Longines Celebrates the Kentucky Derby's Anniversary with an Exceptional Timepiece
Longines—the watchmaking brand that serves as the official partner, timekeeper and watch of this renowned equestrian event each year—is debuting a special Mini DolceVita timepiece in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. Made as a limited edition, fittingly only in 150 pieces, this elegant version of the brand's 1927 design (which was re-introduced in 2023) comes fit with a pink leather strap and boasting diamonds on the case.
"The Stargazer Lily and its pink color symbolize Churchill Downs' advocacy and fundraising efforts for women's health issues," says Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines. "Especially designed in the same color, a portion of the limited-edition Mini DolceVita watch sales will go to the Horses and Hope charity which was established to increase breast cancer screening, education, and treatment referral among Kentucky's signature horse industry workers."
Longines has ties back to the equestrian world starting in 1878 when the first Longines chronograph was developed and set with a 20H caliber at the Ernest Francillon factory. In 1939, Longines introduced a 24-line caliber that was designed especially for sport timekeeping. Uniquely, it was made with a crown and one or two buttons, which allowed for more accurate timekeeping. Longines also developed the Contifort in 1956 powered by a quartz clock. It was a camera that made a single panoramic image that gave judges the ability to tell which athlete really crossed the finish line first.
Attention to detail and innovation are also present in this new Mini DolceVita: This version of the brand's iconic design features a case back engraved with the logo of the event’s anniversary. The strap—as a nod to the brand's equestrian ties—has numbered holes from one to six, just like the leather straps that connect a horse's saddle to the stirrups. The timepiece features an L178 quartz movement, and the Cosmo dial spotlights sand-blasted silver and matte white discs with Roman numeral hour markers and rose gold hands.
"Partnering with Horses and Hope for this limited edition watch was important to us because it aligns with our values of giving back to the community and supporting meaningful causes," says Breschan. "By collaborating with this initiative, we aim to raise awareness and support for breast cancer prevention and early detection initiatives."
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