Longines Partners with the 35th Japan Cup

Established in 1981, the Japan Cup is an international G1 race organized by the JRA. In 2015, it marked its 35th running and is now recognized by horsemen worldwide as one of the premier races in horse racing. This international race is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29th, and prior to its commencement, an important announcement was made by Longines and the JRA.

It was announced that the partnership agreement between Longines and the JRA for the Japan Cup has been renewed, with Longines continuing as the official partner and official timekeeper. The official name of the race will be “Japan Autumn International Longines Prize, the 35th Japan Cup,” and Longines has selected the “Longines Master Collection Moon Phase” as its official watch. To announce this contract renewal and its details, Mr. Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of Longines, visited Japan, and we took the opportunity to interview him about Longines' relationship with equestrian sports and horse racing.

Equestrian Sport: A World of Harmony Between Humans and Horses

—This contract renewal marks the second year of the partnership between Longines and the JRA in the Japan Cup, which began in 2014. What is the significance of this partnership for Longines?

—Could you elaborate on these aspects?

Elegance can be rephrased as harmony. It is a crucial element for the mechanism and design of a watch, and in horse racing, it corresponds to the synergy between horse and rider. Both require a sense of balance.

Performance, in the context of watches, refers to precision, which also relates to the accuracy required for measuring sports. Timekeeping is absolutely essential in any competition, demanding utmost accuracy.

And tradition refers to what has been cultivated through each of our histories, such as our history in watchmaking and Japan's history in equestrianism.

We are deeply honored that the JRA and Longines, embodying these elements, have been able to form this partnership. It's not merely about us becoming a sponsor; it's a valuable opportunity to handle the timekeeping and to share our craftsmanship through horse racing.

The "Elegance" Pursued by Longines

—Among the three elements championed by Longines, "elegance" appears to be a key focus. Could you please explain in more detail the "elegance" that Longines pursues?

The concept of elegance as harmony might seem abstract and difficult to grasp. We perceive elegance, which emanates from people's actions, as something spiritual that flows from within. It's not about wearing the latest fashion trends, but rather a reflection of inner beauty. Of course, the interpretation of elegance may vary by country or region. However, aren't the fundamental values universal?

—Is Mr. Andre Agassi, our brand ambassador, a personification of this?

Indeed. Mr. Andre Agassi will be visiting Japan as a presenter for this year's Japan Cup. He and his wife, Steffi Graf, achieved great success in the world of tennis during their careers. They could easily live a quiet life without any further obligations.

However, they never forget to care for people around the world. Mr. Agassi actively participates in charitable activities to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children, and Ms. Graf supports children affected by war. Both possess a profound commitment to social contribution. Their compassionate actions and attitudes are always inspiring. We resonate with such passion. Our pursuit of partnerships not only with the Japan Cup but also with numerous horse racing and equestrian events stems from viewing them as symbols of this human elegance.

—We heard that an official watch has been designated for the Japan Cup this year. Could you tell us more about that?

It has been decided that the official watch for this year's Japan Cup will be the “Longines Master Collection Moon Phase.” If asked to select the finest timepiece in terms of both mechanism and design within Longines' current collection, this model would be the choice. This watch, embodying elegance, performance, and tradition, is befitting of the Japan Cup, one of the world's premier races. We are also offering a gift campaign for this watch leading up to the Japan Cup race day.

—Thank you for your valuable insights today. Lastly, could you please share a message for Japanese horse racing fans and watch enthusiasts?

We sincerely hope you will enjoy the 35th Japan Cup to the fullest. We also hope that by choosing the “Longines Master Collection Moon Phase,” which embodies the elegance of horse racing, Japanese fans will come to appreciate the world of Longines watches.

Longines Japan Cup Official Watch Gift Campaign
Campaign Period: Until Sunday, November 29th
Prize: Longines Master Collection Moon Phase
Quiz Question: "The Japan Cup race was Japan's first international competition. How many times has it been held this year?"
How to Enter: On the event page during the 5th Tokyo Racecourse meeting on November 29th, accesshttp://jra.jp/news/201505tokyo/and apply through the dedicated campaign entry form.
*Please refer to the event page for details.