Not least by reason of
its unique traditions and keen appreciation for elegance, Longines has partnered gymnastics
for over one century now. Instituted in 1997 jointly
with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and
the European Gymnastics Federation (FEG), the Longines
Prize for Elegance is today regularly awarded at the
close of major gymnastics meets. The prize honors the
athlete or team judged to be the most elegant performer
during a world or continent-wide artistic or rhythmic
gymnastics competition, and features a trophy specially
designed by Swiss artist Piero Travaglini, a Longines
wristwatch as well as a check worth US$5,000.
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 achievements, 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 meets
of every description. In 1912, Longines officially
timed the Swiss Federal Gymnastics Meet 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.
The company has focused on gymnastics as an emblematic
sport from its perspective not least because it expresses
to perfection Longines’ own “Elegance is
an attitude” message. Practiced on all continents,
gymnastics meshes smoothly with Longines’ international
corporate image. Combining physical strength and endurance
with precision and grace, the sport is in tune with
the innovative spirit of its skilled watchmakers. Its
stylish refinement, its very beauty too, make it the
perfect showcase for the message of poise and elegance
that Longines watches invariably convey.
