The Kentucky Derby stands as a pinnacle of horse racing, captivating enthusiasts for over a century with its rich tradition and competitive spirit. This event, particularly the Kentucky Derby 2024, continues to be a hallmark of excellence, embodying the pinnacle of equestrian competition. Marking a significant milestone, the partnership between Longines and the Kentucky Derby exemplifies a fusion of precision and elegance, captured beautifully in the Longines Mini DolceVita collection. This collaboration highlights a journey of 150 years, celebrating a legacy intertwined with moments of fashion, heritage, and unparalleled sportsmanship.

The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as the “world’s Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1875. This prestigious event, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, has become synonymous with tradition, elegance, and the pinnacle of thoroughbred horse racing. Over the years, the Derby has witnessed numerous memorable moments, from astonishing victories to the heartbreak of disqualifications.

The Derby has also been a stage for groundbreaking advancements in the sport, including the introduction of pari-mutuel wagering machines in 1908 and the reduction of the minimum bet to $2 in 1911, making the race more accessible to a broader audience. The architectural grandeur of Churchill Downs, particularly the iconic Twin Spires, and traditions such as the Mint Julep cocktail and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home,” further enrich the Derby experience, making it a celebration of Kentucky’s deep-rooted heritage in thoroughbred racing.

Since becoming the Official Timekeeper in 2011, Longines has introduced several technological advancements, such as the Longines Positioning System (LPS) and the Longines Tracking System. These innovations provide real-time, accurate data on horse positions during races, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences and underscoring Longines’ pioneering spirit in sports timing.

Leveraging the same Swiss Timing technology as its sister brand Omega, which is used in the Olympics, Longines ensures unparalleled accuracy in timekeeping. The Conquest VHP (Very High Precision) model, accurate to within ± 5 seconds per year, showcases this commitment. Its innovative GPD (Gear Position Detection) system allows it to reset its hands after exposure to impact or magnetic fields, maintaining its precision.

The official watch of the Kentucky Derby, from the Conquest V.H.P. collection, and the Longines Kentucky Oaks race’s elegant dress watch, highlight the brand’s role in celebrating victory and tradition. Longines’ tradition of presenting exquisite timepieces to the winning jockeys, owners, and race teams further cements its legacy within the equestrian world.

To mark the 150th anniversaries of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Longines is unveiling a special series of its Mini DolceVita mode with a new pink strap. This color is an allusion to the Stargazer lily, the symbolic flower of the Kentucky Oaks, while celebrating Churchill Downs’ advocacy and fundraising efforts for women’s health issues. A portion of the limited edition watch sales will go to the Horses and Hope charity which was established to increase breast cancer screening, education, and treatment referral among Kentucky’s signature horse industry workers.

This Mini DolceVita has a case back specially engraved with the logo of the event’s anniversary, together with the inscription “ONE OF 150”. The model’s eye-catching double strap has been created from soft Napa leather. In a subtle reference to the equestrian world so dear to Longines, the holes in the straps are numbered in hot-press printing from 1 to 6, just like the stirrup leathers that connect the saddle to the horse’s stirrups.

Presented in a rectangular stainless-steel case measuring 21.50mm x 29.00mm and set with 38 Top Wesselton diamonds, the watch is equipped with a high-precision L178 quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 30 meters. This special series sports a Cosmo dial, consisting of sand-blasted silvered and matte white discs. The Roman numeral hour markers and the black painted indexes provide an elegant contrast. Hands in 5N rose gold skim across this unique composition.

Longines’ association with the Kentucky Derby is not just about timing races; it’s a celebration of a shared heritage of elegance, precision, and sporting excellence. Through its sophisticated timepieces and innovative timing solutions, Longines continues to contribute to the legacy of one of the most prestigious events in the world of equestrian sports.

Longines Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Limited Edition Specs

Movement: Quartz L178 movement
Function: Time only (small seconds)
Case: 21.5mm × 29mm stainless steel, 38 Top Wesselton diamonds, 30 meters water resistance
Dial: Cosmo; sand-blasted silver and matte white discs with 5N rose gold hands
Strap: Pink Napa leather in double stirrup shape
Availability: Limited to 150 pieces
Price: USD 3,900