The distinct winged hourglass logo of Swiss watch maker Longines has long been a familiar sight for motorists and shoppers in the Metro alike, with prominent adverts along EDSA directing attention to the range of exquisite timepieces available from many quality stores in malls across the city. On Tuesday, the brand celebrated two important events: the opening of its first monobrand boutique in the country and the introduction of Taiwan-based movie star, singer and performer Eddie Peng as Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance.
The Longines Conquest Classic line, a tribute to the chronographs produced from 1878 onwards
Based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832, Longines has over the years grown to be one of the greats in the field of horology and the brand’s strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance has earned it recognition and respect amongst connoisseurs of fine timepieces the world over.
With the Philippines continuing to show strong economic growth and a booming retail sector, the brand took the decision to expand its operations within the country by offering new and existing customers a more personal and focused way to experience its products.
The Longines Boutique at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall
The grand opening of the brand’s first monobrand boutique in the Philippines took place at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall in Pasig City earlier in the day, and the beautifully appointed space now offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere in which to browse the company’s varied product lineup. Buying a watch of this standard is not something most people do very often, and the boutique offers the right setting and expert advice to ensure customers can take their time before making a purchase that will provide many years of pride and happiness in ownership.
Manila Polo Club, location for the unveiling of the brand’s latest ambassador
Manila Polo Club was the venue for the official unveiling of Taipei-born Eddie Peng as the latest Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance and VIPs from Manila and further afield made their way to the East Lounge of the club to be part of the occasion. The guest list on the day read like a who is who of the country’s most distinguished names and included members of the diplomatic corps, including Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber, as well as Charles Villoz, Vice-President of Longines and Head of International Sales, Ivan Yao, President of the Lucerne group, and Emerson Yao, Managing Director of the Lucerne group.
Introducing Eddie Peng as Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance
By becoming a Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Eddie Peng is following in the footsteps of top actors like Simon Baker and Kate Winslet and the 32 year old, who is being lauded as Asia’s new generation action hero, was clearly delighted to join the Longines family when he was introduced during the event.
Following the initial introduction and formal part of the program, guests were treated to a horse show jumping exhibition on the Enrique Zóbel Field in front of the pavilion, which provided a beautiful and fitting backdrop for this exclusive event.
Show Jumping Exhibition at Manila Polo Club
When it comes to high quality watches, potential buyers are often torn between the cost of buying and the benefits of owning such a well-made timepiece, and while the prices may look steep on first glance, it should be remembered that the price of a high quality watch reflects the skills and craftsmanship required to make it, and that it will last for many years, if not generations, to come.
Eddie Peng, Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance
The buyer of a Longines watch also joins a distinguished list of past and present owners, including Charles Lindbergh (who used a Longines to time his 1927 first nonstop solo crossing of the North Atlantic), Amelia Earhart, former world ATP No. 1 Andre Agassi and WTA No. 1 Steffi Graf, to name but a few.
Eddie Peng, Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance at the Manila Polo Club
Longines also has strong ties to many sports, going back as far as having provided the timers used at the first modern Olympics in 1896, and having also timed no less than 31 Tours de France. Wearing such a watch is a sign of the appreciation of quality and craftsmanship, and let’s face it: it also simply feels nice. It displays success in a manner that is quiet enough so as to not be self-aggrandizing, yet just bold enough to never be mistaken. To experience this feeling for yourself, head over to SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall, where the Longines Boutique is now ready to welcome you.
Longines
