Longines Honors Andre Agassi with the Longines Andre Agassi Limited Edition GrandeVitesse Watch

WEEHAWKEN, NJ · May 30, 2008 /PRNewswire/ – Longines made time for education on May 29th at the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep) in Las Vegas, Nevada for the special unveiling of the Longines Andre Agassi Limited Edition GrandeVitesse watch. With more than 175 years of experience manufacturing elegant timepieces, Longines is proud to announce the creation of 888 limited edition timepieces inspired by Andre Agassi to support The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. The Andre Agassi Limited Edition GrandeVitesse watch pays homage to this elegant and extraordinary sports legend. Recognized for his athletic accomplishments and philanthropic efforts, Longines is pleased to support its brand ambassador in furthering education.

The design of the 888 exclusive limited edition GrandeVitesse watch is classic and elegant with a sporty edge. The remarkable and unique design is featured in the dial. Within those features, Longines chose to highlight the gold in The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s logo. Each watch is designed with a custom-made case back featuring the logo and a special limited edition number. To honor the most outstanding tennis player in history, Longines designed the special GrandeVitesse with a gold “8″ to commemorate the “8″ Grand Slams won by Agassi during his exceptional tennis career. Other features include automatic movement, caliber L667 (Valjoux 7750) and a mach 2 tachymeter scale. This watch was created exclusively for Andre Agassi and his foundation.

“Longines has created for the U.S. market, a watch that exhibits the sophistication and timeless elegance of Agassi, while bringing close attention to the incredible work he is doing through his foundation. The gold ‘8′ on the dial commemorates his heart of gold in his dedication to children,” said Jennifer Judkins, Brand Manager, Longines U.S. “I am honored to have my name on such an exquisite timepiece. Longines has shown tremendous support for my foundation and I am grateful for all their endeavors,” remarked Andre Agassi.

The press conference was held May 29th at 3:00 p.m. at Agassi Prep for the special unveiling of the Andre Agassi Limited Edition GrandeVitesse watch. Following the press conference there will be a private party co-hosted by Andre Agassi for more than 150 VIP guests. Longines will auction off the exclusive rights to the limited edition numbers. All proceeds from the auction will benefit The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Guided by Agassi Prep students, private tours will be offered to media and VIP guests of the 168,570 sq ft preparatory academy. In its seventh year, Agassi Prep is home for more than 500 students. Currently, Agassi Prep is a K-11 campus and will have its first class of graduating seniors in 2009.

For more information and all one-on-one interviews please contact Denise Carballo, 201.271.4610 or denise.carballo@swatchgroup.com.

About the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
The AACF, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity, was created to provide recreational and educational opportunities for at-risk boys and girls. The Foundation strives to assist those underprivileged, abused and abandoned children who may be deprived of basic options in life. The AACF also offers a combination of emotional, physical and academic programs designed to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities. For information, visit www.agassifoundation.org.

About the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy
The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy serves socio-economically challenged youth in kindergarten through 11th grade. The 12th grade will be added in fall 2008, with the first class graduating in 2009. A prototype teaching community offering academic programs to enhance a child’s character, motivation and self-discipline, the charter school provides small classroom settings to nurture a sense of responsibility within a safe and trusting environment. The curriculum focuses on technology and college preparation, while introducing cultural activities and expanded involvement in community affairs. The school also features longer school days and an extended school year. For more information, visit www.agassiprep.org.

Longines:
Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines has more than 175 years of producing unique precision and elegant timepieces. The brand’s achievements include creating the first wristwatch in 1905, being on the wrist of Charles Lindbergh during his historic first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, as well as the status as Official Timekeeper for multiple Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Expanding on its “Elegance is an attitude” campaign, in 2005 Longines commissioned a Harris Poll survey on elegance in the U.S. and signed one of the top choices as a brand ambassador and “Icon of Elegance,” Harry Connick Jr. With the launch of the 2007 sports collection Longines is proud to announce its new brand ambassador Andre Agassi. Other ambassadors include: Aishwarya Rai, Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Longines is owned by The Swatch Group, the largest manufacturer and distributor of watches in the world. www.longines.com

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