Longines Stainless steel Watches Collection, High Quality Longines Stainless steel Replica

Longines Spirit 26.5 (L2.196.4.53.2)

thanks, it works well.

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

Review by Cristina Burock, From Spain Santander. Cantabria

Longines Heritage Retrograde Black (L4.797.4.51.2)

Love the watch...the clasp can be a little tight sometimes

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

Review by Ivan Donahey, From Belgium Hasselt

Longines Elegant Mother of Pearl Diamond Automatic Ladies Watch L43090876

Item as descriebed, excellent communication, highly recommended!!

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

Review by Sergio Silva, From Romania Rm Valcea

The Swiss watchmaking company Longines boasts a long-lasting tradition of supporting charitable causes. The core values of the brand have always led Longines to serve philanthropic purposes and social responsibility remains today one of its priorities. 

It is thus natural for Longines to bring its support to the Golden Hat Foundation. This charity, founded by Longines Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet, is dedicated to changing the way people on the autism spectrum are perceived, by shining a light on their abilities and emphasizing their great potential. With proper education and career training, these individuals can truly realize their dreams.

Kate Winslet, co-founder of the foundation stated: "It makes me incredibly proud to work on this effort to bring awareness to the plight of people with autism. I believe that all people with autism should be given the opportunity to learn to communicate, receive a suitable academic education and experience social relationships. As a Longines Ambassador of Elegance, I am really thrilled that Longines joins us to help spread the word."

Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President and Head of International Marketing of Longines said: "True to its values of excellence and elegance, Longines has always promoted the highest social ideals and it proudly collaborates with The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and Stefanie Graf's Children for Tomorrow Foundation. It was therefore natural for the brand to also bring its support to The Golden Hat Foundation and Kate Winslet's work. Her inspiring endeavor truly translates the brand's motto and philosophy of "Elegance is an Attitude".  

On Thursday December 3 2015 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the 19th International Symposium of Watch Marketing (Journee Internationale du Marketing Horloger JIMH) will address this unique subject under the appealing title of « Les vies multiples d'une montre (pre-owned watches) ».
The annual meeting of the professionals from the watch industry will focus its attention on a growing parallel market whose annual income is estimated at more than 10 billion Swiss francs. Speakers will talk about distribution networks, behavior of watch aficionados, attention given by the brands or even the position of auction companies.

Famous speakers already confirmed
Business leaders and specialists will deeply analyze the "pre-owned syndrome" which is rarely discussed within the trade media. Program preview of December 3, a day dedicated to get together for the marketing professionals and the watch lovers:
- A conference held by Christian Odin, CEO of Cresus, on pre-owned market, customers and experiences
- Experts round-table with the participation of Walter von Kaenel, president of Longines ; Antoine Simonin, publisher ; Regis Huguenin-Dumittan, director of the Musee International d'Horlogerie and Valery Bezençon, Professor of Marketing at University of Neuchâtel
- "The estimation process of a pre-owned watch", a conference held by Osvaldo Patrizzi, horological consultant
- A presentation of the auction sales by Geoffroy Ader, managing director of Antiquorum Online.

The full program is available on the website www.marketinghorloger.ch. Registration is open. 

For almost a century, chronographs have been the core concern and primary passion of Eberhard & Co. Much like its La Chaux-de-Fonds headquarters inaugurated in 1907, an imposing building that towered over the centre of the watchmaking town for several years, the brand has historically been a dominant force in the production of this type of timepiece. In 1919, it launched the first wrist chronograph, and then in 1938 the first chronograph to feature an hours counter, followed the next year by the first chronograph enabling double timing by means of a new "split-seconds" device. In the wake of the quartz crisis, Eberhard & Co. remained as passionately dedicated as ever to this watchmaking genre, since it was the first back on the market with a mechanical chronograph.

During World War II, Eberhard & Co. with its Magini System watch, a split-second chronograph, was one of the two watch industry protagonists - along with Longines - contributing to a feat accomplished by the Italian air force: a secret flight from Rome to Tokyo and back achieved thanks to these two timepieces. During the latter half of the 20^th century, Eberhard & Co. launched several chronograph collections including the famous Extra-Fort, Contograf and Tazio Nuvolari lines.

