Longines

Longines is a Swiss brand, founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Saint Imier, a small municipality in the canton of Bern, in the heart of the Bernese Jura. From its earliest decades, the manufacture established its headquarters and production workshops in the same location, where it still produces most of its watches today.

The name “Longines” comes precisely from the location. Les Longines was the local place name used to refer to the elongated meadows where the company’s first facilities were built. A name born from the land itself, reflecting the sense of heritage and tradition that has distinguished the brand for almost two centuries.

Among the milestones that established its international reputation are:

• The world’s first watch manufacturer to register a trademark with a logo in 1889, the iconic winged hourglass.
• Official timekeeper of the Olympic Games for decades.
• A historic supplier of chronometers for aviation and navigation.

Today, this Swiss heritage remains the foundation of every watch that leaves Saint Imier.

Longines belongs to the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaking group, headquartered in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. The Swatch Group brings together brands across different price and prestige segments, from Swatch and Tissot to Omega, Breguet, and Blancpain. Within the group, Longines occupies the “prestige” segment, offering high quality watches with strong craftsmanship and heritage at a more accessible price point than the major names in haute horlogerie.

Longines watches are sold exclusively through the brand itself or through official authorized retailers, ensuring authenticity, an international warranty, and after sales service.

Official Longines retailers guarantee:

• All watches are 100% genuine, with official Longines documentation, an international warranty card, and a certificate of authenticity.
• Expert and personalized advice: Our specialists have in depth knowledge of each collection and can advise you on the movement, size, materials, and intended use according to your preferences.
• A wide selection in store and online: From classic collections to sports models, as well as special editions and diamond set watches.
• Complete after sales service: Strap or bracelet adjustment, technical inspection, cleaning, and warranty management.

Safe and guaranteed purchase: Whether you purchase your Longines watch in physical boutiques or through online stores.

Yes, Longines is positioned within what the industry refers to as “prestige” or accessible luxury watchmaking. It offers higher quality, materials, and finishes than mass market watches, while remaining more affordable than the major names in Swiss haute horlogerie.

Some of the elements that support this prestige positioning include:

• 100% Swiss production (Swiss Made), with in house movements.
• An uninterrupted history dating back to 1832, making it one of the oldest watch brands still in operation.
• Premium materials: surgical grade stainless steel, 18 karat gold, anti reflective sapphire crystal, and high quality leather and straps.
• Certified chronometric precision: several of its calibres are certified as chronometers by the COSC.
• A sporting and scientific legacy: official timekeeper for equestrian competitions, alpine skiing, and numerous Olympic events.

The Longines price range is broad, from €950 to €8,100, making it possible to find a Swiss quality timepiece for different budgets:

• Entry level: from €950 to €1,500
  Quartz models in steel from collections such as La Grande Classique start at €950, already offering anti reflective sapphire crystal, a Swiss movement, and an international warranty. This price range also includes the first automatic models from collections such as Conquest and Flagship. It is the ideal entry point for anyone looking for their first quality Swiss Made watch.
• Mid range: from €1,500 to €2,700
  The majority of the Longines catalogue falls within this price range. The automatic HydroConquest, Spirit, and automatic models from the Master Collection, featuring complications such as an annual calendar or moon phase, range from €950 to €2,700. This segment includes in house automatic movements, high quality finishes, and many of the brand’s most iconic references.
• High end: from €2,700 onwards
  Models with more advanced complications or precious materials, such as cases with gold elements and diamond settings, exceed €4,500 and can reach €8,100 for certain special models from the Longines DolceVita collection. These are timepieces that combine the craftsmanship tradition of Saint Imier with the highest quality materials.

The final price depends on the type of movement, whether quartz or automatic, the case and strap materials, and the complications featured in the watch. At Joyería Marcos, you can check the latest prices directly in the online catalogue or contact us for personalized advice with no obligation.

Longines primarily uses two types of movements, both of high quality:

Automatic movements, developed in house: The Saint Imier manufacture develops its own automatic rotor winding calibres. The most notable include:

• Calibre L899: Ultra thin, measuring 2.40 mm in thickness, and used in the Master Collection and Flagship.
• Calibre L888: Known for its exceptional 72 hour power reserve and COSC certified precision.
• Calibres L592 and L595: Robust automatic movements with a date function, used in the HydroConquest and Spirit collections.

