Established in 1832, Longines has from the first emphasized elegance, not least during its more than a century’s involvement in the world of sport, building its reputation for precision, reliability and technological expertise by monitoring sport performances, evaluating contestants’ performance and rating their stylistic proficiency. Official timekeeper at numerous Winter and Summer Olympic Games as well as of many international and continent-wide sport competitions, Longines has today decided to focus on sport disciplines where elegance is of particular significance: gymnastics and show jumping.

Since 1989, Longines has been the official partner and timekeeper of the International Gymnastics Federation. The company has earned its place and position by virtue of the know-how and practical experience it brings to bear on its appointed responsibilities. In fact, Longines’ involvement with the world of sport goes back to 1880 when it first made its chronographs available to the organizers of gymnastics meetings of every description. In 1912, Longines officially timed the Swiss Federal Gymnastics Festival in Basle. This event provided the venue for a pivotal world first in sports timekeeping: the introduction of the first automatic timing system based on the principle of the finish-line tape, snapped by the winner of the 100-meter race.

From the Olympic Games to world, international, continental and national championships, the company has unceasingly played a leading role in gymnastics. Most timing advances and innovations in this area have stemmed from Longines’ capacity to invent and adapt, improve and adjust, not to mention its constant technological inventiveness.