Longines’s new Master Collection Year of the Horse watch is not just a timepiece that commemorates the Chinese Lunar New Year, but one that also celebrates the brand’s long-standing association with the equestrian world.
It’s commonplace to find luxury watch brands associating with sporting events—timing a match is the easiest way to establish a partnership. But there are few watchmakers whose ties to a sport run as deep as those of Longines to the equestrian world. Established in 1832, Longines’s archives show that its first pocket watch featuring a horse motif dates back to 1869. In fact, one of the brand's early pocket watch chronographs, engraved with a jockey and his mount, found particular popularity on American racetracks as early as the 1880s.
In 1912, Longines partnered with a show jumping competition, setting the stage for a relationship with the world of horse racing and show jumping to flourish. Today, the brand is a major partner and official timekeeper for equestrian events worldwide, including show jumping, flat racing, eventing, and dressage. This includes prestigious events such as the FEI World Equestrian Games, The Hampton Classic, The Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, and the Dubai World Cup. Its Ambassadors of Elegance include prominent figures like Swiss showjumper Edouard Schmitz, German Olympic equestrian Sönke Rothenberger, and dressage rider Sabine Schut-Kery.
In this regard, 2026 is a particularly auspicious year for the brand. As the Chinese Year of the Horse, Longines is commemorating its historic ties with a new timepiece: the Master Collection Year of the Horse. Inspired by Xu Beihong’s iconic painting ‘Galloping Horse’, the watch’s oscillating weight has been engraved with the horse motif. As the weight moves with the wearer's wrist, the horse appears to be galloping in a continuous loop.
“The Galloping Horse is very inspiring because it reflects moving forward,” says CEO Patrick Aoun. “The horse is a symbol of loyalty, power, and momentum. This constant movement is the spirit that I want for the year 2026. It was the perfect time to celebrate this—we've been part of the equestrian world for more than 150 years.”
Launched at the recent Longines Hong Kong International Races, the watch features a vibrant red dial, a colour considered auspicious in Chinese culture. A 42 mm stainless steel piece, it features a moon phase framed by a date indicator at the 6 o’clock position. The watch is powered by the automatic Longines L899.5 movement, equipped with a silicon balance-spring and offering a power reserve of up to 72 hours. Paired with a black strap, the watch is limited to 2,026 pieces worldwide.