Raymond Weil at Watches and Wonder 2024: Synchronising Innovation with Traditional Elegance
- 12 Apr 2024
Longines is renowned in the luxury watch industry for excellent timepiece accuracy and high-quality craftsmanship. Here's what you should know before you buy.
A brief history of Longines Watches
Derived from the Swiss Les Longines meaning long meadows, Longines pays homage to the first factory site built in Switzerland in 1867 to manufacture the luxury watches we know today.
The Longines brand started in 1832 when Auguste Agassiz and his two partners established the Saint-Imier establishment to make and sell pocket watches. After becoming head of the company and the watches finding success in the United States, Agassiz took on his nephew, Ernest Francillon, to run the company. Here, Francillon worked on ways to improve the manufacturing methods in watchmaking.
While under Agassiz, the brand used common procedures used in watchmaking whereby watchmakers would work at home and supply their products to the trading offices. However, Francillon wondered about how the industrial revolution would impact the manufacturing process so he decided to take all the different stages of watchmaking and bring them all under one roof.
To achieve this, Francillon bought two adjoining pieces of land in 1866 and built his factory which was completed a year later. The factory was built on the bank of the River Suze, known locally as Les Longines', meaning long meadows, and so Francillon adopted this name for his factory.
Francillon then took on Jacques David who helped develop the machines required for perfecting watch manufacturing. Because of his innovation and industrial thinking, Francillion continually expanded the factory until the early 20th Century.
The research into technology at Longines rewarded them with various prizes, the first of which was awarded at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867 for its first pocket watch product - the 20A. Throughout the brand's history, technical research has allowed Longines to produce high-precision timekeeping and quality manufacturing.
Due to its precise timekeeping reputation, Longines is the official timekeeper in many sports, including equestrian, horse-racing, Formula 1, alpine skiing competitions and gymnastic competitions. To this day, Longines continues to be a reliable and precise timekeeping brand, not only for sports but for all the masses.
Who owns the Longines brand today?
Longines has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group, formerly Socit Suisse de Microlectronique et d'Horlogerie (SMH), since 1983. Founded by Nicholas G Hayek, the Swiss Swatch Group is the world watchmaking leader, with other brands such as ETA, Omega, Harry Winston, Hamilton and more under the company.
The current president of Longines is Matthias Breschan who has previously worked for the Swatch Group sister brands, Hamilton and Rado, for a number of years.
Where are Longines items produced now?
Longines watches are still being made in Switzerland, St-Imier, where they were first produced and have remained there since. They are the only watchmaker to have stayed in their original hometown to this day.
What is in the Longines range?
Longines continues to produce one of the most precise timekeeping watches in the world, but their range also includes sunglasses and straps for watches. The Longines tradition of keeping to quality is evident with their ability to provide original straps for watches so you can keep the authentic look of your watch or you can customise it to your preference.
In 2019, Longines began designing, producing and distributing the new optical and sun eyewear range for men and women. This new range embodies the brand's aesthetic and technological know-how to provide exquisite products. The optical and sunglasses range was developed in compliance with the strictest quality requirements and meticulous attention to detail, much like the production of its watches.
Where can I buy Longines products?
Longines products are widely available both online and in-store“ thanks to the company's selected network of retailers. You can find approved retailers in your country that sell authentic Longines products on their websites. Select countries can also purchase from Longines' online stores. At Chisholm Hunter, we stock a wide range of official Longines products including the high-performance HydroConquest for professional divers; the exquisite La Grande Classique collection; the classically authentic Master collection and the impeccable design of the Spirit watches.
How much do Longines products cost?
As with any luxury watch line, prices are on the higher end however, in relation to the rest of the watch industry, Longine places itself as a more attainable and affordable luxury brand compared to its pricier competitors.
Many high street retailers will have Longines products starting from around the £600 mark for the Conquest or La Grande Classique collections and up to several thousands of pounds for collections with more advanced technology and design.
The technical precision and high-quality build of Longines watches coupled with its devotion to tradition and research have helped place the company as the successful luxury brand it is today.
How can I tell if a Longines product is genuine?
Many Longines watches have very small numbers and markings printed on the dial below the number 6. These small markings show the movement number and plate number, which you'll need a magnifying glass to see. Counterfeit Longines watches usually don't have these markings but the ones that do are often done improperly, with defects and have more scratches on the dial surface.
Another way to find out if your Longines watch is genuine is to check the back of the watch case. A genuine Longines watch will be engraved with the watch brand name, the name of the country the watch was manufactured in and special trademark patterns for the watch brand. An authentic Longines watch case is fine and exquisite with a high finish and consistent assembly. A counterfeit watch will have a rough and imprecise watch case. Usually, letters are engraved on the open position of the case to show the amount of gold plating but counterfeit products will not have this mark. You can also check for the authenticity of your watch by going directly to Longines. Since 1867, Longines has kept a record of every single serial number of its watches so you can receive detailed information about your watch and a certificate of authenticity if it is genuine. Longines serial numbers are found engraved on the back of the watch case and are 5 to 8 digits long. In some cases, the serial number may be found on the movement or inside the watch so you may have to remove the case to see it.
