The beauty of this year’s vintage-inspired watch trend is in the innovative ways brands have sought to balance out the past and present. It’s perhaps a nice coincidence then that Longines, who can easily be identified as the pioneer in recreating older timepieces in its Heritage collection, is celebrating its 185th anniversary and paying tribute to its past. For some years now, Longines has been producing re-editions of its older timepieces and it seems to have caught on with the rest of the watch world.
Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines was founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832 and has been a constant face of Swiss watchmaking since then. Its affordable yet elegant collection of timepieces have always provided a choice for both newcomers to the watch world as well as collectors who appreciate the classic aspect of its timepieces. While the “winged hourglass” has always been a classically mechanical-first production, Longines was one of the first brands to produce higher-end quartz timepieces as well such as the Longines Conquest VHP.
With a history as long-storied as it has, Longines will no doubt be putting lots of care into its 185th anniversary celebrations.
In Singapore itself, the brand will be opening a piece of itself to fans that most will never get to see. The brand will be bringing part of its museum’s experience down to Singapore through a 185th Anniversary Exhibition. On display will be several vintage watch models as well as timing devices across the long span of Longines’ history. Many of the brand’s different facets will be on show – from its involvement in navigation to more sporty collections.
The Longines 185th Anniversary Exhibition will be available for public viewing from 17 – 22 Oct at the Central Atrium of Marina Square and then later at VivoCity from 14 – 19 Nov.
Also on show as well will be the brand’s new Flagship Heritage 60th Anniversary that celebrates the Flagship’s anniversary. The collection was first introduced in 1957 as the top of Longines’ ranges. Interestingly, the story goes that it was Kate Winslet, a Longines brand ambassador herself, that picked out the watch during a factory visit to St. Imier. The brand then chose to recreate as faithfully, a remake of the watch.