When a very popular watchmaker partners with a famous actress to launch a limited timepiece collection you get masterful and exquisite blended together. Welcome Swiss watchmaker Longines, and brand ambassador Kate Winslet as they collaborated for the launch of the Flagship Heritage on June 10, 2017 at the brand’s Paris boutique. Marking the start of the brand’s online auction as well, the occasion benefitted the Golden Hat Foundation, co-founded by the actress as well. The proceeds from three of these spectacular timepieces will directly benefit the foundation, which was established with the mission to change the way people with autism are viewed.
The auction was designed with minimum opening bids which for the winners included the timepiece, and an opportunity to receive this watch directly from the British actress at her next publc appearance for the brand. Becoming the brand Ambassador of Elegance in 2010, and co-founding the foundation that same year the actress is proud of their work, and helping the world see autism in a new light. The Swiss watchmaker understands the importance of showing the world the amazing abilities and potential that folks diagnosed with autism possess. The foundation goals are to help ensure that individuals with autism have social support, academic educational opportunities, as well as job training based on the abilities they each have. Taking that support to the next level, the organization is planning to put in place campuses for post-high school students that are designed to help the autistic individuals within an environment created around their specific needs, their strengths and helping them reach new heights.
The proceeds from this auction is a great benefit to these efforts. When Kate Winslet visited the Longines home base in Switzerland in 2016 and found herself mesmerized by one timepiece in the brand museum, the original Flagship model. Inspired by this classic piece, the actress collaborated with the brand to craft this limited edition watch. The timepiece was created with the original design in mind, but adding a contemporary twist and of course made with a golden tone, paying a direct tribute to the Golden Hat Foundation.
The brand sold the first Flagship design in 1957 and the collection has been a great success ever since. A beautiful and timeless design featuring the white dial, slim profile, and technical mastery, the timepiece is an exquisite blend of elegance and exclusiveness. The origin of the name is derived from the ship which the flag of the fleet’s commander in chief waves in the wind. The caravel is stamped onto the back of this timepiece.
The Flagship Heritage is showcased in a 35mm, 18k gold case with a brushed dial and lovely camel calf leather strap. Each timepiece is equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber L609, and a 42 hour power reserve. Inscribed on the back is a edition number, and the distinct engraving of the Flagship collection. Finished with a sapphire crystal and dauphine hands coated with Super-Luminova each of these timepieces is truly exquisite. Kate Winslet fell in love with a timepiece, and together with Longines’ brought about an awareness for her other love, so that both could benefit each other and bring both of them to the forefront of the world.
