# Longines

> Swiss watchmaker

**Wikidata**: [Q603698](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q603698)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longines)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/longines

## Summary
Longines is a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1832, headquartered in Saint-Imier, Switzerland and owned by The Swatch Group. The company specializes in luxury wristwatches and is recognized for its contributions to horology and precision timekeeping.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland
- Swiss watchmaker specializing in luxury wristwatches
- Owned and operated by The Swatch Group, a Swiss company founded in 1931
- Official website: https://www.longines.com
- Has 31 sitelinks on Wikidata
- Located in Switzerland, a country in Central Europe that was founded in 1291 and established as a federal state in 1848
- Associated with horology, the art, science and industry of clock making
- Trademark holder for its watch products and services
- Sponsors horse races including the Hong Kong Cup (established in 1988) and the Prix de Diane (established in 1843)
- Associated with notable individuals including Aksel Lund Svindal, a Norwegian alpine skier

## FAQs
- **What is Longines?** Longines is a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1832 that specializes in luxury wristwatches and is owned by The Swatch Group.
- **Where is Longines located?** Longines is headquartered in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, which is a municipality in the canton of Bern.
- **Who owns Longines?** Longines is owned and operated by The Swatch Group, a Swiss company founded in 1931 with headquarters in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
- **What type of products does Longines make?** Longines specializes in wristwatches, which are watches designed to be worn on a wrist and attached by a watch strap or bracelet.
- **What is horology and its connection to Longines?** Horology is the art, science, and industry of clock making, and Longines is associated with this field as a precision watchmaker.
- **Which horse races is Longines associated with?** Longines sponsors the Hong Kong Cup, established in 1988, and the Prix de Diane, established in 1843.
- **Is there a notable athlete associated with Longines?** Longines has associations with notable athletes such as Aksel Lund Svindal, a Norwegian alpine skier.

## Why It Matters
Longines matters in the world of luxury timekeeping as one of the oldest continuously operating Swiss watchmakers, representing over 190 years of horological tradition and innovation. The brand's association with precision timekeeping and horse racing events demonstrates its commitment to excellence across different domains, maintaining Swiss watchmaking standards on a global scale. As part of The Swatch Group, Longines contributes to the preservation and advancement of traditional watchmaking while adapting to modern market demands.

## Notable For
- Being one of the oldest continuously operating Swiss watchmakers, founded in 1832
- Maintaining headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, which has been its base since inception
- Sponsoring prestigious horse races including the Hong Kong Cup and Prix de Diane
- Associations with notable athletes like Norwegian alpine skier Aksel Lund Svindal
- Being a significant trademark holder in the luxury watch industry
- Specializing in the production of wristwatches as its primary product category
- Operating under the umbrella of The Swatch Group, a major Swiss conglomerate

## Body

### Origins and History
Longines is a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1832, establishing a legacy in precision timekeeping that spans nearly two centuries. The company has maintained its headquarters in Saint-Imier, a municipality in the canton of Bern, Switzerland since its inception. This location places Longines within one of Switzerland's traditional watchmaking regions, contributing to its identity as a Swiss watchmaker that embodies the country's horological traditions.

### Business Structure and Ownership
Longines is owned and operated by The Swatch Group, a Swiss company founded in 1931 with headquarters in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. This ownership places Longines within one of the world's largest watch conglomerates, which includes numerous other luxury and mainstream watch brands. The relationship between Longines and The Swatch Group represents a business structure where Longines operates as a subsidiary, maintaining its brand identity while benefiting from the resources and distribution networks of the parent company.

### Products and Industry
The company specializes in wristwatches, which are watches designed to be worn on a wrist and attached by a watch strap or bracelet. This product category represents the primary focus of Longines' manufacturing and design efforts. Longines operates within the broader field of horology, the art, science, and industry of clock making, where it has established itself as a brand with a strong heritage in precision timekeeping. The company's products bear its trademark, serving as a trade identifier for its luxury watches and related services.

### International Presence and Country Connections
Longines maintains connections to Switzerland, the country in Central Europe where it is both located and has its origins. Switzerland, established as a federal state on September 12, 1848, provides the national context for Longines' operations and brand identity. The company's international reach extends through its association with global events and partnerships, particularly in the realm of horse racing.

### Horse Racing Sponsorships
Longines has established significant connections to the world of horse racing through sponsorships of prestigious events. The company is associated with the Hong Kong Cup, a horse race held in Hong Kong as part of the Hong Kong International Races, which was established in 1988. Additionally, Longines has ties to the Prix de Diane, a historic horse race established in France on May 18, 1843. These connections demonstrate the brand's involvement in equestrian sports and international racing events.

### Brand Associations and Endorsements
The brand has established connections with notable individuals, including Aksel Lund Svindal, a Norwegian alpine skier. Svindal, who holds citizenship in Norway (country Q20) and has occupations as both an athlete and sports official, represents the type of athlete endorsement that aligns with Longines' image of precision and excellence in sport. These athlete partnerships help reinforce the brand's association with achievement and performance.

### Market Position and Recognition
In the digital realm, Longines maintains a presence with 31 sitelinks on Wikidata, indicating its recognition and representation in structured knowledge databases. The company's official website, longines.com, serves as a digital hub for its products and brand communications. As a business organization undertaking commercial activity, Longines operates within the luxury watch market, competing with other established Swiss and international watchmakers. Its classification as both a business organization and a trademark holder reflects its dual role as a commercial entity and brand owner in the watch industry.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Google Knowledge Graph
4. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
5. [Gouden polshorloge door Longines, 1953. 1953](https://n2t.net/ark:/33862/collect/612095)
6. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Longines-JKXGNG)
7. Name Suggestion Index