Eberhard & Co. kicked off the 21^st century with another world-first, this time not on a technical level but rather in terms of design. Released in 2001, the Chrono 4 pioneered a new dial counter layout. Instead of previous arrangements involving counters at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, and sometimes a fourth at 12 o'clock, this model featured four horizontally aligned counters. This patented design echoes that of racing car dashboards and has become an unmistakable signature feature of the Eberhard & Co. brand. 

30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters, along with 24-hour and small seconds subdials, compose the line of four displays on the Chrono 4 model. Working on an ETA 2892 base calibre, the brand's makers developed the Eberhard & Co. system that lends a particularly dynamic touch to the functions of this sporty timepiece, complemented by the date at 12 o'clock and a tachymetric scale.

The Chrono 4 collection is interpreted in several sizes. The original 40mm model was enlarged to "Grande Taille" (43mm) and "Geant" versions respectively introduced in 2008 and 2010. While most of them have a steel case that underscores their sporting style, the 40mm models also come in pink gold. They feature a white, black or blue dial with tone-on-tone or contrasting counters and subdials, along with raised rims, luminescent hour-markers, dagger-shaped hands and a choice between a steel bracelet and a leather or rubber strap.
The Grande Taille steel models with a rubber strap are distinguished by rubber inserts on the screw-lock crowns and several versions are enlivened with colourful accents (counter hands, hour-markers, the tips of the hours and minutes hands), while a limited edition commemorating the 10^th birthday of the collection is recognisable by its large red Roman X numeral. .

The "Geant" versions stand out with their sturdy 46mm steel or titanium case, water-resistant to 200m and topped by a unidirectional rotating bezel. Last but not least, the line is topped in fierce style by a "Full Injection" limited edition: a dark carbon-coated steel colossus with an ultra-dynamic rubber strap, while nonetheless flaunting the elegance of a dial adorned with a Côtes de Geneve motif.

After inventing in-line counters, Eberhard & Co. came up with the idea of pivoting its counters to appear in a vertical line - and this time in a tonneau-shaped rather than a round case. 2005 thus witnessed the emergence of the surprising Chrono 4 Temerario with its counters arranged in a column on the right-hand side of the dial. This model also featured a patented access system to the crown, which opens by a lever hidden on the back of the case at 12 o'clock. 

The Chrono 4 collection is also enriched with Bellissimo creations that certainly live up to their name. These less sporty-looking models come with a slimmer 40mm case and more discreet pushpieces. The traditional white, black or blue dials are joined by an innovative new apricot shade that gives a distinctively vintage look to that particular variation, and all are graced with applied rhodiumed Roman numerals and cut-out hands. For the first time in the Chrono 4 collection, the Belissimo Vitre interpretations are fitted with a sapphire crystal caseback revealing the self-winding calibre. And finally, the luxurious Coeur Vitre version boasts a movement adorned with sophisticated hand-crafted decorations.

The unique oval shape of the cases, the sophisticated mesh of the bracelets and the refined dials of the different variations are like notes that come together in an impeccably arrangement. Resolutely contemporary, these designs will delight lovers of chic and trendy aesthetics while remaining true to the timeless elegance that characterises the winged hourglass brand.

The eminently feminine case sports an ellipse and sets the tone: this new range will thrill lovers of modern, bold watches. The brilliance of steel, gold and diamonds enhances the refinement of the dials, while the finely crafted bracelets add the finishing touch to the whole piece.

Available in four sizes - XS, S, M and L - the oval steel and diamond-set steel cases of the Longines Symphonette house a quartz movement. The mother-of-pearl hour circle comes with either diamond indexes or with inlaid Arabic numerals. The polished lacquered black dial is adorned with diamond indexes, while the silver-coloured flinque dial features Roman numerals. Mounted on a black alligator strap or sophisticated steel mesh bracelet, these watches are water resistant to 30 meters.

An exclusive rose gold version, available with or without a row of diamonds, sports a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indexes or inlaid Roman numerals whose pink hands harmoniously match the case.

The series of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League began in Bromont this weekend and was marked by the victory of Schuyler Riley on Dobra de Porceyo. As the Top Partner of the FEI, Longines is the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Watch of the fourteen legs of the series, which qualify the participants to the final of the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping in Göteborg in March 2016.

