Longines' timeless designs weather recession
Longines’ famous winged hourglass logo is the oldest registered trademark in the watch industry.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
Walter Von Kaenel, president of Swiss watch maker Longines, visits the newly reopened Longines museum at the company headquarters in Saint-Imier Sept. 27, 2012.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
A Longines employee assembles wrist watches at the company headquarters in Saint-Imier Sept. 27, 2012.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
Although the luxury industry has been affected by an economic slowdown in China, Longines watches are still selling well there, the company’s CEO Walter von Kaenel told The Financial Times.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
Clock hands are pictured before assembly in Saint-Imier. The luxury watch maker is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
Mr. Von Kaenel said that Chinese customers appreciate the longevity of the company’s classic designs. ‘They don’t like changing their models.’VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters
A customer examines watches at a Swatch store in Zurich. Swatch Group, the world’s largest watchmaker, also owns higher-end brands such as Breguet, Blancpain, Omega – and Longines.ARND WIEGMANN/Reuters
A saleswoman shows off brands belonging to Swiss Swatch Group, from left, Breguet, Longines, Omega and Glashuette in Zurich in this file photo.SIGGI BUCHER/Reuters
Mr. Von Kaenel visits the newly reopened Longines museum in Saint-Imier Sept. 27, 2012. A Longines watch designed in 1931 to commemorate Charles Lindbergh’s trans-Atlantic flight is still being sold today.VALENTIN FLAURAUD/Reuters