Longines and Ascot announce that the Swiss watch brand, Official Timekeeper at Ascot since 2007, has become an Official Partner of the racecourse. This will include use of the Longines logo on the Grandstand and permanent on-course and off-course branding, throughout the year. The branded chronometer close to the winning post and elegant clock in the Parade Ring will remain in situ. Each Official Partner has a day at Royal Ascot where their brand is given an elevated profile, which includes stalls branding. The day on which this will operate for Longines will be Wednesday 20 June.

What is the connection between Caran d’Ache and fine watchmaking?
The very fact that we are based in Geneva is one connection, but we also share a lot of common ground regarding some of the crafts we use. It was therefore quite logical to come even closer to the world of watchmaking with our 1010 Timekeeper writing instrument, in which our craftsmen pay tribute to the know-how of the Swiss watchmaker.

Released in 2017, the Astron executive series was the first Astron designed specifically for those who want a versatile watch suitable for any occasion or activity. At Baselworld 2018, Seiko revealed a new sports design. To be launched in June 2018, the executive sports series offers all the functions of Seiko’s unique GPS Solar technology but with a new level of durability, legibility and water resistance.

You have been a watch collector for many years and you are now turning your passion into a career. What are your plans for the new watch department in London?
We are going to evolve in terms of how we think collectors in the UK would like to be served. Until now it has been more of a dealer-based model in the UK over the past 10 to 15 years and we are very keen to have a presence in the UK so that Phillips becomes a destination in the UK for UK collectors. We want people to come to us not only for the auctions but for private treaty, for advice, information and education.

Launched in 1963, the first ever Comtesse collection consisted of automatic movements. The model became a connected watch four years ago and continues to evolve towards technology. The Comtesse Horological Smartwatch is the result of development between Alpina and the Swiss brand MMT. In 2018, two new versions of the Comtesse Horological Smartwatch, expressing a modern balance of a sporty elegance and the Swiss connected watchmaking, are added to the collection.

On 13 June, 2018, a few days before the start of the highly anticipated 24 Hours of Le Mans, TAG Heuer welcomed brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey to Monaco for an unusual training session. The actor, who’s also a driver and owner of the Dempsey Racing team– who are due to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend – travelled to the Var track in Le Luc in a viper green Porsche 911 RS from the private car collection of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, for whom TAG Heuer has been appointed Official Watchmaker.