The first season of the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping North American League opened this week-end in Bromont, Canada, with the victory of Schuyler Riley on Dobra de Porceyo timed by Longines, the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Watch of the series. The 14 separate competitions that make up this series take place throughout the U.S, Canada and Mexico from August until the Longines FEI World CupTM Jumping final in Göteborg in March 2016. As Title Partner, Longines also serves as Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of this event.

Following in the footsteps of the "small is beautiful" trend, this miniature jewellery watch, featuring a classic design, is adorned with diamonds and set on bright straps, from vivid red, to soft lavender, trendy beige to chic black. Its stainless steel case measures only 16 mm in diameter and is water-resistant to 30 m.

The Longines Mini is driven by the L298.2 quartz movement and displays the hours and minutes. Four diamond indexes and rhodium plated hands enhance its white mother-of-pearl dial. A row of diamonds surrounds the bezel.

The finesse of these new miniature creations will win over women seeking a jewellery watch that can be worn on any occasion.

Longines, a timekeeper for sporting performances since 1878, is launching a new line of chronographs specially developed for sports that require an extremely high level of precision. The Conquest 1/100th series responds to the needs of athletes, professionals and sports fans besides many others, since it measures time at multiple intermediaries and has an intuitive analogue display that shows the time to one hundredth of a second using a separate hand. All of this is possible thanks to the latest generation of quartz movements developed exclusively for Longines by ETA.

The Conquest 1/100th Alpine Skiing is the black dial watch in the Conquest 1/100th series. This chronograph is specially designed for professionals and alpine ski enthusiasts who are looking for a watch capable of measuring intermediate times from the starting gate to the finish line, gate by gate, to the hundredth of a second.

The demands required for Longines to reach such an extreme level of precision have also led to the development of the new unique quartz movement, the L440. It includes a microcontroller with a flash memory that allows the watch to be reset instantly and split times to be recorded. With a diameter of 41mm, this bright steel model has a black dial that displays the hour, minutes, small seconds at 6 o'clock, the date and chronographic functions: a central seconds hand, a 30 minutes counter at 2 o'clock and a 12 hours counter at 10 o'clock. The hand in red displays time to one hundredth of a second and is the watch's crowning glory at the centre. The model is also fitted with a steel strap and a triple safety folding clasp.

For its latest creation, the , the brand has replicated the lines of one of its pilot watch dating from the 1950s.

The 47.50 mm diameter of the original model has been reproduced, as well as the dial with its 24-hour scale, available in black or silver. The steel case has a closed back, decorated with Longines' famous hourglass symbol, in use since 1867. Each watch in this exceptional series is numbered.

houses the L789 self-winding, mechanical movement. This new column-wheel chronograph calibre, produced exclusively for Longines, is an adaptation of Longines' own single push-piece movement.
The watch features a chronograph function, displays the time on a 24-hour scale, and has a small seconds at 18 o'clock plus a date aperture at 12 o'clock, at the bottom of the dial. It is fitted on a black or brown alligator strap to match the colour of the dial.

52 years after its first association with the Games in Perth, Australia, Longines renews its support to this multi-sport event, taking place from 23 July to 3 August in Glasgow. Involving 71 teams of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations and Territories, this will be the largest competition ever held in Scotland.

Longines will provide the On Venue Results (OVR) service that includes the handling, the processing and the broadcasting of the official times and scores of the different sport events.

Timekeeping itself is only a modest part in the global picture and Longines will rely on its long-lasting experience in complete data handling for Glasgow 2014. Any score, distance, name, team, ranking and time requires technology to instantly process and distribute it as TV graphics for television networks. Scoreboards and displays will be spread around the different sporting venues, and the Commentator's Information System (CIS) will make available to rights holding broadcasters comprehensive information about the competitions, statistics and results.

The Official Watch of Glasgow 2014 will be a chronograph in steel from the Conquest Classic collection, housing an exclusive mechanical column-wheel calibre. With a diameter of 41 mm, its black dial is set with one arabic numeral and 11 applied indices with Super-LumiNova®. It displays the hours and the minutes, a small second at 9, a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 6 as well as the date at 4:30. Just as the entire Conquest Classic collection, this timepiece is water-resistant to 5 bar and its screw-down case back is fitted with a sapphire glass.

