What nobility!
Horses, jockeys, and women alike

Dubbed the world's number one turf race, the "Longines Hong Kong International Races" is the most exciting race that every racing fan dreams of. It is held on the second Sunday of December each year. The venue attracts 80,000 spectators, and through TV broadcasts, 7 million viewers in 64 countries watch the race unfold, making it one of the world's premier races. Furthermore, it is interesting that wealthy fans from around the world visit for this day, with a custom of dressing up to attend the racecourse.

Horse racing holds a special significance for Europeans. The involvement with horses is an indispensable element of the gentlemanly pursuits of chivalry within the aristocracy. In Hong Kong, which retains a strong influence from Britain, such sentiments remain. This is likely why Hong Kong boasts a racecourse with world-class facilities. A beautiful paddock, traditional restaurants. It resembles a luxury resort.

This is precisely why the people who gather for this special event have a different demeanor. Women adorned in elegant hats called "headwear" and vibrant cocktail dresses. On the other hand, men, for competitions with strict dress codes, wear morning dress, the formal daywear, and even if not, they sport stylish attire such as jackets and bow ties.

Horse racing events worldwide, supported by Longines, are also social gatherings where people dress in glamorous styles.

This race is also known for its high prize money. The substantial prize money holds great significance for owners, as does the honor of winning the race. The ability to nurture racehorses in an excellent environment for the following year depends on this prize money. Longines has been the official partner and official timekeeper of this international race since 2012. While Longines now partners with major horse races worldwide (in Japan, it supported the Japan Cup last year, where Kitasan Black took first place), the reason this particular race is treated as exceptional lies there.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, commented as follows:

"Here in Hong Kong, horse racing is considered a part of our lifestyle. The Longines Hong Kong International Races, in particular, is an international event. Therefore, we wanted to make its existence known not only to racing fans who enjoy betting but to a wider audience. Thus, our partnership with Longines has yielded excellent results, creating synergy for both parties."

Page02.Horse Racing: A Social Gathering for the Aristocracy

Horse Racing: A Social Gathering for the Aristocracy

In the past, racecourses were social venues for the aristocracy. There, people enjoyed fashion as much as the races, and by stimulating each other, they refined what elegance truly meant, both outwardly and inwardly.

Of course, everyone buys betting tickets as a gamble. When you have your own money on the line, it's natural to get excited as the finish line approaches. It's understandable to cry out in emotion. However, even if the outcome is not favorable, one must not lose composure. Instead, one praises the proud demeanor of the horses and jockeys who gave their all. In other words, the racecourse was a training ground for cultivating elegant behavior.


Longines produced a pocket chronograph engraved with jockeys and horses in 1878. This watch was used at an American racecourse in 1881, successfully measuring race results down to the second. It is astonishing that Longines has continuously supported horse racing without interruption since then, right up to the present day. Furthermore, since becoming a partner for show jumping events in 1912, Longines' involvement with the equestrian world has expanded to include flat racing, show jumping, and eventing.

And I would also like to mention the "Longines Elegance Award." Longines upholds the philosophy that "elegance is the beauty expressed in the exquisite combination of classicism and refinement," with the themes of "elegance, tradition, and performance." This passion has led to the "Longines Elegance Award," which honors individuals who embody an elegant lifestyle. On this day as well, Longines held an awards ceremony to celebrate a woman of stylish appearance. The commitment to upholding and continuing this philosophy is also part of Longines' values.