Watches | Longines
Longines - marks a week of equestrian elegance and excellence in Hong Kong
| 2025-12-15 |     |
As Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the 2025 Longines Hong Kong International Races, the brand supported world-class competition in Hong Kong from 8 to 14 December. The Swiss watchmaker once again demonstrated the brand’s enduring commitment to the equestrian world by celebrating exceptional achievement in the sport. In addition to recognising the Longines World’s Best Jockey, Longines unveiled a remarkable special edition timepiece for the Year of the Horse and welcomed Chinese actor Yosh Yu as the newest Longines Ambassador of Elegance.
From 8 to 14 December 2025, Longines celebrated a gathering of world-class equestrians and sports enthusiasts at the Hong Kong International Races. The namesake races held on 14 December at Sha Tin Racecourse, delivered thrilling competition across four prestigious Group 1 events. Racing enthusiasts from around the world witnessed exceptional performances as Longines timed every decisive moment with precision.
In the Longines Hong Kong Vase, Sosie, ridden by Maxime Guyon, claimed victory in a breathtaking finish before an enthusiastic crowd. The Longines Hong Kong Sprint saw Ka Ying Rising, steered by Zac Purton, demonstrate impressive speed and determination, while Voyage Bubble, mounted by Zac Purton, took the title in the Longines Hong Kong Mile with a commanding performance. The day concluded with the Longines Hong Kong Cup, where Romantic Warrior, partnered with James McDonald, delivered a dramatic display of speed and stamina to claim the top prize.
As Title Partner and Official Timekeeper of the event, Longines continued its dedication to excellence in equestrian sports timekeeping, presenting the winning connections with elegant timepieces in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
Recognising the Longines World’s Best Jockey
Setting the tone for the highly anticipated races on 14 December, the brand honoured the year’s most accomplished rider with the prestigious Longines World’s Best Jockey Award at the Longines Hong Kong International Races Gala Dinner on 12 December. James McDonald, who achieved 12 victories in the world’s top Group 1 and Grade 1 races during the 2025 season, was presented with an elegant Longines timepiece and a crystal vase.
Introducing the Longines Collection Year of the Horse Master
During the week’s festivities, Longines unveiled a special edition watch commemorating the Year of the Horse. The remarkable timepiece unites the brand’s watchmaking heritage with its deep-rooted connection to the equestrian world. The Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse wristwatch was unveiled by newly announced Longines Ambassador of Elegance Yosh Yu, marking his first campaign with the Swiss watchmaker since joining the Longines family.
This new release features an engraved motif from renowned artist Peon Xu’s painting Galloping Horse on its yellow gilt rotor, created in collaboration with the Peon Art Museum in Chongqing, China. Housed in a 42 mm stainless steel case with a striking gradient red sunray- brushed dial evoking sunrise and new beginnings, the watch showcases gilt hands, applied indexes and a moonphase display at 6 o’clock framed by a date indicator. The transparent case back reveals the energetic Galloping Horse artwork alongside the personal seal of Xu Qingping, the artist’s son and curator of this collaboration. Powered by the Longines self-winding movement L899.5 with a silicon balance spring and 72-hour power reserve, this limited edition of 2,026 pieces embodies the spirit of courage, freedom, and renewal.
The 2025 Hong Kong International Races weekend exemplifies Longines’ commitment to supporting the finest moments in equestrian sport. Through precise timekeeping, meaningful recognition of achievement, and watchmaking artistry inspired by its long-standing equestrian ties, the Swiss watchmaker reaffirmed its role as a dedicated partner to racing communities worldwide.
Longines and the equestrian world
Longines and the equestrian world have maintained close ties since the 19th century, united by shared values of tradition, elegance and performance. The brand’s involvement in equestrian sports dates to 1869, when Longines produced its first pocket watch with an equestrian motif. In 1878, Longines developed its first chronograph movement, mounted in a case engraved with a jockey and his horse. Since 1912, when the brand first supported a showjumping competition, Longines has been the partner of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events. Today, Longines’ involvement in equestrian sports extends to showjumping, dressage, eventing and flat racing.
About Longines
Longines has been based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832. The watchmaking house boasts expertise forged in tradition, elegance, and high performance. With its long-standing experience as official timekeeper of world sports championships and partner of international sports federations, the Swiss watch brand has forged strong and lasting links with the sporting world over the years. Renowned for the elegance of its models, Longines is a member of Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of timepieces. The brand with the winged hourglass as its emblem has outlets in over 150 countries.