THE SCENE : The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Official Watch of Kentucky Derby

Following their dramatic victory in the 137th Kentucky Derby on May 7, when Animal Kingdom covered the 1¼ miles from the starting gate to the finish line in 2 minutes, 2.04 seconds, owner Barry Irwin, trainer Graham Motion and jockey John Velazquez received the watches from Jennifer Judkins, U.S. Brand President for Longines. They were presented with The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph, the official watch of the Kentucky Derby at the event’s exclusive Winners Circle Gala.

Luxury clocks and timepieces were located throughout Churchill Downs facility, and a digital “Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock” was displayed at Churchill Downs’ official event Web site for the Kentucky Derby. The watchmaker also had a “Longines Kentucky Derby Countdown Clock” at the Churchill Downs Store in the Louisville International Airport.

Longines is based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, and its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and the sporting world. Longines’ partnership with the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs adds to a long and distinguished list of top-level, world-class international events in which the Swiss-based watchmaker has been a key participant. Longines has served as the official timekeeper for the French Open Tennis Championships, horse races at Britain’s famed Royal Ascot, the Singapore Gold Cup, the Longines Mackinnon Stakes taking place during the renowned Melbourne Cup Carnival and numerous gymnastics and alpine skiing events.