Longines Symphonette

Longines Symphonette may refer to:

* A record label (the Longines Symphonette Society), owned by the Longines watch company, which specialized in releasing classic radio programs and multiple-record box sets [http://www.rfsoc.org.uk/jim23.shtml] ;
* A symphony orchestra sponsored by Longines, which produced many recordings for the record label;
* A trade name of electronic devices, including transistor radios [http://www.transistor.org/collection/longines/longines1.html] [http://www.transistor.org/collection/longines/longines2.html] , televisions [http://www.tvhistory.tv/1967-Longines-3in.jpg] , and electronic calculators (produced by Texas Instruments) [http://www.vcalc.net/ti-ar.htm] [http://www.datamath.org/Others/Longines/LonginesV1.htm] .
* A watch produced for the 1964 New York World's Fair [http://www.longines.com/]

Longines Symphonette in popular culture

Public awareness of the name "Longines Symphonette" has been raised due to its mention in the song "Birdhouse in Your Soul" by They Might Be Giants. The relevant lyrics, referring to the Longines Symphonette as something that is "infinite" and "doesn't rest," may refer to the record label's prolific output, the orchestra's numerous recordings, or to the longevity of devices of that brand. Possibly it refers to the 8-track format sold in many systems by the trade name of Longines Symphonette electronics above. 8-track tape loops continuously, the tape ribbon is a single coiled loop that re-spools in the cassette. Or it may simply rhyme well. It is also mentioned in the 1955 Frank Sinatra film, "The Tender Trap".

ee also

* List of record labels