Founded in 1832 at Saint-Imier in Switzerland, the Compagnie des Montres Longines Francillon S.A. is the oldest trademark still in use in its original form registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization. Over the years, Longines has played a pioneering role in many timekeeping technological breakthroughs, with a particularly strong presence in the field of sports, while constantly exhibiting its characteristic elegance across the globe.
Longines developed its first chronograph in 1878. It was quickly adopted by horse enthusiasts. In 1912, Longines helped shape the history of the sporting world by introducing the first timing mechanism automatically triggered by an electric wire. Since then, the brand has been designated as the official partner and timekeeper of international federations and prestigious sporting events throughout the world. Longines has also marked the history of aviation by timing, among other feats, the first non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic by Charles Lindbergh.