Longines is a Swiss luxury watch brand steeped in history and marked by technical and aesthetic innovations that reflect the founders’ values. Founded in 1832 in the village of Saint-Imier by Auguste Agassiz, the company quickly earned a reputation for its high-quality, precision timepieces. In 1852, a new chapter began for Longines with the arrival of Ernest Francillon, an economist by training and the nephew of Auguste Agassiz. He gradually took the reins of the company, contributing to the modernization of production processes, the expansion of the distribution network, and the diversification of product lines.
Under his leadership, Longines inaugurated its new factory in 1867. This modern facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, enabled the brand to reach new heights. That same year, the brand launched the first Longines movement, the 20A. This 20-line caliber, featuring an anchor escapement and a winding and time-setting mechanism operated by a pendant, represented a major advance in precision and reliability. It earned Longines a medal at the Paris World’s Fair.
In 1876, Jacques David, Longines’ technical director, traveled to the United States to participate in the Chicago World’s Fair. This event enabled Longines to establish a foothold in the American market. The brand then launched its first chronograph, featuring the Caliber 20H, in 1878 and carved out a prominent place for itself in the world of sports with innovations such as its single-push-button chronograph, introduced in 1881.
In 1893, Ernest Francillon made a major strategic decision to protect the brand’s heritage: he registered Longines’ iconic logo—a winged hourglass—with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). This pioneering move makes Longines the oldest brand still in operation—without any changes—to be registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
In 1900, Longines won the Grand Prix at the Paris World’s Fair by presenting “La Renommée,” a pocket watch equipped with the Caliber 21.59 chronometer. The brand launched other innovations and filed patents for its creations, such as the Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch and the Caliber 22A. Today, Longines is one of the most respected watch brands in the world. It is known for its elegant, precise, and innovative watches, as well as for its rich sporting heritage. Cie. Bracelet Montre offers a range of high-end watch straps that perfectly complement these horological masterpieces. Our accessories will enhance the timeless design of Longines cases while expressing your personality.
Longines’ Iconic Watches
With expertise shaped by 190 years of history, Longines has created a number of iconic watches. Many of its models can be found on the wrists of the world’s most famous celebrities, from movie stars like René-Jean Page to athletes such as Mikaela Shiffrin. Among the most iconic Longines watches is the Longines Weems. This watch was produced in 1927 for Charles Lindbergh, the first aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic. Designed for easy reading in low-light conditions, this watch features a special dial with a 24-hour indicator.
The Longines Avigation, created in 1950 for pilots and navigators, is also one of the brand’s iconic models. This model features a rotating bezel with a slide rule scale, which can be used to calculate speed, distance, and fuel consumption. The watch was also worn by Amelia Earhart during her transatlantic flights.
The Longines Conquest is also one of the brand’s most popular chronographs. Created in 1954, this collection combines artisanal excellence with technical innovation in a perpetual quest for performance. It embodies the spirit of adventure and elegance thanks to its high-precision self-winding mechanical movements and its robust design, capable of withstanding the most extreme conditions. The HydroConquest stands out above all as a true icon. This dive watch, water-resistant to 300 meters, perfectly combines elegance and ruggedness.
The Longines Flagship is a line of chronographs launched in 1957. This collection quickly became one of the brand’s most elegant, featuring slim and refined watches. Its models are equipped with an automatic movement and offer a wide selection of dials to suit every style.
Watch straps to personalize your Longines case
Longines’ commitment to elegance, tradition, and performance is reflected in its iconic collections. If you own one of these timepieces, complement it with a high-end watch strap. Our accessories are specially designed to complement Longines watches and preserve the refinement for which the brand is renowned. Easy to install, our straps for men and women keep your watch securely on your wrist and ensure optimal comfort for everyday wear.
You’ll also find a wide selection of Longines watch straps in a variety of colors, crafted from various fine materials and featuring a meticulous finish. Leather straps are a classic and elegant choice, perfect for highlighting the design of the Master or Heritage models. Enjoy the authentic charm of calfskin, or let yourself be captivated by the unique texture of alligator or lizard leather.
NATO straps are perfect for sports watches. Made of nylon, they are water-resistant, shock-resistant, and scratch-resistant, allowing you to fully enjoy your activities, whether in the water, on land, or in the air.
Feel free to order your Longines watch strap on the Cie Bracelet Montre website. Our experts are also happy to welcome you to our boutique located in Paris, at 25 rue du Dragon in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
