Not least by reason of the traditions and keen appreciation for elegance they share, 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 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.

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, makes it the perfect showcase for the message of poise and elegance that Longines watches invariably convey.