About Longines
Longines Watch Co. Francillon Ltd. has been based in Saint-Imier (Switzerland) since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. In its early days, the firm was run by Auguste Agassiz and was a “comptoir” or trading office like many others in the area. The watches were produced under the “établissage” system, whereby watchmakers worked at home. In 1867, Ernest Francillon, Agassiz’s nephew and successor decided to abandon this production method and he brought together the different stages that go toward making a watch under one roof. The Longines factory was born. From then on, the factory in Saint-Imier steadily developed and produced many horological creations that gained international recognition. Longines was rewarded by various prizes, which gradually gave the company its reputation of winning the most awards in international and world exhibitions. In 1889, Francillon patented a trademark comprising the name Longines and its now famous winged hourglass. Longines also made a name of itself in sports timekeeping and designed timing equipment that gained the brand a worldwide reputation. Using its expertise, the brand established a network of advantageous links with the world of sport, which enabled it to offer its skilled services to various prestigious sports.
