IWC Watches and Wonders 2024: IWC Shock Again!
- By Harrison Brown
- 10 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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Watches and Wonders 2024: IWC Shock Again!
Known for their maximalist design, their link with motorsports, pilot watches, and for beginning the craze of ceramic watch cases. But the brand actually has a soft underbelly filled with clean lines, simplistic beauty, and extraordinary technical innovations. Let’s dive into what IWC Schaffhausen released at Watches and Wonders 2024!
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44: Time Unfolds
As Watches and Wonders 2024 continues to amaze the crowds, and IWC Schaffhausen adds a few modern upgrades to their perpetual calendar watches. Unveiling four new models of the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, IWC has truly outdone themselves.
This collection is divided into 2 materials; 2 models are crafted from elegant 18ct white gold with the option of a deep Horizon blue dial or the famous Dune dial. The other 2 models are constructed from 18ct Armor Gold®, which offers an improved microstructure that is more robust and longwearing than your typical 5N gold. Available with a strong Obsidian dial or a unique Silver Moon face.
In 2003, the first IWC Portuguese watch with an perpetual calendar was introduced. By utilising the more liberal case dimensions, a larger reduction gear was added to the moon phase display, improving its accuracy to 577.5 years. The trademarked Double Moon™ display, which displays the moon phase as seen from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, was another unique invention.
Now that this model has been thoroughly revised and enhanced, IWC Schaffhausen offers four new iterations.
What makes these watches so different? IWC has re-engineered their Portugieser Perpetual Calendar models with a double box sapphire crystal case and 15 layered lacquered dials for a seamless, weightless finish.
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44mm Automatic Watch
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40/42: Precision in Motion
When searching for a timepiece that presents pieces of the past, present, and future, the IWC Portugieser Automatic models are always for the win. Dating back to the 1930's, when IWC Scaffhausen was the face of innovation by using high-precision pocket watch movement to create a wristwatch with chronometer precision, the Portugieser Automatic is a classic watch that lasts through generations.
Today, IWC is releasing their latest renditions of the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 and 42 models. Enhanced with double box sapphire crystal glass for a clear view of the inner workings of such a work of art.
While ensuring they respect their history, IWC has launched themselves into the future with these latest models. Available in 18ct white gold or 18ct Armor Gold® with a range of gorgeous dials that set these timepieces apart from the rest.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40mm Watch
IWC Portugieser Chronograph: The Dance of Precision
In 1995, the distinguished brand IWC Schaffhausen introduced the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante, marking a significant milestone. This timepiece was not only the first in-house chronograph developed by IWC but also seamlessly blended a touch of casual, sporty elegance into the classic dress watch style.
With 3 new models, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph develops a new meaning of style. Sporting the latest Obsidian, Horizon Blue, or Dune dials that portray the movements of the moon.
IWC has carefully crafted these Portugieser Chronograph models with the specific placement of the sub dials, providing further insight into your specific timings.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, this mechanical chronograph entices reliability, precision, and long-lasting performance. The column-wheel mechanism, responsible for managing the chronograph function, meticulously delineates each phase of the switching sequence. This seamless integration with the fundamental movement and precise coordination of all components ensures that accurate timing rates are upheld, even with continuous use of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph 41mm Watch
IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Turbillon Day & Night: Wheels in Motion
Founded in 1886, IWC Schaffhausen is one of the oldest luxury watch brands on the market. And with that deep rooted history comes a wealth of knowledge that we watch enthusiasts can only dream about.
IWC put their outstanding knowledge and expertise of fine watchmaking into their latest IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day and Night watch. With a 18ct Armor Gold® case, gold plated hands, and accents, a beautiful contrast is brought by the deep Obsidian dial. A truly gorgeous watch.
Now, what makes this watch truly fantastic is the Tourbillon.
The tourbillon is a remarkable mechanism found in IWC watch movements. It encloses the balance wheel and pallet lever within a small cage that completes a full rotation around its axis every minute. This continuous rotation serves a crucial purpose: mitigating the effects of gravity on the oscillating system of the watch. By doing so, it enhances the overall accuracy of timekeeping. This crafty mechanism provides more accuracy and intrigue overall.
IWC Portugieser Hand Wound Tourbillon Day & Night 42mm Watch
For over 150 years. IWC Scaffhausen has designed, developed, and manufactured truly incredible movements and timepieces that continue to blow our minds and pave the way for the future. Watches and Wonders 2024, has seen the release of countless watches, and IWC has released some marvelous creations. Whether you are a passionate horologist looking for the latest innovations or simply appreciate a stunning watch, we are seeing it all at Watches and Wonders. Keep up-to-date with our daily blog posts!
Think IWC Scaffhausen could be the one for you? Take a look at our new arrivals here today!
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