For Sara Ali Khan, an actor of noble descent, a first visit to Royal Ascot was never going to be just another item on a travel itinerary. She arrived at one of Britain’s most storied sporting and social events with curiosity, admiration and a healthy appetite for cheese and crackers. She left with cheese on her mind, a watch on her wrist and one quiet lesson about time.
“I’ve always wanted to attend something as prestigious as Ascot,” Khan says. “My first impression was the glamorous and elegant way everybody was dressed, juxtaposed with the electrifying, passionate way everybody was cheering.”
That contrast is what struck her most. The grandeur of the occasion but with an infectious sense of excitement. For Khan, it felt like a vivid expression of British culture itself; steeped in tradition yet animated by genuine enthusiasm.
As someone who comes from a country that lets no opportunity for celebration pass by, Khan found Ascot rather familiar. “Celebration, colour and vibrancy are so inherent to our culture,” she says. “Being able to see that being celebrated here made me feel very much at home.”
All Heart, No Hurry
The experience extended far beyond the track. One highlight was visiting the Longines pop-up, a fitting stop given the Swiss watchmaker’s longstanding association with the event.
The connection between Longines and Ascot, she notes, goes beyond branding. The event’s rich heritage resonates with values that the watchmaker itself embodies. “Ascot is so regal and cultural and almost historic,” she reflects. “Those terms are the ethos of Longines too.”
She was particularly fascinated by the role the brand plays behind the scenes. Longines is not merely a sponsor but an integral partner responsible for official timekeeping. The relationship felt natural, a meeting of two institutions that are almost united by history, precision and tradition.
The trip has also sparked a desire to explore more of the Longines universe. “Now I’m very excited and eager to go to Saint-Imier; not just visit the store, but also the factory and the museum,” she says. “A lot of heritage, culture and excitement awaits me.”
Moments to Remember
Of course, no travel diary is complete without food. Khan laughs when discussing the culinary side of Ascot. “As an avid cheese and cracker lover, even though I don’t indulge very often, attending Ascot was the perfect excuse,” she says. Between the races, ceremonies and social gatherings, there seemed to be a steady procession of memorable meals.
In fact, if she were to summarise a typical day at Ascot, it would involve two recurring activities. “A lot of walking and a lot of eating,” she jokes. There was the grand lunch, the Royal Procession, more food, bell-ringing ceremonies, prize distributions and, inevitably, more food.
One moment, however, stands above the rest.
Khan watched from a distance as Catherine, Princess of Wales, presented prizes on the parade ground. Then, she found herself standing at the very same spot, handing out prizes herself. “There was one moment where I was admiring her and her lovely yellow attire,” she recalls. “The next moment, I was there giving out prizes. That’s something I’m really never going to forget.”
Travel, for her, is often accompanied by a trusted accessory: a watch. She describes her relationship with watches as both practical and personal, particularly when it comes to Longines. “There’s a quiet luxury to them,” she says. “Everything goes with everything.”
Whether she’s dressed in athleisure, Indian wear, western outfits or evening attire, versatility matters. Her Longines Mini DolceVita, she says, is one piece she can wear anywhere.
Out and About
The broader journey through England also left an impression. While London’s energy remains irresistible, it is the English countryside that lingers in her memory.
“I love how bustling London is,” she says. “But the quiet, peace, tranquility and serenity of the countryside really stand out to me.”
That contrast reminds her of India, a country she loves for its diverse landscapes and experiences. What surprised her about England was how quickly one can move between worlds. “Within an hour, you can be between bustling Mayfair and quiet Hampshire,” she says. “When there’s a variety of experiences that you can enjoy, it makes the experience more wholesome.”
When she’s not working, her ideal day in England swings between two extremes. It might involve dragging her mother, Amrita Singh, through London’s shopping districts or it could mean sitting silently in the countryside with a coffee and no conversation at all.
And because her mother adores the United Kingdom, Khan admits her travel style changes whenever she’s there. “Normally, my style of travel can be extremely hectic and involve a lot of hiking,” she says. “But in the U.K., Mom is usually with me, so I have to be mindful of her.”
If there is one lesson she is taking home from Royal Ascot, it comes from the very object wrapped around her wrist. “It’s ironic because Longines is a watch brand,” she says, “But ‘live the moment’ is really the takeaway for me. Watch the moments pass on your Longines watch while you live the moment.”