Longines is among the most traditional names in Swiss watchmaking, synonymous with precision, innovation, and timeless design since 1832. With almost two centuries of continuous production, the company has built an unparalleled legacy, ranging from pioneering work in chronographs and navigation instruments to elegant dress watches and sports watches. Today, Longines holds a central position in the Swiss watch industry and continues to enjoy great recognition among collectors and watch enthusiasts worldwide.
1832: Founding in Saint-Imier
Longines was founded in 1832 in the Swiss town of Saint-Imier, where the company began producing high-quality precision watches. From its early years, the ambition was to combine technical innovation with classic craftsmanship, which quickly secured the brand a strong international position.
1867: The first manufacture
In 1867, Longines consolidated its production under one roof in the factory that still houses the company's activities in Saint-Imier. In the same year, the company developed its first in-house movement, calibre 20A, which won an award at the Paris World Exhibition and marked the beginning of Longines' reputation as a technological pioneer.
Late 1800s: International recognition
In the following decades, Longines achieved great international success through the development of precision watches, chronographs, and navigation instruments. The company received numerous international awards and became known for its technical expertise in precision measurement.
In 1889, Longines registered its iconic winged hourglass, which today is the world's oldest unchanged trademark still in active use within the watchmaking industry.
1900s: Aviation, sports, and precision
Longines played a significant role in the development of navigation watches for both aviation and expeditions. The company collaborated with some of history's most famous pilots and explorers, including Charles Lindbergh, who in 1931 developed the legendary Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch in collaboration with Longines.
At the same time, the brand became one of the world's leading manufacturers of timekeeping equipment for international sporting events and championships, a position the company still holds today.
Modern Longines
Over the past decades, Longines has further developed its historical heritage with collections that combine classic Swiss watchmaking artistry with modern technology. Series such as the Master Collection, Spirit, HydroConquest, Conquest, and Legend Diver have strengthened the brand's position among the world's most popular manufacturers of mechanical luxury watches.
The Heritage collection, in particular, has achieved great recognition by reinterpreting some of the company's most iconic models from the 20th century.
Longines today
Today, Longines is part of the Swatch Group and continues production from Saint-Imier, where the brand's history began almost 200 years ago. The company combines modern production technology with Swiss watchmaking traditions and is known for delivering mechanical luxury watches with exceptionally high quality relative to their price range.
Longines remains the official timekeeper for a wide range of international sporting events and is also one of the most respected names in classic Swiss watchmaking.
Why is Longines so coveted?
Longines combines almost 200 years of watchmaking history with modern Swiss precision. The brand is particularly known for:
• One of the world's longest and most continuous watchmaking traditions
• Production in Saint-Imier since 1832
• Historical expertise in chronographs and navigation watches
• The iconic winged hourglass, the world's oldest registered watch brand logo still in use
• Popular collections such as Master Collection, Spirit, HydroConquest, and Legend Diver
• Exceptional quality and craftsmanship relative to the price range
For many watch connoisseurs, Longines represents the perfect balance between historical heritage, technical expertise, and classic Swiss elegance. The combination of almost two centuries of experience and an ongoing focus on innovation has made Longines one of the world's most respected and coveted watch brands.
Find your next Longines watch at Stæhr Preowned
At Stæhr Preowned, you will find a carefully selected range of Longines watches. Whether you are looking for an elegant Master Collection, a sporty Spirit, or an iconic Heritage model, we will help you find a Longines watch that unites Swiss precision, historical heritage, and timeless design.