Roland Garros - also known as the French Open - is the biggest clay court tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam events that have been the pillars of the sport for more than a century. This weekend will determine who will be this year's champions, with the women's singles final (Maria Sharapova vs Simona Halep) today and the men's (Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic) tomorrow; how long those finals will last no-one knows, but they will be timed by Longines - the Swatch Group brand that has been the official timekeeper of the tournament since 2007.

But does time really matter in tennis, since the scoring system theoretically allows a match to go on forever? Momentum is actually more important, yet there has been a timing controversy in the past few days: the only time limits in tennis are the ones in changeovers (1min.30) and between points (20s); Rafael Nadal, notorious for his elaborate routines before serving, received time violations for surpassing the allowed 20 seconds in his matches versus Dominic Thiem and Leonardo Mayer - voicing his frustration, even though he is one of the players that actually wear a watch on court (the Richard Mille RM27-01 Tourbillon Watch).

"The best thing would be to have countdown clock on the court", the Spanish champion grumbled. "That would allow us to know how many seconds we have left before serving!". Rafael Nadal feels that he is being targeted by the 'anti slow-play brigade' that has reduced the allowed time from 25 seconds to 20 seconds and strictly enforces the rule in his matches. There have been debates among officials whether adding a countdown clock would be a good idea. That would be a third clock on court, along with the existing two.

Official Timekeeper and a new watch
As official timekeeper of Roland-Garros, Longines has clocks keeping the time of day and the duration of each match that are not only visible in the corners of the main stadiums (Court Philippe Chatrier and Court Suzanne Lenglen) but also throughout the premises. The silhouette of the analogue clock on display is recognizable, from the Master collection. Yet the star is the Conquest Classic, the range exclusively comprised of models fitted with mechanical calibres that the Saint-Imier brand has been promoting in the context of the tournament. Actually, the Conquest Classic collection was launched last year precisely at Roland Garros.

Beyond the mere sponsorship and the eulogy of the Conquest Classic, Longines' dedication to tennis also includes an interesting programme promoting young players under 13 years old, the final stage of which is played in Paris during Roland Garros: the Longines Future Tennis Aces. Just like in the previous years, sixteen youngsters were brought from all over the world to have the opportunity not only to play on the French clay but also on a venue spectacularly set in the heart of Paris. Last year, it was right in front of the City Hall; this year, a court was built in the Champ de Mars, with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

The field was selected with the help of the tennis federations of their respective countries (Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong-Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, U.K. and USA) and both the winner, Italy's Federica Rossi, and the runner-up, Russia's Daria Frayman, received an annual bursary of 2,000 USD to pay for their sports equipment until their sixteenth birthday.

Longines' association with tennis is also highlighted by the brand's partnership with two of the greatest tennis champions ever, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, married to each other and both engaged in philanthropic missions supported by Longines - the Andre Agassi Foundation (to assist the youth of Las Vegas and provide them educational opportunities, including a public school for at-risk children) and Children for Tomorrow (helping children and families that have suffered the trauma of war, exile and violence).

Win a Longines Timepiece

Take your chance to win one of the two Conquest Classic L2.786.4.56.6 watches worth CHF 2,880.

As the Title Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch, Longines presented the programme of the event and revealed the name of the Longines Ambassador of Elegance who will be lighting up the Prix de Diane Longines with her presence, namely Kate Winslet.

In all, nine races - including the famous Prix de Diane Longines, the world's top race for fillies - will be held during the afternoon of 15 June, in the unique atmosphere of the Chantilly Racecourse.

Longines' involvement in equestrian sport dates back to 1878, when the brand created a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his horse. For the Prix de Diane Longines 2014, the brand will be promoting a ladies' watch in steel from its Conquest Classic collection. Set with 30 diamonds, this timepiece with its white mother-of-pearl dial and diamond hour symbols is a perfect example of the elegance of this unique race meeting.

This year, the event will be enhanced by Longines' Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet. As the embodiment of refinement, the talented British actress will be presenting the "Mademoiselle Diane par Longines" award for elegance during the afternoon to a young lady chosen for her outstanding elegance. Moreover, Julien Dore, will be giving an exclusive concert.

