Experiencing a day at Royal Ascot among the thousands of visitors the event attracts each year is truly unique. Witnessing the prestigious race meeting from the Royal Enclosure—the most exclusive area of Ascot Racecourse—is even more extraordinary. However, gaining access to the Royal Enclosure comes with a strict dress code. So when it comes to your outfit, make sure not to put the cart before the horse!
Written by Anja Van Der Borght
Some international events captivate the imagination and attract worldwide attention. Royal Ascot, the prestigious annual horse racing event at the renowned Ascot Racecourse, west of London, is one such event. This five-day spectacle is much more than a sporting affair; it symbolizes refined British culture, where old traditions and modern elegance go hand in hand. Experiencing the event with a picnic on the grass or dining at one of the many venues around the racecourse is certainly special. But the Royal Enclosure offers the best seats and views of the racetrack, along with exclusive bars, restaurants, and lounges where guests can enjoy the event in luxury.
Access to the Royal Enclosure, located close to the British royal family’s box, is highly regulated. The Royal Enclosure was introduced by King George III in 1807, originally reserved for royal guests and their close circle. Today, visitors must either have been members of the Royal Enclosure for some time or be invited by a current member. New visitors must apply and have a sponsor who is already a member. Due to the royal presence, strict security measures are also enforced, including the requirement to provide marital status and home address upon registration.
Sartorial Elegance
Strict dress codes apply to those entering the Royal Enclosure. Men are required to wear a black, grey, or navy morning suit with a matching top hat. Ladies must choose an elegant dress or tailored suit. Dresses must cover the shoulders with sleeves at least 2.5 cm wide and be knee-length or longer. Backless or sleeveless dresses are not permitted. The components of tailored suits must match entirely. A hat covering the head with a diameter of at least 10 cm is also mandatory. To complement these sartorial efforts, a fine watch is essential—perhaps a model from Longines, the official timekeeper of Royal Ascot since 2007 and the provider of the event’s official watch.
Precision Timekeeping
The automatic Conquest L3.835.4.32.6 (42 mm) is the official watch of Royal Ascot 2024. Equipped with a silicon balance spring and new anti-magnetic components, this watch guarantees even greater precision. It was this precision that first introduced Longines to the world of horse racing. The brand’s first chronograph movement from 1878 featured a case engraved with a jockey and horse. These stopwatches appeared frequently at American racetracks in the 1880s and became extremely popular among jockeys and horse racing enthusiasts. In 1912, Longines took a new step in the equestrian world by partnering with a jumping competition in Lisbon. Over the next century, countless equestrian events benefited from Longines’ reliable timekeeping equipment, and the brand made significant contributions to the evolution of sports timing. Longines developed devices that could measure the fifth, tenth, hundredth, and even millionth of a second, as well as key innovations that met the specific timing needs of many sports, including horse racing, where every fraction of a second can make all the difference. The tension is palpable as bets are placed and the horses take off at a gallop. So, mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 17th to Saturday, June 21st, 2025, and experience it for yourself!
The new generation of Conquest watches, launched to celebrate the collection’s 70th anniversary, has been expanded with new models for both men and women, available in a wide range of colors, materials, and sizes: 30 mm, 34 mm, and 38 mm for the three-hand versions, and 42 mm for the chronographs.
