On 17 June, Henry Cavill made a distinguished appearance at the Longines Lounge during an exclusive meet-and-greet session with guests. The actor, known for his long association with horses through his work in cinema over the past 25 years, wore a rare vintage Longines monopusher chronograph from 1926. The historic timepiece features a spiral tachymeter scale for measuring speed and is powered by the calibre 13.33Z, the first wrist chronograph movement introduced by Longines in 1913. The watch reflects the company's deep-rooted tradition and technical expertise.
Joining him at the event was Indian actress Sara Ali Khan, whose influence in Bollywood and contemporary fashion has strengthened her standing among younger audiences. She attended Royal Ascot wearing a new three-hand model from the Longines Master Collection, adding to the brand's elegant presence at the prestigious gathering.
During the event, Henry Cavill and Sara Ali Khan participated in the official prize presentation ceremony for the Royal Hunt Cup winner alongside Longines President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Aoun, reinforcing the watchmaker's close association with the sport and its commitment to honouring exceptional performances.
Speaking about his participation in Royal Ascot, Henry Cavill said that his experiences with horses on film sets over the last 25 years had given him a profound appreciation for their strength, intelligence and character. He said the trust, dedication and bond developed between horse and rider at the highest level of equestrian sport were remarkable. Reflecting on his association with Longines, he said the brand's enduring support for equestrian sports and the timeless character of the Longines Master Collection made the partnership particularly meaningful.
Sara Ali Khan said the Longines Master Collection represented the qualities she admired most in a timepiece, combining elegance, heritage and attention to detail. She noted that the designs perfectly balanced classic appeal with contemporary style, making them ideal for an event such as Royal Ascot, where tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly.
The event also served as the stage for the presentation of the redesigned Longines Master Collection, originally introduced in 2005. The latest version incorporates refined details across the dial, case, bezel and bracelet, offering a modern interpretation of timeless sophistication. The collection is available in 30, 34, 39 and 41 millimetre sizes for both men and women and is equipped with exclusive Longines automatic movements, L592.5 and L888.5, featuring silicon balance-springs that enhance precision, durability and resistance to magnetic fields. Sapphire case backs reveal the movements, while the signature barleycorn-pattern dial remains a defining characteristic.
The collection includes mother-of-pearl versions with diamond indexes, silver-toned variants with Arabic numerals and larger models in blue or silver. Selected 41 millimetre editions display Eastern Arabic numerals. Distinctive concave bezels, optional gold accents, redesigned hands and a choice between stainless-steel bracelets and leather straps further reinforce the collection's blend of craftsmanship and innovation.
Royal Ascot 2026 once again united elite horse racing with British tradition, with Longines continuing its partnership with Ascot Racecourse that began in 2007. The relationship is built on shared values of elegance, heritage and performance. A major technological milestone in the collaboration came in June 2018 with the introduction of the Longines Tracking System, the first satellite-based system in horse racing capable of delivering precise real-time information on horse positions, performance and race dynamics. The technology was once again employed during this year's Royal Ascot to enhance race analysis and the spectator experience.
Longines also continues to maintain a strong international presence in horse racing through its partnerships with globally renowned competitions, including the Kentucky Derby, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong International Races and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The company further collaborates with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to support the integrity, development and worldwide growth of the sport.
The bond between Longines and equestrian disciplines dates back to the nineteenth century. Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the company created its first equestrian-themed pocket watch in 1869 and introduced the pioneering 20H chronograph movement in 1878. Featuring a single push-piece integrated into the crown and a case engraved with a jockey motif, the instrument became recognised among race officials for its accuracy. Longines strengthened its connection to equestrian sports in 1912 when it became involved in a show jumping competition in Lisbon, laying the foundation for a legacy that continues across flat racing, dressage and show jumping events worldwide.
Centuries of watchmaking expertise have enabled Longines to remain at the forefront of innovation. The brand equips all its automatic watches with advanced movements featuring silicon balance-springs, which are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and unaffected by common temperature variations and magnetic fields. These characteristics improve accuracy and longevity, allowing Longines to provide a five-year guarantee for such models.
Established in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, Longines has built its reputation on tradition, elegance and high performance. Through decades of involvement in international sporting events and partnerships with global sports federations, the company has maintained strong ties with the sporting world. As a member of Swatch Group Ltd and with a presence in more than 130 countries, Longines continues to combine heritage, innovation and timeless style, further cementing its place among the world's most respected watchmakers.
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