Where can I get my Longines watch appraised?
If you'd like to get an appraisal of your Longines products then look for a local jeweller or watchmaker who offers a valuation service.
Older pieces that are in excellent condition will hold their value the best and holding on to pieces that have complicated mechanical workings will give you the highest resale price.
How do I wear my Longines watch?
The beauty of the Longines collection is that a single watch is enough to lift any outfit. Each of the Longines collections will match the occasion, day and outfit. For formal events, many of the Longines collections provide the simple, minimalistic and elegant watch you need to match your outfit.
For casual wearing, you can wear a watch from any of the collections and match it to your outfit, ensuring your arms have the right amount of luxury with elegant dials, gold or silver accents and a classic strap to elevate your look.
How to clean a Longines watch?
Longines watches have been designed to be durable but once in a while, they can require some cleaning to maintain their sharp and elegant look. It's recommended to use a toothbrush and soapy water to clean the metal bracelets and waterproof casings. Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Your Longines watch should be looking as good as new.
Think a Longines watch could be for you? Take a look at their collection here today.
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The 1970’s marks a crazy time for watchmaking brands. As the Quartz crisis roared on and the wave of automatic movements takes over, many brands failed to prevail. Raymond Weil, however, took tragedy by the horns and began their journey right in the middle of a watch economic downfall. Today, almost 50 years later, Raymod Weil unveils their newest creations to a world of watch connoisseurs at Watches and Wonders, Geneva, 2024.
Raymond Weil Millesime Moonphase: An Ode to the Cosmos
Now deemed the brand's flagship collection, the Millesime collection is reviewing more than a few new additions. A personal favourite is the Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase.
The dial, rich in detail, showcases a moon phase indicator positioned at 6 o’clock, complemented by a timeless and clean dial layout. The moon phase feature is seamlessly integrated, harmonising perfectly with the elegant hues of the watches. One variant presents a Midnight Blue dial paired with a coordinating calf leather strap, encased in a rose gold PVD-coated stainless steel body, creating a classic two-tone appearance.
The alternative design exudes a modern and refined look with its silver-toned dial, matching calf leather strap, and stainless-steel casing. A gorgeous addition to the profound dress watch collection.
While revealed to our speculating eyes at Watches and Wonders, this incredible masterpiece is under lock and key until later in the year. Giving you plenty of time to deem it worthy of a space in your collection.
Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Central Seconds: Sweeping Elegance
Raymond Weil continues to shower us with gorgeous timepieces with the Raymond Wil Millesime Automatic Central Seconds models. A 35mm stainless steel case with a few embellishments to enhance the tone of the watch.
Choose from a silver dial with a grey genuine calf leather strap with a unique W-stitched details and a stainless-steel case. Or go bold with a burgundy wine dial, stainless steel with a rose gold PVD-coated bracelet and matching case. And lastly, a denim blue dial paired with a navy-blue genuine calf-leather strap and stainless-steel case with 16 lab-grown diamonds.
Each timepiece is a work of art, all complete with a glass box sapphire dual-sided antireflective coasting for durability. The SuperLumi-Nova hands and indexes enhance legibility and make this watch a knockout in all elements.
Powered by the self-winding RW4200 calibre, the Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Central Seconds models have an incredible 38-hour power reserve, taking you from the office to the bar without a hitch.
Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Small Seconds
Raymond Weil is unveiling two fresh color variations of their original Millesime Automatic Small Seconds watch, which garnered acclaim at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2023.
These latest editions, debuting at Watches and Wonders 2024, feature dials in Denim Blue and Racing Green. Each watch is equipped with a subtle small seconds sub dial at 6 o’clock and is powered by the RW4251 mechanical self-winding movement, all encased within a 39.5mm stainless steel shell.
Taking inspiration from the original model, the vintage vibe is a delight among the buzz of modern designs at Watches and Wonders.
The watches capture a refined essence, with dial markings treated with Super-LumiNova® for better readability. They come in fashionable shades: the Blue Denim version pairs with a black calf leather strap, and the Racing Green version has a grey strap.
Boasting a water resistance of up to 50 meters and a 38-hour power reserve, these models are admired for their stylish look, efficient mechanics, and prize-winning architecture.
Raymond Weil may not be the oldest name in the playground, but they certainly know how to make a beautiful watch. Showing their bold side, Raymond Weil dedicate themselves to producing watches that pushes the boundaries of the craft. Watches and Wonders 2024 has saw some breathtaking releases and Raymond Weil really did take my breath away with these Millesime models.
Think Raymond Weil could be the one for you? Take a look at our new Watches and Wonders arrivals today!