Longines Presence 25.5 Automatic Yellow (L4.321.2.11.8)

Longines - Steffi Graff & Andre Agassi on film

Saint-Imier, 18th February 2009 - Married in real life, the two tennis legends and Longines Ambassadors of Elegance, Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, have united on screen for the brand's latest advertising campaign shot in December 2008. The previous year Andre Agassi joined the family of Longines' ambassadors. The first spot showed the tennis star and the children supported by Agassi's charity, the Andre Agassi Foundation. The humanitarian ideals of the famous watch manufacturer and those of Agassi have a lot in common.

One year later, tennis legend Stefanie Graf also became a Longines Ambassador of Elegance. Under the dazzling Las Vegas sun a second film adventure began. Mandy Walker captures the magic of the couple's visit to the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy.

Longines' history is closely linked to that of sports timekeeping. As the official partner of the legendary Roland Garros tennis tournament since 2007, the brand has yet again reinforced its links with the world of tennis by choosing Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf as its Ambassadors of Elegance.

The couple share the watch brand's values of excellence, elegance, beauty and compassion, thus the perfect embodiment of Longines' famous slogan "Elegance is an attitude". By supporting the two tennis legends' charities Longines is demonstrating once again its humanitarian commitment.

Early December saw the start of filming in the warmth of the Las Vegas sun with the young director Terry Hall in the driver's seat. An advertising spot, but at the same time a real film, it captures the genuine heart-felt generosity and empathy of the couple. The commitment of Andre and Stefanie can be clearly seen in the work that their respective foundations do to help disadvantaged children.

Followed by Mandy Walker's camera, Andre Agassi visits various classes at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, which is supported by his Foundation. The youngest pupils are having a drawing lesson. After a good deal of laughter, the children concentrate on their masterpieces. Agassi looks at their work closely. The budding artists don't seem to be particularly intimidated by their famous visitor nor by the presence of the film crew.

For most of them, it is actually their second experience of filming because they were also featured in the first film made in 2007. What is more, the children are not acting because most of the little stars are students at the school that bears Andre Agassi's name. Mandy Walker zooms in on the tiny faces. A little girl looks at her quite openly and says "I learn effort." A young boy says "I learn respect."

The scene changes: a lawn basking in the sun, an ancient tree. The radiant Stefanie Graf is sitting with a group of children who are also drawing. Ms. Graf smiles and casts a caringeye over the group. The children speak to the camera again: "I learn to be myself," says one. A boy sitting next to Stefanie says "I learn to conquer my way." Stefanie looks at his drawing and realises that he is drawing her! A portrait of Andre then appears alongside hers.

The film ends with a close-up of the couple, who announce in unison "It's time to give a bit of your time to others" as an echo the Longines slogan appears on the screen and offers the final word: "Elegance is an attitude". The film offers a few moments of intimacy, generosity, humanity and sharing between the Swiss watch manufacturer and its two ambassadors.

"The Andre Agassi Foundation"

"Children for Tomorrow"

Children for Tomorrow Foundation is a non-profit that provides assistance to children and families who have become victims of war, persecution, and violence by helping to heal the psychological wounds within. The Foundation was established 1998 by Stefanie Graf in cooperation with the Outpatient Clinic for Refugee Children and their Families at the University Clinics of Hamburg-Eppendor.

The Andre Agassi Foundation is dedicated to transforming U.S. public education for underserved youth. The Foundation drives reform by engaging in practice, policy and partnerships that provide quality education and enrichment opportunities. The Foundation's primary beneficiary and centrepiece of its mission is the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. Located in the most socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood in Las Vegas, Nevada, the public charter school is designed to enhance students' character, motivation, and self-discipline with individualized learning for college preparation. The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit public charity that was established in 1994.