Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, and is today the oldest registered watch brand still in operation today. In 1867, Longines was a leader in the development of mechanised watchmaking and an electric machines. Through a higher and more consistent level of quality, Longines took a leading position on the market.

Longines developed the world's first twistable chronograph, and adventurers such as Amelia Erhart wore a Longines chronograph during her first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. Today, Longines is the official timekeeper in alpine sports as well as motor and equestrian sports, Formula 1 and cycling.