Etablissage Books Exhibition Room

Throughout the long history of Longines, production has passed through several different phases. The company has evolved from a “comptoir d’établissage” (small watchmaking service) into a Manufacture that produces complete watch movements. From very early on, Longines watches have been sold around the world and, ever since 1867, their details have been carefully preserved in a unique series of records known as the Etablissage books. These books date back to the foundation of the company and list all of the Longines timepieces produced before the computer era. The information they generally provide includes the number of the piece in question, the date it left the factory, the type of calibre it houses, details of the case, dial and hands, and the name and address of the dealer to whom it was delivered. This collection of books is a priceless reference library that covers the entire production of the company since 1867. The Etablissage Books Exhibition Room has been specifically adapted to present this invaluable part of our legacy. The collection is a mine of information that allows visitors to retrace the history of any timepiece made at Saint-Imier. It also includes books of invoices that date from the last third of the 19th century to the 1950s.