Longines recently teamed up with The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation to create the Longines Elegance Scholarship Fund. The Elegance Scholarship was founded to promote higher education to students enrolled at The Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. Agassi Prep, founded by tennis legend Andre Agassi, is a public charter school for grades K-12. This school is the first step in the foundation’s dedication to transform public education for underserved youth across the country.

Agassi Prep exemplifies educational excellence to prepare each student for college and in May 2009, Agassi Prep will honor its first graduating senior class. For the very first time, graduating students will have the privilege to walk across the William J. Hornbuckle III Bridge. The bridge symbolizes the pathway to a new beginning and a brighter future for the community’s most challenged students. To commemorate this, Longines is pleased to announce an initial donation of $200K for the Longines Elegance Scholarship Fund. This ongoing fund will help to secure the future for these bright and talented students. Scholarships will be based on financial need and offered for excellence in community service. For students with an aptitude and interest in watch making, several full scholarships will be available to the Nicolas G. Hayek WatchMaking School in New Jersey. “The generous scholarship donation from Longines will facilitate qualified graduates of (the) Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy’s first graduating class to fulfill their dreams and Andre Agassi’s vision of attending college. On behalf of the Class of 2009, I would like to thank Longines for their support” said Lisa Wolpowitz, Director of College Access at Agassi Prep.

Recognizing Agassi’s philanthropic efforts, Longines is pleased to support its brand ambassador in furthering education. Longines specifically created three very special limited edition timepieces to aid in raising funds for The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

The Longines GrandeVitesse Andre Agassi 888 watch pays homage to this elegant and extraordinary sports legend. The design of the Longines GrandeVitesse Andre Agassi 888 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 toned “8″ to commemorate the “8″ Grand Slams won by Agassi during his exceptional tennis career.

The Longines Master Moon Phases Andre Agassi Grand Slam Limited Watch from The Longines Master Collection is an example of the professional care and expertise with which Longines’ watchmakers approach design. This special edition watch is limited to eight pieces. Created exclusively for Agassi and his foundation these watches will be used to increase awareness and support for The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and its programs. The Grande Slam Master Moon Phase features an 18 carat rose gold case set with 56 VVS diamonds (1.40 ct weight) and a golden number “8″ pays homage to Agassi’s eight victories in Grand Slam tournaments. This special model features a see through smoked back with sapphire glass and The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s logo, through which its scintillating movement can be observed.

The Longines Master Collection Retrograde Andre Agassi Grand Slam Watch from The Longines Master Collection was created exclusively f or The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation Grand Slam Gala October 11th in Las Vegas. This stunning $27,000 timepiece will be auction off with two tickets to the 2009 Roland Garros French Open. The Retrograde features a round 18K rose gold case set with 60 VVS diamonds (1.50 total carat weight) and an 18k rose gold bracelet. The number “8″ is made of eight Top Wesselton VVS black diamonds (0,008 carat) to pay homage to Agassi’s 8 victories in Grand Slam tournaments. This special model features a see through smoked back with sapphire glass and The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s logo, through which its scintillating movement can be observed.

“Through the creation of the Andre Agassi Limited Edition watches and the Longines Elegance Scholarship Fund students will have the opportunity to attend the college or university of their dreams,” said Brand Manager, Jennifer Judkins. “Longines looks forward to making the fund an annual opportunity for Agassi Prep students. Amongst the awarded students, those interested in horology will receive a full scholarship to the Nicolas Hayek School including room and board.”

Longines is pleased to announce that a portion from the sale of each Limited Edition GrandeVitesse watch will benefit the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.

Source: Longines