It is the solidity and accessibility of the Longines HydroConquest watch that lends itself as such a useful tool for amateur and professional divers. That said, the robust yet classically designed watches from this collection are more than at ease on dry land too. The Saint-Imier-based manufacturer first launched the HydroConquest watch in 2007 but redesigned it in 2018 with colour-coordinated dials and ceramic bezels in black, blue or grey, an improved movement, two case sizes of 41mm or 43mm, and a metal bracelet or rubber strap option. Since then, Longines has also released an all-black ceramic model and a green dial/bezel version. Now Longines extends the HydroConquest watch collection with a series of two-tone versions available in steel and yellow gold PVD or steel and rose gold PVD. These green, blue, black and grey dial colour options are only available in the 41mm case size but come equipped with a movement promising an extended power reserve.
A robust, modern case
Unlike the Longines Legend Diver and Skin Diver lines, the watches from the HydroConquest collection have always retained a relatively accessible price tag and modern styling. The 41mm sports watch offers all the key qualities of a diving companion: 300-meter water-resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, legible luminous markers, a sealed caseback and a screw-down crown. The cases of the new two-tone HydroConquest models also sit flush on the wrist with a 12mm height and gently curved lugs that flow into the bracelet or rubber strap. As before, the two crown protecting guards form a shield around the crown, which is also designed with ridges for an easy-grip structure. To ensure the watch can be worn over heavy diving gear, the bracelet is fitted with a double folding clasp and an integrated diving extension.
A mix of brushed and polished finishes on the case enhance a luxurious edge, but it is, of course, the addition of the rose gold and yellow gold PVD elements in these new iterations that inject a touch of indulgence into the already practical dive watch design. The stainless steel and yellow gold PVD versions are available with a blue, black or green dial and bezel, while the stainless steel and rose gold PVD options are available in the blue, black or grey colours. Black, blue, grey and green rubber straps are also available for matching with their respective dial colours.
As any reliable dive watch would offer, the Longines HydroConquest two-tone versions feature a unidirectional rotating bezel, gold-PVD coated with a scratch-resistant ceramic insert. It will be easily handled thanks to its well-defined, easy-grip notches for intuitive measuring of elapsed time once underwater. The 12 o’clock dot is treated in Super-LumiNova and the 15-minute section is displayed in clear markings.
Matching dials
The new Longines HydroConquest watches come in dial options of blue, black or grey – each in a sunray finish – and a matte green option. The date taking residence at 3 o’clock on the dial takes the place of the Arabic numeral, leaving the remaining 12, 6 and 9 o’clock numerals to retain a sense of balance across the dial. The large hands are also treated in gold colour and filled with Super-LumiNova with a green glow in dark conditions.
Powerful movement
The new Longines HydroConquest two-tone use the self-winding L888 calibre. The movement comes with an improved 72-hour power reserve compared to the previous 64-hour running time of 2018 models. It also comes with a silicon balance-spring to protect against magnetic forces and beats at a rhythm of 25,200 vibrations per hour.
Pricing
All options from Longines’ new two-tone iterations (bracelet or rubber strap) of the rugged HydroConquest series are priced at EUR 1,670 and more details can be found here, at www.longines.com.