Longines: 50 Exceptional Timepieces and Their Owners
The publication “Longines – Watches That Made History” chronicles the lives of extraordinary men and women who achieved remarkable feats with Longines watches by their side.
The book was written by journalist and watch expert Pierre-André Schmitt in collaboration with the global collector community and Longines Brand Heritage, and invites readers to discover the history of Longines from a new perspective.
In 50 chapters, “Longines – Watches That Made History” takes readers on a journey across continents and through the 19th and 20th centuries. Each chapter links a Longines watch to the story of its owner and the historical context of the time.
“Longines has always been driven by bold decisions, inspired by a pioneering spirit and the desire to stay one step ahead. The exclusive timepieces presented in this book—in their historical context alongside the people who relied on them—are a remarkable testament to this,” said Patrick Aoun, President and CEO of Longines.
Time, Innovation, and Human Achievements
Readers will encounter trailblazing female pilots and pioneers such as Jackie Cochran and Amy Johnson, as well as pioneers like Charles Lindbergh, Richard Byrd, and Clyde Pangborn, whose achievements are closely linked to precise timekeeping and navigation. The book also sheds light on the story behind Albert Einstein’s gold Longines wristwatch—Einstein being one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century.
In addition to the worlds of science and aviation, the publication also features timepieces worn by famous figures from the worlds of culture and sports, such as film star and singer Yves Montand and boxing world champion Joe Louis. Readers will also learn why a coach of world-record-holding track and field athletes chose Longines. Furthermore, the issue reveals for the first time how the St-Imier-based brand revolutionized timekeeping in Formula 1.
In addition, there are numerous exceptional watches to discover, including famous pilot’s watches, special chronographs, and high-frequency stopwatches.
A collaborative project with Longines collectors worldwide
The 288-page book was produced in close collaboration with Longines collectors around the world and the Longines Brand Heritage Team. Many of the approximately 300 color and 100 black-and-white photographs and illustrations have never been published before.
“We’ve structured the content of this book around the stories of courageous women and men. This human element helps readers better understand the significance and importance of a precision timepiece. More often than not, Longines watches have determined success or failure,” explains Daniel Hug, Head of Longines Brand Heritage.
The book, published by teNeues Verlag, is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese, and costs €80.