High precision quartz movements: In its more classic and feminine collections, Longines uses highly reliable and precise quartz movements that require minimal maintenance and offer very stable timekeeping.

All Longines movements are manufactured in Switzerland and undergo strict quality controls before leaving the manufacture. The result is a watch that combines precision, reliability, and longevity with timeless design.

Longines has maintained comprehensive historical records since its foundation in 1832, making it possible to accurately date almost any vintage watch from the brand. The most common methods are:

• Movement serial number: This is the most reliable method. The serial number is engraved on the movement, either on the plate or on the rotor bridge, and by consulting the brand, the year of manufacture can be determined with an accuracy of one or two years.
• Model and dial reference: The reference printed or engraved on the dial or caseback makes it possible to identify the collection and production period.
• Inspection by an authorized service center: At Joyería Marcos, we can advise you on how to proceed with vintage watches, whether for dating, servicing, or restoration.

Over almost two centuries, Longines has created some of the most recognizable references in Swiss watchmaking. These are the brand’s most iconic collections:

• Longines Master Collection: The crown jewel. Highly complicated automatic watches featuring moon phases, complete calendars, and chronographs, with ultra thin movements and classic watchmaking finishes at the highest level.
• Longines Spirit: Inspired by the precision chronometers that Longines produced for aviation and exploration during the 20th century. Robust design, highly legible dials, and certified automatic movements.
• Longines Conquest: Versatile and sporty, with automatic and high precision quartz versions. Ideal for everyday wear with a sporting spirit.
• Longines HydroConquest: Longines’ diving watch, with water resistance up to 300 metres, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a highly legible dial.
• Longines Legend Diver: A tribute to the diving watches of the 1960s, featuring a double case construction and a vintage inspired design highly appreciated by collectors.
• Longines Heritage: Reinterpretations of classic designs from the manufacture’s archives, for those who value history and period aesthetics.
• Longines Flagship: Classic elegance with an ultra thin automatic movement, designed for demanding formal and everyday wear.
• Longines La Grande Classique: The brand’s best selling collection. Timeless design, a variety of sizes, and an exceptional quality to price ratio.
• Longines DolceVita: A rectangular case inspired by Italian design, elegant and feminine, available in steel, gold, and diamond set versions.

Longines watches stand out for a unique combination of qualities that make them recognizable and highly appreciated:

• Timeless elegance: The brand’s official motto is “Elegance is an attitude”, reflected in clean designs, balanced proportions, and highly legible dials. Longines never follows passing trends. Its watches age beautifully.
• High precision in house movements: Several Longines calibres are COSC certified as chronometers, with a maximum deviation of −4/+6 seconds per day.
• Anti reflective sapphire crystal: Present across practically the entire range, it provides significantly greater scratch resistance than mineral glass or plexiglass.
• Reliable water resistance: From 30 metres in dress watches to 300 metres in the HydroConquest, covering everyday and sporting needs.
• Excellent value for money: Within the premium Swiss Made segment, Longines offers technical specifications that would cost significantly more at other brands.
• A rich historical and documentary heritage: The manufacture has preserved complete archives since 1832, further enhancing the heritage value of each timepiece.

A well cared for Longines watch can last for decades and become a family heirloom. These are the key recommendations:

Regular maintenance

• Automatic watches should be inspected by an authorized service center every 5 to 7 years, including movement cleaning, lubrication, and water resistance testing.
• Quartz watches require less frequent servicing, although the battery should be replaced by an authorized service center to prevent corrosion damage.

Everyday use

• Avoid exposing the watch to strong magnetic fields, such as speakers, magnetic clasps, and powerful electronic devices, as they can affect the movement’s accuracy.
• Do not subject the watch to strong impacts or intense vibrations that could damage the escapement or balance spring.
• Make sure the crown is properly screwed down before any contact with water, even on models with good water resistance.

Cleaning

• Clean the case and bracelet with a slightly damp soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Leather straps should be kept away from water and excessive perspiration. Replace them when they show signs of wear.

Storage

• Store the watch in its original case or in a watch box when not in use.
• Avoid environments with excessive humidity or extreme temperatures.
• If you own an automatic watch that you do not wear regularly, a watch winder can help prevent the movement from losing its power reserve.

At Joyería Marcos, we offer authorized technical service and maintenance for Longines watches.