Over the last six years, Kate Winslet, the talented British actress, has personified the Longines motto: “Elegance is an attitude”. Today, the Swiss watchmaking company was proud to welcome her to Saint-Imier, to the place where the brand was created in 1832. Walter von Känel, President of Longines, accompanied the actress throughout the day, leading her along the worktables where Longines watches are so lovingly crafted, so that she could see for herself the production and assembly processes. 

With unabashed delight, the Ambassador of Elegance visited the Longines Museum, a haven of sophistication that bears witness to the glory days of Swiss watchmaking and boasts a heritage forged in tradition, elegance and performance. During this journey through time, Kate found a particular watch which pulled at her heartstrings. This piece belongs to the Flagship collection, which will celebrate its 60^th anniversary in 2017. It was decided that this watch would be re-issued during the course of the year, and that the proceeds of the sales of this watch would go to the Golden Hat Foundation, a charitable organization that Kate Winslet co-founded in 2010. 

The Swiss watchmaker has a long tradition of supporting worthy causes, and is thrilled to be associated with such a shining example of altruism as Kate Winslet, who is one of the brand’s Ambassadors of Elegance. Longines’ deeply held values are perfectly aligned with those demonstrated by the award-winning actress through the Golden Hat Foundation, and therefore, it was only natural that Longines would choose to support this non-profit organization, which strives to highlight the capabilities and the immense potential of individuals with autism. 

At the end of this eventful day, Kate was eager to meet with Longines employees, who had gathered for the occasion. The actress took the opportunity to say a few words: “I was delighted to learn that Longines is so in touch with its rich history, from which it draws inspiration for creating new works of art that adhere to its values. I am deeply grateful to Longines for the support they have shown for the Golden Hat Foundation, an organization that is dear to my heart, by re-issuing the watch that I have chosen today. It makes me incredibly proud to be able to contribute to raising public awareness of the situation that face individual with autism. I believe that these individuals will greatly benefit from the possibility of learning to communicate, of receiving academic training and of developing real social relationships.”

Throughout her visit and during the various planned activities, everyone who came into contact with the actress was enchanted by her innate charm and spirit. Longines is honoured to have welcomed Kate to Saint-Imier, and to have shared with her the watchmaker’s passion, which has remained unchanged for nearly 185 years. The watchmaking company is pleased to once again salute the beautiful heart of this wonderful actress, which led her to create her foundation and dedicate herself to helping the less fortunate.