Page 120 - Puissance Euro 1

118Longines has drawn strength from this commitment throughout its centuries-long history. An etching featuring jockey and mount appeared on a chronograph as early as 1878: this was the first iteration of the unwavering attention Longines would focus on the equestrian world.This chronograph would become the company’s ambassador for jockeys and horse enthusiasts alike. As of 1881, it would offer performance timekeeping to the nearest second. It wasn’t long before the model earned the success it deserved: in 1886, most sports judges in New York began using it as their preferred time measuring tool.Soon, the Longines name would become associated with timekeeping in the world of sports. At the close of the 19th century, the Saint-Imier brand proudly held its position of choice in the field of American racing. To this day, it conti- nues to offer utmost precision, know-how and experience in sports timekeeping. Countless equestrian events have be- nefited from the quality and reliability of the chronograph calibers and automated instruments developed in Longines’ Saint-Imier factory. So it came as no surprise when, in 1912 – during the company’s inaugural sponsorship at a Lisbon show jumping competition in Portugal – the winged hour- glass brand became the official timekeeper for a multitude of equestrian events.Since then, Longines’ commitment toward those who organize the world’s most prestigious equestrian events has never faltered. Over the decades, the brand has continued to nurture and breathe life into this relationship with every rhythmic second of its increasingly sophisticated and tech- nological chronographs and timekeepers.Today, Longines’ presence can be found on race tracks over the world thanks to a number of partnerships that include, among others, the Prix de Diane Longines, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Dubai World Cup, the Royal Ascot, the Japan Cup in association with Longines, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Longines Hong Kong International Races, the Longines Singapore Gold Cup, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano, the Grand Prix Longines Lydia Tesio, the Longines Grosser Preis von Baden and the Ken- tucky Derby.In 2013, Longines signed an agreement with the Internati- onal Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), making it the Official Partner and Official Watch of the Federation. It is through this partnership that the company awards the respective titles of Longines World’s Best Jockey and Lon- gines World’s Best Racehorse in recognition of the jockey and racehorse that have garnered the year’s top overall results. In addition, the brand presents the annual Longines and IFHA International Award of Merit, honouring the career of an important figure in the world of flat racing.Longines’ longstanding history with show jumping dates back to the early 20th century. Today, the brand’s relati- onship with equestrian disciplines can be found in several partnerships, along with its active role as the Official Time- keeper for world-renowned competitions. Through this, it has become the Official Sponsor of the Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters and Longines Grand Prix, to name buttwo of the prestigious events that bring together the finest riders on Earth.Beyond its valued expertise in timekeeping, Longines is proud to have been welcomed by a number of high-level competitions and events, such as the Longines Global Champions Tour, the Longines Hong Kong Masters, the Longines Los Angeles Masters, the Emirates Longines Show Jumping League, and the Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show.www.longines.com