Longines will also be involved in the Prix de La Reine Marie-Amelie Longines, a race for amateur riders of the International Federation of Gentlemen and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI), of which Longines is the Official Partner and Official Watch.

During the 2014 edition, the Swiss watch brand will renew its support to talented young jockeys through the Prix Longines Future Racing Stars, a race in which young jockeys from all four corners of the globe compete against each other. In a similar vein, Longines organizes on Saturday 14 the Longines Ladies Awards which will be presented during a gala evening held in the Grandes Ecuries of the Chantilly Chateau.
 

Since its earliest days, Longines has always focused on elegance. This quality can be found not only in its products but also in its communication, with the now famous slogan "Elegance is an attitude".

Longines presents today the Longines Elegant Collection, a line of refined timepieces including round watches with sleek lines in three sizes: 25.50 mm, 34.50 mm and 37.00 mm. Displaying the hours, minutes and seconds, as well as the date, these models are available in steel or steel and rose gold cap, and certain versions are set with diamonds. Evoking the Longines watchmaking tradition, all models in this collection are fitted with self-winding movements. The visual lightness of the design is finished off with a bracelet made up of fine links.

The ref. L4.309.5.88.7 and L4.309.0.87.6, feature a 25,5mm steel case and steel and rose gold cap case, and a white mother-of-pearl dial.

A successful end to Dubai's racing season was marked with the exciting and exhilarating Dubai World Cup. Titled the world's richest race, the Dubai World Cup is a thrilling exhibition of skill, precision and fashion as the world's top riders battle it out for eventual triumph while smart men and stylish women watch them in action. Swiss watchmaker Longines was the official timekeeper of the event for the third time.

One of the most closely followed races in the world, the Dubai World cup race is classified as a "International Group One flat race" for thoroughbreds over the age of four and covers a distance of 2000m. The exciting race was won by Animal Kingdom ridden by Joel Rosario while the Dubai Sheema Classic presented by Longines saw St Nicholas Abbey and Joseph O'Brien emerge victorious. The winning jockeys, trainers and owners of both races were bestowed with stunning gold timepieces from Longines' new Conquest Classic collection.

Introduced at the Dubai World Cup, the Conquest Classic collection is dedicated to those racegoers who share the excitement of the season's most prestigious race meetings, from Chantilly to Hong Kong, Dubai to Royal Ascot. Sleek and sporty and tailor-made for the discerning man and woman, the timepieces from the Conquest Classic collection were the ideal reward for the winners. This new collection will be featured at Baselworld fair 2013

In true style that is characteristic of equestrian events, the occasion also celebrated flair and fashion. Women adorned in striking dresses and creative hats paraded the venue in an attempt to win the award for the Most Elegant Lady. The triumph finally went to Alena Polyakova who won the coveted Conquest Classic timepiece in steel and gold with a white mother of pearl dial that echoed her grace.
On the strength of its long-lasting involvement in equestrian sports, Longines is delighted to be the Official Timekeeper of the most exciting horseracing events in the world. Longines' vast experience in timing equestrian events dates back to 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount. Since at least 1881, Longines has been committed to horseracing, and its chronographs have been highly sought-after by American race enthusiasts. Today, Longines' involvement in equestrian sports includes flat racing, show-jumping and endurance competitions. 

