Jamie Weiss
With the watch industry continuing to grow at an exponential rate year on year, it feels a bit tired to say “2023’s been a big year for Longines” – but it genuinely has. Not only have they released a bucketload of cracking new watches such as the new Legend Diver, Pilot Majetek, Spirit Flyback and Master Collection Small Seconds, but they’ve also penned arguably one of their most significant collaborations ever: its first-ever Australian collaboration with Indigenous artist Otis Hope Carey. It’s been a year to celebrate.That’s why last week, Longines held a lavish event in Sydney to celebrate their mammoth 2023, as well as the launch of their newest collection, the Mini DolceVita and their Otis Hope Carey collab. Held at Campbell's Stores in The Rocks, the heart of old Sydney, it was a sumptuous affair, with lots of local celebrities in attendance: former Australian of the Year and tennis great Dylan Alcott AO; media personality and hostess with the most-ess Jesinta Franklin; Australian model and artist Sarah Ellen; Olympic runner Peter Bol and Otis himself…But the big reveal was that Rege-Jean Page – best known for his starring role in Bridgerton as well as his roles in The Gray Man and Dungeons & Dragons – was in town for the event, with the charming English actor sitting down for a chat with Jesinta about what the concept of elegance means to him (and how watches are an important part of his day-to-day routine as an actor).View this post on InstagramA post shared by Time+Tide (@timetidewatches)It's incredibly rewarding to be a part of the Longines family, a brand that resonates so strongly with Australians,” Page told media. “Longines has long been synonymous with enduring quality and elegant design, and it was wonderful to see these values celebrated in such an immersive, tangible way… The collaboration with Australian Indigenous artist, Otis Hope Carey, is a true testament to his talent perfectly encapsulating his heritage and connection to the landscape in creative form. To be able to celebrate this, alongside officially launching the Mini DolceVita in Australia, was a personal highlight, he shared.Longines CEO Matthias Breschan said Longines was thrilled to be able to showcase the brand in Australia: The evening came together perfectly and delivered a memorable, immersive event officially launching our new Mini DolceVita collection and the wider Longines brand alongside our values in Australia, he says.On a personal note, I was very proud to be wearing my grandfather’s old quartz Longines La Grande Classique on the night. As a watch journo, it’s always nice when you can wear a brand’s watch to their event – especially if it’s one with a personal connection.Find out more about the Longines Mini DolceVita and their Otis Hope Carey collab at their online boutique here.
29.11.23