Pre-owned Longines watches

Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier by Auguste Agassiz, Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers still in operation. From the start, the brand distinguished itself through the quality of its pocket watches, which were quickly exported worldwide. In 1867, Ernest Francillon, the founder's nephew, established the brand's first integrated factory on a site named “Les Longines,” which would become the company's name. That same year, Longines introduced the 20A caliber, its first in-house movement, awarded at the Paris Universal Exhibition.

A pioneer in sports timekeeping, Longines developed the 20H caliber in 1878, a chronograph widely used at horse racing events in the United States. In the 20th century, the brand became a partner of numerous sporting events and designed aviation navigation watches in collaboration with aviators such as Charles Lindbergh and Philip Van Horn Weems. The iconic Hour Angle watch remains a benchmark in pilot timepieces today.

During World War II, Longines supplied durable timepieces to the Allied forces. The Majetek, created for the Czechoslovak Air Force, reflects this military legacy with its cushion-shaped case and rotating bezel. In 1938, the brand introduced the 13ZN caliber, regarded as one of the finest mechanical chronographs of its era, featuring a flyback function.

After the war, Longines continued to innovate with the Chronocinégines in 1954 and the Ultra-Chron in 1967, a high-frequency automatic watch. Despite the quartz crisis, the brand persevered by joining the Swatch Group in 1983, maintaining its horological expertise while adapting to new technologies.

Today, Longines offers a diverse range: the Master Collection for lovers of classic complications; the HydroConquest line for sports and diving enthusiasts; the DolceVita series for a touch of Italian elegance; and the Heritage line, which pays tribute to the brand's historic models. In 2023, the Majetek was reissued, staying true to the original design while featuring a modern chronometer-certified movement.

On the pre-owned market, vintage Longines watches like the Weems or Hour Angle are highly sought-after. Contemporary pieces also hold great value thanks to their refined finish and timeless appeal. At Mostra Store, we carefully curate each pre-owned Longines watch, offering enthusiasts timepieces that combine prestige, heritage, and Swiss reliability.