Longines Singapore Gold Cup 2013 returned for its fourth edition with Mr. S.R Nathan, former Singapore President, as the guest-of-honour. This year marks the renewal of the partnership between Longines and Singapore Turf Club for the Singapore Gold Cup.  With a S$1.35 million prize purse, the Longines Singapore Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious races in the region. Tropaios and jockey Tommy Berry were the first to dash past the finishing line, joining the realms of local racing legends immortalized by their triumphs in the high profile race. 
Conquest Classic Collection's timepieces were also awarded to the winning jockey, Mr. Tommy Berry, the trainer, Mr. Michael Freedman and owner, the China Horse Club respectively to recognize their merits. Longines continued the tradition of designating the Longines Singapore Gold Cup day as an annual Charity Race Day since they took on the title partnership in 2010. This year, Longines has pledged the total amount raised during this luncheon to the Community Chest, which supports 83 charitable organisations to help over 300,000 people. Items that were auctioned off included a variation of hand-blown colored glass horses and a limited edition watch from La Grande Classique de Longines donated by Longines. Award-winning Cultural Medallion Artist, Mr. Ong Kim Seng, contributed a watercolour painting and Singapore Turf Club also chipped in with an exclusive usage of their corporate box where guests can enjoy a private view of the racing action.
Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice-President of Longines and Head of International Marketing commented: "Longines is honoured to be partner of the Singapore Turf Club and to present the Longines Singapore Gold Cup for the fourth time. This event and the charity activities connected with it are totally in line with our core values of tradition, elegance and performance". Longines recently launched the Conquest Classic series in Singapore, a timeless collection for the world of horse-racing to be worn amidst the excitement of the parade rings. Conquest Classic is a tribute to the chronographs produced from 1881 on for race-goers and jockeys in New York. True to the brand's values of elegance, tradition and performance, this new collection of models, all fitted with self-winding calibres, is at the same time totally contemporary and perfectly timeless. 
 

After their victory in the Prix de Diane Longines in June 2013, Thierry Jarnet and Treve won the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 6 October 2013. Longines was partner and official timekeeper of the event for the third consecutive year. The Swiss watch brand was the title partner of another international Group 1 race on the same day, the Prix de l'Opera Longines, won by Christophe Soumillon on Dalkala.
In the frame of its partnership with France Galop, Longines is the official timekeeper of the racecourses of Chantilly, Deauville and Longchamp, as well as the title partner of the Prix de Diane Longines. The Swiss watch brand is also partner of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
The Official watch of this year's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was Longines DolceVita. This collection has been an enormous success, thanks to its contemporary elegance. These models are a horological interpretation of the easy-going Italian way of life - la dolce vita. The perfectly harmonious proportions of the rectangular timepieces in this collection are its unique characteristic.

During a press event at the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris, Longines and France Galop presented the 2013 edition of the Prix de Diane Longines, which promises to be outstanding. The programme includes races, a picnic on the grass, music and above all elegance, the brand's core value. It will be held on June 16th at Chantilly racecourse.
French singer Nolwenn Leroy will give an open-air concert. Hollywood star and Longines ambassador Simon Baker will bring a touch of elegance to the lawns of the Chantilly racecourse.
 

Nine races will be run in the afternoon, with the spotlight on the Prix de Diane Longines, the greatest race for fillies in the world. Longines will also be delighted to present, for the second year, the Longines Future Racing Stars race. This prize, which underlines Longines' commitment to supporting young people through sport, will be run by young jockeys from nine different countries.
Longines also announced the creation of a new prize, meant to reward women who have had a positive influence in the equestrian world: the Longines Ladies Awards. During a ceremony to be held on June 15 at the Château de Chantilly, a jury, chaired by Simon Baker will present three prizes in three distinct categories. The first is for promoting the equestrian world through arts and media; the second is related to equestrian breeding and care and third prize will reward the development of sport within the equestrian world.

Throughout its history, Longines has always had a passionate interest in equestrian sport - a perfect example of elegance and high performance and values that have always been close to the brand's heart. Longines created a special new model in its Conquest Classic collection. Set with 30 diamonds, the official Prix de Diane Longines watch is a marriage of steel and rose gold and features a white mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indices. Dazzling and elegant, this timepiece is the perfect accessory for a leisurely day spent at the Chantilly races.

Kristian Haagen: Mr. Von Känel, Longines seem to be doing very well these days. Do you recall having experienced such a favourable period during your time as CEO for Longines?

Walter von Känel: Well, in 2003 Longines sold watches for CHF 300 million and nine years later we sold watches for CHF 1.2 billion. In doing that I reached my target, as I wanted Longines to sell one million units in 2011 and to reach the one-billion Swiss franc mark in 2012.

That makes Longines the fourth best-selling Swiss watch brand after Rolex, Omega and Cartier, with Tissot just behind Longines. We are the Swiss watch industry's billionaires.

These are indeed impressive numbers, not least in light of the difference in prices compared to the top three brands…

The entry level for Longines models ranges from CHF 700 to CHF 900. Our best-selling watches, which represent 45 per cent of our sales, are priced between CHF 1,500 and 3,000, while 12-15 per cent of our sales are in the CHF 3,000 - 4,500 bracket.

