Longines Global Champions Tour of New York on Governor’s Island

Longines enters the fold with watches inspired by their illustrious history.

Over a beautiful late September weekend, the world of horse jumping turned to a unique New York City location rarely associated with equestrianism. Just a few short weeks after the Hampton Classic, fans descended upon the Longines Global Champions Tour of New York on Governors Island, that small thumbprint of land in New York Harbor accessible only by ferry. Framed by Manhattan’s dramatic skyline, the Statue of Liberty in full view and the Staten Island Ferry crisscrossing the surrounding waterways, there is no better way to experience the drama of show jumping. Both the fans who watched from the grandstands or attended as guests in the luxurious Longines (longines.com) sponsored viewing tents were spoiled by proximity to the excitement and the glamour of the event.

Meet the Longines DolceVita X YVY, whose style and sophistication are clearly evident.

The best show-jumping riders in the world journeyed to New York to compete. Vying for points in the championship standings, the winners will travel to the hotly anticipated final held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Glamorous locations are a hallmark of the Longines Global Champions Tour, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the St-Tropez seaside, with additional stops in London; Rome; Madrid; Doha, Qatar; Mexico City; Berlin and Prague. At each tour stop, the top riders accumulate valuable championship points, bragging rights, significant prize money and, of course, a coveted Longines timepiece.

Over the past few years, Longines’ involvement in equestrian sports has grown markedly by forging strong ties to show jumping, flat racing, eventing, dressage, driving and endurance competitions. For New Yorkers, the Longines-sponsored Hampton Classic has become one of the most popular dates on the social calendar. For this event, Longines is the title partner and official timekeeper. Longines also lends its name to each stage’s highlight trial: the thrilling Global Champions Grand Prix.

The color scheme and aesthetic reflect horses as the inspiration

This long-standing involvement in equestrian sports has inspired one of its newest and most popular ladies’ watches, the aptly named Longines DolceVita X YVY. The piece’s distinctive double leather straps—reminiscent of horse bridles—are the creation of Swiss designer Yvonne Reichmuth, founder of the leather goods company YVY. Diamonds line the sides of the DolceVita X YVY’s art deco-inspired dial, the diminutive stainless-steel case measuring just 20.80 mm by 32 mm, with a thickness of 6.90 mm. That profile allows this quartz timepiece an astounding versatility. The various colored straps add fashionable options to accessorize. An easy-to-use quick-change system even enables DolceVita owners to wear the strap by itself.

German equestrian Daniel Deusser

Longines’ dedication to tradition continues with the recent introduction of three exclusive watches from the Longines Master Collection, which celebrates the brand’s 190th anniversary. The triumvirate represents a bold new step that has collectors swooning, with a three-hand, time-only dress-watch silhouette available in stainless steel and two versions of the same watch in yellow gold and rose gold. Each version of the watch is limited to 190 pieces. The automatic caliber L888 beats away at 25,200 vibrations per the proverbial hood of these 190th-anniversary-edition models, equipped with a power reserve of about 72 hours. All three watches feature different shades of gray, used to beautiful effect in combination with the shades of gold. Engraved Breguet-style Arabic numerals enhance the elegance of each watch, and each version is paired with a chic gray alligator strap.

Alexandra Worthington & De L’Oiseliere

As the day on Governors Island progressed, the level of difficulty in the Longines Global Champions Tour increased. Jumps were raised to impossible levels, and riding a clean course with speed was of utmost importance. Similar to each new season for Longines, the bar was raised higher and higher, with success dependent upon perfect timing and general excellence—qualities shared between Longines and the Global Champions Tour itself.