customers will find a version that fits snugly on their wrist. The choice of dials includes black, silvered or white mother-of-pearl with diamonds index and, thanks to the Super-LumiNova coating on the hands, reading the time is never a problem. The watches in this collection are fitted on a black or brown alligator strap, or a steel or steel and rose gold bracelet, with a folding safety clasp, to match the dial.

The chronographs are fitted with an L688.2 column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. The case is made of steel, steel and rose gold or, for certain models, rose gold alone, and is available in two diameter sizes: 39 mm and 41 mm. The silvered or black dial shows the hours and minutes and has a small seconds at 9 o'clock and a date aperture as well as the chronograph functions: a centre sweep seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. These chronographs are fitted on a black or brown alligator strap or on a steel or steel and rose gold bracelet, all having a folding safety clasp.
Finally, a prestige model embodies the quintessence of Longines' watchmaking know-how. This timepiece, with a diameter of 44 mm, houses calibre L707, specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. There is a choice of a black or silvered dial featuring 12 Arabic numerals and showing four retrograde functions (day of the week at 12 o'clock, date on the right-hand side of the dial, second time-zone with a 24-hour scale on the left-hand side of the dial and a small seconds at 6 o'clock) as well as day/night and the phases of the moon. These exclusive models are mounted on a black or brown alligator strap, or a steel bracelet to match the rest of the design, all with a folding safety clasp.
Longines has been based at Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832. It is celebrating 180 years of non-stop craftsmanship in 2012 and its watchmaking expertise reflects a b devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations. Over the years, the brand has built b and long-lasting links with the equestrian sports. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world's leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

Dubai (UAE), 11 January 2011 - Longines is delighted to announce its new partnership with the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Endurance Cup. On the strength of its long standing involvement in equestrian sports and sports timing, the famous Swiss watchmaker will now be official partner and timekeeper for this prestigious event. In endurance competitions, the rider must be in perfect harmony with his or her horse in order to manage its pace over the set distance. Endurance riding requires intensive training, fine concentration, good judgement and a great deal of experience. In keeping with the noble character of this discipline, The Longines Master Collection Moon Phases in rose gold is the official watch for this event.

Taking place on 15 January in Dubai, the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Endurance Cup by Longines will bring together the world's leading endurance riders for the fourth consecutive year. Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club, the competition will start at 6 a.m. in the Dubai International Endurance City and will be attended by a host of prestigious guests who will be able to follow the riders into the desert in vehicles provided specially for this purpose. Longines is proud to announce its involvement in this elegant event which demands tremendous discipline on the part of the riders, in terms of the training, precision and the total mastery of their horses' ability throughout the event.

During the competition the riders have to cover a distance of 160 km, managing their pace to the best advantage, which demands a high level of discipline and precision - values which are of great importance at Longines too. The rider must know his or her horse extremely well and be totally at ease with him in order to manage his pace. The competition is divided into 5 stages; between each stage the horses are refreshed and checked by a vet to ensure that they are not over-exerting themselves. It is not necessarily the first past the post who wins the competition; the horse's condition must also be checked by a vet and passed - only then will it be a true winner. In addition to the winner, the first 10 riders who cross the finishing line in the following hour may be awarded the prize for the Best Condition horse.

As a perfect example of its famous slogan "Elegance is an attitude", the Swiss watchmaker has chosen its Longines Master Collection Moon Phases as the official watch for the event. The rose gold case houses a self-winding L678.2 calibre. The silvered dial shows the phases of the Moon at 6 o'clock and the date at 12 o'clock as well as having a 24-hour hand at 9 o'clock. This watch also offers chronograph functions and is mounted on a brown leather strap or a rose gold bracelet with a folding safety clasp.

This award recognises the athletes that have demonstrated the most remarkable elegance in the course of an international competition at world level.

Longines was also proud to present its new Ambassador of Elegance Ariella Kaeslin, the European vault Champion as well as all-around bronze medallist.

Furthermore, the press has been provided for the first time with competition data in real time handled by Longines.

In gymnastics, the challenge of movement not only demands flawless execution but also grace, beauty and harmony known as "elegance". At the 41st Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, all participants in the individual all-around finals held in the O2 on Thursday October 15th and on Friday October 16th, 2009 were nominated for the Longines Prize for Elegance.
The athletes under consideration for the prize have been evaluated according to a number of complementary criteria. In addition to technical considerations, each athlete's performance has been judged with respect to emotional appeal, beauty, charm, charisma as well as grace and harmony of movement. Clearly, each juror has interpreted these criteria individually, yet the result is often unanimous, as it was again on this occasion.
The jury of the Longines Prize for Elegance brought together Dr. Bruno Grandi, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Annika Reeder, former Olympic gymnast and former British Champion, Katrina Jones, Longines UK Brand Director, and Walter von Känel, President of Longines.

Elsa Garcia Rodriguez Blanca, born in 1990 is coached by Antonio Martinez in the City of Monterrey where she's living. In the Regio Club Gimnastico she's training every day with the assistance of her coach Teresa Lopez and choreographer Alejandra Rodriguez. The Floor is her best apparatus, on which she performed to the music entitled Mano a Mano. Her best achievements were the first ranks in Cottbus (GER) on Uneven Bars and Floor.

Daniel Keatings turned into the star of the 2008 Junior European Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland (4 Gold medals, including the victory in the All-around) and took the 20th place in the Senior All-around event in Beijing 2008. Born in 1990, Daniel took up gymnastics at 5 years old. He is coached by Paul Hall at the Huntingdon Gym Club. Pommel Horse is his best apparatus.
The Longines Prize for Elegance is presented in the form of a trophy created especially for Longines by the Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Gerber. In addition, Elsa Garcia Rodriguez Blanca and Daniel Keatings each received a cheque for US$ 5,000 and the official watch of the 41st Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, a model of the Longines Sport Collection.

Longines also took the opportunity to give a Conquest watch to its new Ambassador of Elegance, the Swiss gymnast Ariella Kaeslin, the European vault Champion as well as all-around bronze medallist.

Press accredited for the 41st Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in London have been provided with competition data in real time by the watchmaker Longines, official timekeeper of the FIG. This technological achievement allows the media to consult online with a live link to the scores as well as final rankings of athletes during the competition. Launched in gymnastics at the Stuttgart (Germany) worlds in 1989, the service is known in media circles as CIS (Commentator Information System).

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