What about the gender mix?

Longines is a 50-50 brand, meaning we produce equal numbers of watches for men and women. Longines has always been big on "pairs" watches. This goes for all our collections, except of course the Dolce Vita and Prima Luna which is only offered as a ladies' watch.

How does Longines meet the new challenges of the Swiss Made regulations?

While there is a lot of confusion regarding these rumours, things are very clear for us at Longines. Right now the regulations require that 50 per cent of the watch should be assembled and/or produced in Switzerland. We (Editor's note:Swatch Group) will however be inventing heavily in case production machinery and my goal is to offer all Longines watches with a 60-40 percent ratio in terms of Swiss and Asian production. These figures, which does not include bracelets, but covers hands, dials, cases etc, are definitely reachable for Longines within just a few years. And we will produce at costs similar to current Asian production costs. Of course all our movements are already made in Switzerland (Editor's note: ETA).

What has been your biggest achievement in your 25 years as president of Longines?

Undoubtedly reaching the CHF billion mark that makes the brand a billionaire!  

Under the new agreement - which marks the biggest sponsorship deal ever brokered by the FEI - Longines becomes the Official Top Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the FEI. Longines will take on a number of key FEI properties including the title sponsorship of the FEI World Cup™ Jumping before the start of the new season in October 2013. 

An official signing ceremony will take place in Lausanne (SUI) on 15 January 2013, when the contract will be signed jointly by FEI President HRH Princess Haya, and Mrs Nayla Hayek, Chair of the Swatch Group Board of Directors. Full details of the agreement will be unveiled as part of the signing ceremony in January 2013. 

"I am totally thrilled to welcome Longines as the FEI's first Top Partner. This is the beginning of a new era for our sport and the FEI," FEI President HRH Princess Haya said. "Longines has always had a huge presence in our community and our new partnership is a true celebration of our shared passion. This is an immense moment for the FEI. This long term partnership with Longines will completely revolutionise the way we are able to produce our sport, across all of our disciplines. I am enormously grateful to Mrs Nayla Hayek and her Board for recognising the incredible potential and possibilities of the ever- growing equestrian sport. " 

Nayla Hayek, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Swatch Group, commented: "We are delighted to have concluded this strategic and historic partnership with the FEI. It reinforces the traditional and long-lasting commitment of Longines in equestrian sports and makes the brand a major player in this field. We are looking forward to being involved in the great events organised by the FEI. This multi-faceted partnership also provides us with a great platform to strengthen the Longines brand presence worldwide. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to HRH Princess Haya and the Board of the FEI for giving Longines their trust."

About Longines

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier (SUI) since 1832 and is celebrating 180 years of non-stop craftsmanship in 2012. 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. 

Longines has established a network of links with the world of sport timekeeping which has enabled it to offer its skilled services to various prestigious sports during the 20th century. Today, it follows its vocation in the field of sports timing, namely in gymnastics, archery, alpine skiing, equestrian sports and at the French Open at Roland-Garros. 

Longines' passion for equestrian sports began in 1878, when a timepiece was made with a horse and jockey engraved on the watch face. Over the years, the brand has built b and long-lasting links with equestrian sports. In 1926, for the first time, the brand was involved as timekeeper for the Official International Equestrian Competition of Geneva. Today, Longines' involvement in equestrianism includes Jumping, Endurance and flat racing.

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.

About FEI

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines: Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. The FEI is based on the principle of equality and mutual respect between all 133 affiliated National Federations, without prejudice to race, religion or internal politics.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving & Para-Equestrian Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, and Reining. The FEI establishes the regulations and approves equestrian programmes at Championships, Continental and Regional Games, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Federation promotes equestrianism in all its forms and encourages the development of the FEI equestrian disciplines throughout the world, keeping the welfare of the horse at the heart of all its activities.

"The primary mission of the FEI is to advance the orderly growth of equestrian sport worldwide by promoting, regulating and administering humane and sportsmanlike international competition in the traditional equestrian disciplines" - FEI Mission Statement. 

