Following their timely victory in the 139th Kentucky Derby on May 04, Longines, the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, ceremoniously awarded Orb’s owner, trainer and jockey with watches from the brand’s Saint-Imier collection at the event’s exclusive Winners’ Circle Party. The Swiss watchmaking brand was the Official Watch and Timekeeper of Kentucky Derby 139 and Entitlement Partner of Longines Kentucky Oaks 139.
Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President and Head of International Marketing for Longines and Jennifer Judkins, U.S. Brand President for Longines awarded owners Ogden Mills Phipps and Stuart Janney III, trainer Shug McGaughey and jockey Joel Rosario with elegant timepieces after a thrilling victory.
Orb, ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, raced to victory in 2 minutes and 2.89 seconds, outrunning Golden Soul in second place and Revolutionary in third at the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Represented by tennis legend and longtime Ambassador of Elegance Stefanie Graf, Longines had a strong presence throughout Churchill Downs and other Derby-affiliated events including Taste of Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, the Kentucky Derby red carpet and the Winner’s Circle Party. Longines sponsored the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile presented by Longines on Kentucky Derby afternoon. Additionally, Longines timepieces and branded-clocks were on display throughout the Churchill Downs facilities, a digital Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock was displayed on Churchill Downs’ official event website (www.KentuckyDerby.com) and the brand’s logo was prominently featured on the official Kentucky Derby red carpet, racetrack and in other surrounding areas.
As a result of an expanded partnership with Churchill Downs, this year the Kentucky Oaks was renamed the “Longines Kentucky Oaks.” The brand hosted the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest during Longines Kentucky Oaks Day to celebrate the elegant and iconic style of the Kentucky Derby. With the help of celebrity judges – Stefanie Graf, Harper’s Bazaar Editor Joyann King and supermodel Coco Rocha – Longines chose the most elegant lady and awarded her a stainless steel and rose gold Longines Saint-Imier Collection watch featuring a stunning diamond bezel. Watches from the Longines Saint-Imier Collection were also presented to the winning horses’ owner, trainer and jockey on Longines Kentucky Oaks Day.
The Longines Saint-Imier Collection is inspired by the watchmaking heritage of the brand’s home territory. To celebrate its rich history and roots within the village of Saint-Imier, the collection includes a series of timepieces in stainless steel and rose gold bracelet combinations, as well as rose gold and stainless steel leather band combinations. The chronograph watches within the collection are fitted with the column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines.
Emanating the core values and aesthetic of the brand – tradition, elegance and performance – the Longines Saint-Imier Collection is rooted in the unique shape of the case inspired by a 1945 Longines watch model. The watches in the collection display sleek lines and distinctive lugs, giving them a classic yet contemporary appeal. All models are fitted with mechanical movements whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover.
