Search for the Oldest Longines Watch in India

Longines will soon initiate a search of the oldest Longines watch in India to commemorate the presence of Longines watches in India for more than 135 years.

In 1832, Auguste Agassiz joined the world of watchmaking when he founded a watch trading office in Saint-Imier – this was the start of the Longines’ history. Protected since 1889 in Switzerland, the company’s trademark, comprising a winged hourglass and the name Longines, is the oldest (still active in its original form) in the international registers managed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Longines, the famous Swiss watchbrand, completed 180 years of non stop watchmaking, last year. Celebrations all across the world, including India, showcased the rich heritage, tradition and elegance of Longines.

In 1878, the first shipment of Longines watches entered India and from then on there has been no looking back. Currently present in 77 points of sale, Longines holds a strong position in the industry of luxury timepieces in this country.

Mr Walter von Kanel, President of Longines said at Basel 2013 “India is a country of tradition, culture and heritage. After successfully being held in China, Russia, Japan and Taiwan, India, where the tradition of passing wealth on to the next generation has been evident since decades, it is an ideal country to host this competition. The purpose of this search is to bring out the ancient Longines watches in India that have been preserved and handed down for generations. This search aims to track the footprints of Longines in India that are as old as 135 years. I wish the participants and the Longines office in India all the best for this competition.”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Longines Ambassadress of Elegance for more than 13 years said “I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea to hold this competition in India. I am extremely proud of being the ambassador of a brand that has such a rich history of producing elegant timepieces for more than 180 years. I can’t wait to see the marvels this competition will reveal in India. I wish all participants the very best.”

The competition opens for the public on 17^th of June, 2013. In order to apply for this competition, the watch owners must fill in the application form with all relevant information including the serial number of their antique Longines timepiece and submit it with multiple images of the front and back of the timepiece, clearly showing the serial number. Application forms will be available at selected official retailers across the country. Participants also have the option of registering online on the dedicated website – www.oldestwatchindia.longines.com. After the collection of forms over a pre-assigned period of 5-6 weeks, experts at the Longines head office in Switzerland will carefully examine the information and make their findings.

The winner of the competition will get a chance to experience an all paid trip for two to Switzerland for a week and a chance to visit the Longines factory.

Meanwhile as a prequel to the competition, a series of historic Longines watch exhibitions are being organized across the country to build interest and excitement for this competition.

About Longines:

Longines has been based at Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832. It is celebrating 180 years of non-stop craftsmanship in 2012 and its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It has generations of experience as the official timekeeper at world championships and as a partner of international sports federations. Longines is a member of The Swatch Group S.A., the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With an excellent reputation for creating refined timepieces, the brand, whose emblem is the winged hourglass, has outlets in over 130 countries.

For further information, please contact -:

Shalini Gupta / Manika Mittal

+91 9810105771/ 9990026544

I:Connect Enterprise

Bheeni Kapur

Assistant Manager – Marketing & PR

Longines India

Bheeni.Kapur@in.swatchgroup.com

011-46092936