The 140th Kentucky Derby was held this past weekend in Louisville, KY, and kicked off the first in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Right there through it all – the entire Kentucky Derby weekend and for the upcoming races – is Longines. In fact, Longines is the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, the Entitlement Partner of the Longines Kentucky Oaks 140 that is the races and festivities that take place the day before the Derby, and the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes (the upcoming two legs of the Triple Crown).
The brand’s role in equestrian sports dates back to the late 1800s when it created its first chronograph movement, which later appeared on racetracks to time performances and races to the seconds. In the early 1900’s Longines began its show jumping involvement and then moved on to flat racing and endurance competitions -- where precision is everything.
The Kentucky Derby represents the epitome of thoroughbred racing and Longines provided its guests with access not only to the Turf Club for prime viewing of the two days of races, but also with attendance to the incredible Taste of Derby event (wherein chefs from across the USA are flown in to demonstrate their skills and offer a taste of their most special dishes), to the Winner’s Party (thrown after the Derby with the owners, trainer and jockey of the winning horse present), and with an exclusive tour of the paddocks. In all, the event is a breathtaking experience not to be missed.
In evidence of its support of the Kentucky Derby, Longines’ overwhelming presence could be seen everywhere at Churchill Downs thanks to free-standing clocks, a digital Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock on the Churchill Downs’ track and more (the same will hold true at the two upcoming races). Additionally, the brand hosted a fashion show on the Kentucky Oaks Day, and presented the winner with a Conquest watch. On Derby Day, the brand presented Conquest watches to the owner, trainer and jockey of the wining horse, California Chrome.
“This year we celebrate 60 years of Conquest,” says Juan-Carolos Capelli, vice president, head of international marketing of Longines Watch Co. “It is also the year of the horse and so we are very excited to present some new Conquest watches, including a limited edition in gold that is a re-edition of the first one. It is a real pleasure to be a part of the Kentucky Derby and all of the equestrian sports we support.”
The Conquest Classic collection is a tribute to the early chronographs the brand produced for race enthusiasts and jockeys in New York. The new watches are fitted with self-winding movements offering a mix of tradition and watchmaking savoir-faire.
