Longines is a Swiss watchmaker based in Saint-Imier. Auguste Agassiz founded it in 1832, and since 1983 the brand has been part of the group of companies now called Swatch Group. Its name comes from the Les Longines area, the site of its first factory in 1867. Longines is known for chronographs, sports timing, and the aviator watch designed with Charles Lindbergh. Its winged hourglass logo was registered in 1889 and is recorded as the oldest active trademark with an unchanged form at WIPO. For buyers of secondhand watches, a history that long means many generations of designs and movements. Recognizing the era helps judge whether a watch is still intact and reasonable.
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Longines was founded in Saint-Imier in 1832 on the initiative of Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker and the older brother of the biologist Louis Agassiz. The company's original name was Raiguel Jeune & Cie, with two partners: Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. By 1846 both had withdrawn, so Agassiz led the company alone. His nephew, Ernest Francillon, then joined and took over from him when Agassiz fell ill. Francillon chose to make only pocket watches with a crown-winding system, rather than the key-winding system that was common at the time.
In 1867 Francillon opened his first factory in the southern part of Saint-Imier, in an area called Les Longines. This is where the brand name came from. In the same year the factory produced its first in-house caliber, the 20A, which won an award at the Paris Universal Exposition. The engineer Jacques David, the factory's Technical Director, was sent to Philadelphia in 1876 and wrote a 108-page report on how American watch factories worked. In 1878 the first chronograph arrived, the 20H, with all of its functions operated through the crown. From here the Longines name began to be known in equestrian sports.
The growing reputation made Longines a target for counterfeiters from 1880. Francillon registered the Longines name in 1880 and the winged hourglass logo in 1889. Entering the 20th century came the Weems air navigation watch, the Hour Angle watch with Lindbergh, the flyback chronograph in 1934, and the first quartz movement in 1969. In 1983 Longines' owner, ASUAG, merged with SSIH to form SMH, which became Swatch Group in 1988. In the 1990s Longines was positioned in a more affordable segment, with designs that emphasize a classic feel and tradition.
- Hour Angle: an aviator watch introduced in 1931 in collaboration with Charles Lindbergh.
- Weems Avigation: an air navigation watch made in collaboration with P.V.H. Weems, produced in 1927 (48 mm) and in a smaller 33 mm version in 1937.
- Zulu Time: a dual time zone watch made in 1925 for the Royal Canadian Navy.
- Flyback chronograph: released in 1934, with the technology patented in 1936.
What we check before listing
We first look at whether the winged hourglass logo and the Longines lettering on the dial, crown, and case back look neat and consistent. The brand has been a target for counterfeiters since 1880, so the dial printing, indices, and hands need to be checked carefully. We match the model and era to how the watch looks: case size, dial style, and movement type. On older watches, we watch for signs of a replaced dial or hands, a case that has been polished too often, and a crown that does not fit. We test the crown function, time setting, and chronograph pushers (if present), and we also check the condition of the strap or bracelet.
Caring for it
Older watches are usually no longer guaranteed to be water resistant, so avoid splashes, rain, and showers until a watchmaker has checked it. Keep it away from magnets and hard knocks so the movement stays accurate. Regular servicing by a watchmaker who understands mechanical movements helps keep the movement working well. Store it in a dry place, and wipe the case with a soft cloth without over-polishing.
FAQ
Where does Longines come from?
Longines is a Swiss brand based in Saint-Imier. The company was founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832. The name Longines comes from the Les Longines area, where its first factory stood.
Is Longines in the same group as Omega?
Yes. Longines' owner, ASUAG, merged with SSIH (the owner of Omega) in 1983. The combined company became SMH, which was later renamed The Swatch Group in 1988.
Has the Longines winged hourglass logo changed?
According to our sources, the logo was registered in 1889 and is recorded as the oldest active trademark with an unchanged form at WIPO. When we check a watch, we still judge the print quality and placement of the logo, because the logo alone is not proof of authenticity.
Does a secondhand Longines watch need servicing?
It should, especially a mechanical watch or one that has not been worn for a long time. Servicing by an experienced watchmaker usually includes checking the movement and water resistance. Do not assume an older watch is still water resistant.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).