WEEHAWKEN, NJ - May 25, 2011 - Michael Chen Zhao, the United States' representative for the 2011 Longines Future Tennis Aces Tournament at Roland Garros, June 2-4, has been preparing both on and off the court in advance of his first international and clay court competition. The 12-year-old Princeton Junction, NJ native qualified for the Tournament following a victory at last month's U.S. Future Tennis Aces Tournament at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, site of the U.S. Open, in Flushing Meadows, NY.

Zhao, currently ranked No. 11 in the USTA national 12-and-under division, will compete against athletes from 15 countries for a chance  to play in a doubles exhibition match with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Jim Courier on the historic red-clay courts at the French Open, and receive financing for tennis equipment until their 16th birthday, courtesy of Longines.

"I'm really excited and a little nervous about this really cool experience," said Zhao. "There will be a little pressure as well since this will be my first time at an international tournament. I'm preparing by training really hard and maybe getting a chance to hit on red clay before I go."

Zhao began playing tennis at 5-years-old and entered his first tournament by age 8. His best finish is a third-place result at a National Open event at the National Tennis Center and he has reached the quarterfinals of the USTA Winter National 12s Championship played the first week of January in Tucson, Arizona. He dominates his opponents using his powerful backhand and claims to model his ground strokes after his idol Novak Djokovic. "I like the form of his strokes and how much energy he has when he plays," he said. 

Longines Future Tennis Aces is part of the brand's global commitment to support and develop tennis' superstars of tomorrow. All the players who qualified for the Paris event will have the opportunity to attend the French Open Women's Final on June 4. Longines is the official timekeeper and partner of the French Open.

Longines Future Tennis Aces World FINAL
Date: Saturday, June 4
Time: 10:15 am local time Paris
Location: Roland Garros courts 7

Andre Agassi and Jim Courier Exhibition Match featuring finalists from Longines Future Tennis Aces Tournament
Date: Saturday, June 4
Time: 11:15 am local Paris time
Location: Roland Garros courts 7

Press Conference with Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Longines President Walter Von Känel
Date: Saturday, June 4
Time:1:00-1:45 p.m. local Paris time
Location: Tenniseum at Roland Garros

After having completed studies in advertising, sales and after having attended business administration classes at New York University, Kurt Kupper started his professional career at Umdasch (shop interior design) and then moved on to being president of the US brand of Feldschlössen.

His professional path led to luxury watches when he began working for Hublot as the CEO of their US branch, and for Binda (watch-maker and distributor of Longines and Breil). He was then asked to come back to Hublot to become their CEO in Nyon. His last position before coming to Reuge: director of a Swiss company which exports watches mainly to African markets.
Throughout his career, Kurt Kupper demonstrates his unique ability to review and improve the economic status of companies in peril

Agnieszka is joining the family of Longines testimonials that includes the legendary couple Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.
Longines is proud of its long history of sports timekeeping. As the official partner of the legendary French Open at Roland Garros since 2007, the Swiss watch manufacturer is delighted to be able to include in its family of ambassadors of elegance two of the most famous winners of the prestigious Paris tournament, Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi. Incidentally, the couple will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their triumph in Paris on 6 June at a Longines event not to be missed.

Agnieszka Radwanska will also be present and will be making her first international appearance as a Longines Ambassador of Elegance. The young talent will of course also be competing at the French Open this year for the third consecutive time.
This young player is the product of a family success story. Like her illustrious predecessor Stefanie Graf, Agnieszka started playing tennis at the age of 4, spurred on by her father. She grew up and trained in Gronau in Germany. After going professional in 2005 she succeeded in reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon that year. Agnieszka won her first tournaments (singles and doubles) two years later. In 2008 this young girl became the first-ever female Polish player to reach the top 10 in the world rankings.
A basically calm but extremely determined person, Agnieszka hopes to become the world no. 1 one day ... no more, no less!
What does Agnieszka think about her partnership with Longines? "It's a privilege to be a Longines Ambassador of Elegance. To represent this fantastic watch manufacturer alongside such tennis legends as Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi is a real honour. I love Switzerland and I adore watches but until now I've never had a watch made by such a beautiful brand," she announced at her press conference in Warsaw.
On the subject of this new partnership, Walter von Känel, President of Longines, said that he was delighted to welcome the young Polish tennis player to the Longines family and was looking forward to congratulating her on her future successes.