Longines

Longines was founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier in the Swiss Jura. In 1867 Ernest Francillon brought production together in a factory at a place called Les Longines, which gave the brand its name, and its winged hourglass logo, registered in 1889, is one of the oldest trademarks still in use. Longines is part of the Swatch Group and has a long history in aviation and sports timekeeping.

The catalog covers four of its sports and tool-watch families: the HydroConquest and Legend Diver dive watches, the Spirit pilot's watches and the Avigation line inspired by early aviation instruments. Longines also makes classic dress collections, but these four are where most dealer activity in sports models takes place.

Longines references follow the pattern L3.781.4.56.6, and the final digit shows the strap or bracelet, so the same watch may appear under several references that differ only in the bracelet. Many recent models carry COSC chronometer certification and long warranties, so the warranty card is a useful part of the set. These are watches bought to be worn, and buyers check bracelets, bezels and crystals for wear.