Longines Mini Dolcevita 150th Kentucky Derby

For over a century and a half, Longines has carved a niche for itself in the world of horology, its name forever linked to elegance, precision, and a deep-rooted connection to the equestrian world. Founded in 1832 in the Swiss Jura Mountains, the watchmaker has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, producing timepieces that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are technically proficient.

Throughout its history, Longines has cultivated a rich heritage in equestrian sports. Their involvement can be traced back to 1878 with the creation of a chronograph specifically designed for horse racing. This initial foray marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Longines has partnered with prestigious equestrian events around the globe, including the prestigious Prix de Diane in France (since 1943) and the influential Dubai World Cup (since 1999). Today, the brand holds an esteemed position as the Official Timekeeper, Partner, and Watch of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.



The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "The Run for the Roses," is a legendary American sporting tradition. Held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, it is the first leg of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The Kentucky Oaks, exclusive to three-year-old fillies, is run the Friday before the Derby. Both races are pinnacles of equestrian achievement, celebrated not just for the athletic competition but also for the extravagant hats, the mint juleps, and the vibrant atmosphere.

In 2023, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this celebrated event, Longines unveiled a limited edition timepiece: the Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition. This exquisite watch adds a new chapter to the brand's story, seamlessly blending Longines' equestrian heritage with the sophistication of the DolceVita collection.

The DolceVita series, first introduced in 1997, quickly established itself as a favorite among watch aficionados with a penchant for classic design. The name itself evokes the "sweet life" – "dolce vita" in Italian – and the collection embodies that philosophy through its sleek rectangular cases and timeless design. The watches are crafted to complement a variety of styles, transitioning effortlessly from office wear to evening attire.



The Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition stays true to the core characteristics of the DolceVita collection. A closer look at the watch reveals a rectangular case crafted from polished stainless steel. The case dimensions come in at a petite 21.50 mm by 29.00 mm, making this a timepiece perfectly suited for slimmer wrists. For watch enthusiasts, the case back will be a particularly interesting detail. It features a special engraving commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby along with the inscription "ONE OF 150," a constant reminder of the watch's limited-edition status.

While a complete technical breakdown of the watch will be provided in the second part of this article, a glimpse at the dial reveals a beautiful silver background with a subtle textured finish. The hour markers are a combination of painted Roman numerals and indexes, all presented in a crisp black that provides a distinct contrast against the lighter dial color. Completing the dial is a set of slim hands, finished in a warm rose gold color, that dance across the watch face keeping track of time.

Rounding out the design is a striking pink Nappa leather strap. The soft, supple leather ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, while the vibrant pink color adds a playful touch that nods to the pink roses, the symbolic anthem of the Kentucky Oaks. The strap itself attaches to the case via a standard buckle closure, but thanks to Longines' interchangeable system, swapping the strap for a different colored option is a breeze. This versatility allows the watch to adapt to different styles and occasions.



At the core of every watch lies its movement – the intricate engine that powers its functions. The Longines Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition is driven by a high-precision quartz movement, specifically the Longines caliber L178. Quartz movements are renowned for their remarkable accuracy and reliability, ensuring that the watch maintains precise timekeeping with minimal deviation. To understand why this is significant, it's worth noting that quartz watches function quite differently from their mechanical counterparts. Rather than relying on a complex system of gears and springs, a quartz movement utilizes the power of a battery and a tiny quartz crystal oscillator to regulate its timekeeping. The natural vibrations of the quartz crystal generate an electrical current, which in turn powers the movement of the watch hands with incredible accuracy.

For the horology aficionado, this distinction holds importance. While there is an undeniable charm to mechanical watches, with their intricate workings and centuries-old tradition, quartz movements offer a level of user-friendliness and low-maintenance practicality that appeals to a broad audience. With a quartz watch, you don't have to worry about manually winding the watch or ensuring consistent wear to keep it powered, as the battery provides a continuous source of power for many months or even years.

Functionality is another key consideration when selecting a watch, and the Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition keeps things simple and uncluttered. True to the minimalist design ethos of the DolceVita collection, the watch presents the essential functions of hours, minutes, and small seconds. The small seconds subdial is discreetly tucked away at the 6 o'clock position, preserving a clean and balanced aesthetic on the main dial. This pared-back approach enhances readability and maintains a focus on telling the time, without any unnecessary distractions. When you glance at this watch, the answer is clear and instantaneous.



Turning our attention to the watch's construction, the 3 mm thick sapphire crystal that protects the dial is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is an industry standard when it comes to luxury watches. Its superior hardness makes it less susceptible to scratches and cracks compared to standard mineral crystals. While not entirely impervious, its resistance to scratches ensures that the dial's beauty will remain unmarred for many years to come. The case of the Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition is crafted from stainless steel, a material known for its strength, corrosion resistance, ensuring that the watch will wear beautifully for years to come. Moreover, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal offers longevity by resisting the nicks and scratches that can often detract from a watch's visual appeal over time.

When it comes to water resistance, the Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition carries a rating of 3 bar, which equates to about 30 meters of water resistance. This rating signifies that the watch is capable of withstanding splashes, light rain, and brief exposure to water, but should not be fully immersed or worn for swimming or water sports. While not a diver's watch, this level of water resistance provides a practical balance that is more than adequate for everyday wear. It is important to remember that water resistance for any watch is best seen as a guideline, not a guarantee. Factors such as aging gaskets can impact a watch's water resistance over time.

Let's not overlook a small but delightful detail found on this special edition: a dazzling array of 38 Top Wesselton IF-VVS diamonds adorning the bezel. With a total carat weight of approximately 0.456 carats, these high-quality stones add a touch of discreet sparkle that elevates the Mini DolceVita beyond a mere timekeeping device and into the realm of refined accessories. The way the light interacts with these diamonds is surprisingly playful, adding a sense of understated luxury. While not immediately obvious, the diamonds bring a discreet sparkle that hints at extravagance while still maintaining a sense of class.



One of the most admirable aspects of the Longines Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition is its philanthropic component. Longines has a long-standing commitment to supporting meaningful causes, and this limited-edition watch contributes to a noteworthy initiative. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the "Horses and Hope" charity, founded to provide breast cancer screening, education, and support programs for workers within Kentucky's horse industry. This expanded mission now encompasses other cancer prevention initiatives through its Cancer Screening Van program. For those seeking not just a beautiful timepiece, but one that gives back, this watch holds even greater appeal.

In closing, the Longines Mini DolceVita 150th Kentucky Derby Edition is a striking example of the brand's ability to blend tradition, artistry, and a commitment to worthy causes. It celebrates a milestone in the world of equestrian sports while paying homage to the enduring appeal of the DolceVita line. With its petite dimensions, diamond accents, and striking pink strap, this limited edition watch is likely to garner favor with those seeking a unique blend of versatility and understated extravagance. And, when you wear this watch, you can take pride in knowing that it symbolizes not just good taste but also generosity of spirit.