Nestled in the lush valley of Saint-Imier, on the slopes of Switzerland’s Jura mountains, lies the birthplace of Longines. This charming town, home to the brand’s first factory, is also where you’ll find the Longines Museum—a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. Until then, let this article take you on a journey through Longines’ storied past.
From creating the world’s first GMT-function watch to accompanying historic flights in the early 1900s, Longines has carved its name into the annals of haute horology for nearly two centuries. Its defining ethos? The simple yet profound motto: “Elegance is an attitude.”
The story began in 1832 when a young Auguste Agassiz laid the foundation for what would become a revolutionary brand in Swiss watchmaking. Initially relying on independent workshops, the company consolidated operations in 1867, opening a factory in the region known as “Es Longines.” This land would give the brand its enduring name, one synonymous with elegance and precision to this day.
In 1889, Longines unveiled its now-famous winged hourglass logo, a symbol of elegance and innovation. By 1893, the brand had secured international registration for the logo, making it the oldest unaltered trademark still in use today—a testament to Longines’ enduring legacy.
Pioneering Timekeeping: The First Longines Watches
In its early days, the winged hourglass adorned exquisite pocket watches before Longines transitioned to crafting wristwatches at the turn of the 20th century. Yet, it was a pocket watch that etched Longines into horological history. In 1908, Longines produced a groundbreaking pocket watch for the Ottoman Empire, capable of displaying two time zones—the world’s first watch with a GMT function. This innovation was formally recognized in 1911 when Longines filed a patent for the GMT feature. Not stopping there, Longines continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking. Shortly after the GMT pocket watch, the brand introduced two remarkable innovations: the first chronograph with a flyback function and the debut wristwatch capable of showing a second time zone on its dial. These advancements cemented Longines’ position as a pioneer in precision and versatility.
