Each spring for the last 152 years, 20 of the fastest horses in the country line up to run at legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. In the two minutes that follow, the world holds its breath, watching as history unfolds. For the past 15 years, Swiss watchmaker Longines has been the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby and, in 2013, became the title sponsor of the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before. It’s a weekend of splendor that has transcended the equestrian world, becoming the social event of the season.
Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback Chronograph and Primaluna Moonphase.
Longines’ legacy in the equestrian world predates the derby itself, with the brand producing pocket watches and chronographs featuring equestrian motifs as early as 1869. Their chronographs were later utilized by racecourses towards the end of the 1800s. From there, Longines has been involved in nearly every aspect of competitive horsemanship throughout the 20th and now into the 21st century, from flat racing to Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing, serving as the official timekeeper and sponsor of some of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
Georgia Benjamin’s (@Georgiabenj) watch dial themed hat for the Kentucky Oaks.
The Kentucky Derby, which this year boasted its highest viewership in history with nearly 20 million viewers, has been held at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack since its inception. There have been many historic races over the past century and a half, such as in 1973 when Secretariat famously won the race and went on to win the Triple Crown, cementing himself as arguably the greatest racehorse of all time. This year was no exception, when Golden Tempo, a 3-year-old thoroughbred (and descendant of Secretariat), came from last to win the race by a neck. His trainer, Cherie Ingordo-DeVaux, became the first female trainer in history to win the race.
While the fashion of the Kentucky Derby weekend consistently draws almost as much attention as the race itself, particularly the spectacular and requisite hats, we were far more focused on the watches, which certainly did not disappoint. Scroll on down to see some of the best and rarest watches of the weekend, as well as the historic, photo-finish victory from the track.
Longines Mini Dolce Vita with red wrap leather strap.
Ulysse Nardin Freak S Enamel Red.
The beginning of the 152th Kentucky Derby at the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack, just before turn one.
Rolex Pearlmaster 39mm Ref. 86409RBR.
A birth-year Cartier Santos Galbée.
Neo-Vintage watches pair well with a Leica for Joe Greer (@ioegreer).
Races alternate between dirt and turf tracks throughout the weekend.
Stylist Mary Glenn McElveen (@m.g._style) looking airy and elegant by the track.
Longines Mini Dolcevita in 18k Yellow Gold.
Cartier Santos in Steel & 18k Yellow Gold.
Victoria Alysse (@victoriaalyssee) in Kentucky Oaks pink.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Onyx.
Rolex Daytona 116599RBOW ‘Rainbow’ White Gold.
Styles for the weekend range from understated elegance to vibrant, campy and playful.
Longines Master Collection small seconds with salmon dial.
The Kentucky Oaks Trophy.
The Kentucky Derby Trophy is made from 14k Yellow Gold.
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Street Art Vice.
Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas in Steel & 18k Yellow Gold.
Longines Hydroconquest on Mesh Bracelet.
Casio W-800H with a vintage Yashica Mat-124 G Medium Format Camera.
Rolex Day-Date 228345RBR in Everose with Mother-of-Pearl Dial.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5990/1A-011, Flyback Chronograph Travel Time.
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Ref. 116621 Everose Rolesor.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classique Ladies in an elegant, canary diamond clad stack.
Norqain Adventure Sport Chrono NHLPA.
Patek Philippe Complications 5172G-001 White Gold.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in Sand Gold.
On the wrist of Writer & Director Taylor Sheridan.
Breitling Navitimer B01.
Breitling Super Chronomat Automatic 38 Origins in 18k red gold.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 326933.
Gerald Genta Retro Sport RSP.X.10.
Seiko Turtle Ref. SRPE93 – a proper tool watch with the scars to prove it.
Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228236 Platinum with Ice Blue dial with diamonds.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 7118/1450G-001 White Gold, set with 2,364 diamonds totaling 11.63 cts.
Longines is the official partner and official watch of the Kentucky Derby, as well as the title sponsor of the Longines Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before the Derby.
Trackside with the Longines Spirit Pilot Flyback.
Golden Tempo came from dead last to win by a neck, as Jockey Jose Ortiz looks over, smiling, at his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. who came in second place on Renegade.
Cherie Ingordo-DeVaux (center) is the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby. The winners were presented with Longines watches, in addition to the trophy, to commemorate the historic achievement.
Troy Barmore (@troybarmore) is a US-based luxury watch, eyewear, and heritage goods specialist, journalist, and photographer based in New York City. Troy is a contributor to many horological outlets, including Hodinkee, Revolution Magazine, and Chrono24 Magazine.
