TALKING THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES WITH XAVIER LIGERO, LONGINES VICE PRESIDENT SALES INTERNATIONAL
The Commonwealth Games. 11 days of action. 72 nations. Over 5000 competing athletes. The games have brought nations together in a colourful celebration of humanity ever since its birth in 1930. It’s little wonder, then, that the Swiss watch brand Longines would not only seize on the chance to partner with the esteemed competition but would also create a timepiece in its very honour: the HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games.
The timepiece is limited to just 2,022 pieces – a number that is by no means a coincidence – and proudly displays the vivid colours of the event logo on its black ceramic bezel as well as on the minute-track of its black sunray dial. Indeed, the timepiece is an addition to the HydroConquest family: a collection distinguished by their daring design and aimed at demanding athletes.
So, as the country comes together in Birmingham this 28th July, we’re getting to know Xavier Ligero – Longines Vice President Sales International – as he spills all on Longines status as Official Partner and Official Timekeeper for Birmingham 2022, the release of the HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games timepiece, and his own excitement for attending the games…
The Commonwealth Games are set to begin tomorrow, and you must be extremely excited about the partnership. Can you tell us more about how this came to be, and what this means for Longines?
We are indeed really thrilled about this partnership that illustrates perfectly the values Longines stands for: tradition, elegance and performance.
In 2020, we have signed a historic multi-Commonwealth Games partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The agreement represents the first ever multi- Commonwealth Games partnership in the history with Longines receiving exclusive status as the “Inaugural Partner of the Commonwealth Sport Movement”. We will be the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper for Birmingham 2022 as well as the 2026 and 2030 Commonwealth Games. This new partnership sees Longines provide all timing and scoring equipment for every single event within the next three Commonwealth Games.
Could you explain exactly how Longines will be collaborating with the Commonwealth Games?
Longines’ timekeepers, scorers, sporting specialists and data handlers, supported by the world’s most advanced timekeeping and scoring equipment, will make their expertise available to the sporting federations and the talented athletes from throughout the Commonwealth.
In addition to the customized timing and scoring equipment adapted to the needs of each sporting event, Longines will be responsible for the on-venue displays and scoreboards, the TV and virtual graphics seen both at the venues and on television screens around the world, and the commentator information systems that allow broadcasters and other media specialists to report results to their audiences in real time! From the electronic start pistols and starting blocks to incredibly accurate photo finish cameras and electronic distance measuring devices, Longines will deliver a level of precise, accurate measurement that has led to its new long-term partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation.
What does it mean, to the brand, to be a ‘Presenting Partner’ for the Games?
An additional aspect of the partnership means that Longines is also named as ‘Presenting Partner’ of athletics, gymnastics and ‘Co-Presenting Partner’ of rugby 7s and table tennis. The historic agreement reinforces the strong ties between Longines and the Commonwealth Games. Longines was originally a partner of the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games and renewed its partnership for Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018. We’re truly proud to be awarded this status, as it further reinforces our strong ties with the Commonwealth Games and means we can look forward to attending the thrilling competitions.
Just earlier this year you released the limited edition HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games. How did the partnership with the Games inspire this piece, and where can we see this inspiration within the watch?
The HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games has been designed as a tribute to the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Limited to 2,022 pieces, it proudly displays the vivid colours of the event logo on its black ceramic bezel, as well as on the minute-track of its black sunray dial. To accentuate the uniqueness of this model, the case back is engraved with the Birmingham 2022 logo and “Limited Edition - 1 out of 2022”.
And finally – if you’re making your way to the event this year! - which discipline are you most excited to watch?
Well, it’s a difficult one, as every discipline is exciting. But I’m particularly looking forward to attending the competitions for which Longines is Presenting Partner or Co-Presenting Partner: athletics and gymnastics, rugby 7s, and table tennis!
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