“Hello, Barbie!” – was the first thing I said when I opened the box of Longines watches that appeared on my doorstep last week.
Hot pink, horses, and glitter; how could I not think of last year's blockbuster movie that became a fashion hit? But enough about plastic dolls and movies, we're here to discuss the new Longines Mini DolceVita Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks 150th Anniversary limited edition watches, which I had the chance to spend some time with for a hands-on review.
In 2024, it will be 150 years since the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks races - the main race for three-year-old fillies, held every year the day before the Derby. As a firm supporter of equestrian events, Longines has been the official partner, official timekeeper, and official watch of these world-renowned races since 2011.
Therefore, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” Longines has created a commemorative series of Mini DolceVita watches, limited to 150 pieces.
The vibrant strap is the first thing that catches the eye: a brand-new double strap made of pink nappa leather, inspired by the Kentucky Oaks races. The pink color symbolizes both the official color of the Kentucky Oaks races and the fundraising efforts undertaken by Churchill Downs (the venue for the Derby and Oaks races) to support women's health issues.
Aside from the color, Longines borrowed details from the world of equestrian sports in the design. For instance, akin to the leather connecting a horse's saddle to the stirrups, the watch strap holes are numbered from 1 to 6.
Despite its width and length, the double strap is comfortable and lightweight. The combination of the double strap and vibrant shade makes the watch a bold statement on the wrist; this look may not be for everyone, but it will appeal to those who prefer more striking wrist adornments.
Identical to the original Mini DolceVita watches I reviewed last year, these limited edition watches feature a rectangular stainless steel case measuring 21.50 mm wide, 29.00 mm high, 29 mm from lug to lug, and 6.75 mm thick.
Such small proportions are easy to wear, and the compact case fits comfortably between the pink leather frames when on the wrist. Longines also decided to embellish the bezel with 38 Top Wesselton diamonds, evenly distributed in two rows. The diamonds are a beautiful yet subtle touch; the gemstones are by no means the most eye-catching element of this watch.
The “Cosmo” sector dial includes a combination of silvered sandblasted and matte white discs, adorned with Roman numerals and hour batons. I appreciate the restrained use of Roman numerals; dials can become too cluttered if a full set is used, especially on smaller watches like this one. The center is complemented by rose gold hour and minute hands, with a small seconds hand on a sub-dial at the “6 o'clock” position.
On the case back, the Kentucky Derby logo commemorating its 150th anniversary is engraved, along with the inscription “ONE OF 150,” indicating that the model is a limited edition. Beneath the steel case back lies the high-precision quartz movement L178, which powers the Mini DolceVita watches. The watch case is water-resistant up to 30 meters.
The Mini DolceVita Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary model is a fresh and fun interpretation of the classic Longines women's watch style.
Unlike other models in the collection, this is not a watch for everyday wear but rather one to wear when you want to add a touch of drama to your wrist - much like the fascinators and hats that are an integral part of the Oaks and Derby Day atmosphere.
However, thanks to the interchangeable strap system, you can easily swap the strap for something more refined. For reference, the lug width is 16 mm.
The limited edition Longines Mini DolceVita Kentucky Derby 150th Anniversary watch will cost USD 3,900 and will be available for purchase at the Longines online store and at the Kentucky Derby.
A portion of the proceeds from sales will go to the “Horses and Hope” charity fund, established to increase screening, education, and treatment of breast cancer among Kentucky's equine industry workers.
Additional information can be found on the Longines website.