Deep deep down: into the Longines HydroConquest, the New Watches of Switzerland Group Exclusive
When a brand has a back catalogue as desirable as Longines, it’s understandable that it would want to go rummaging for inspiration. It’s not just great looks these past timepieces have but mechanical clout as well. Longines has always been an pioneer They developed their first chronograph movement back in 1878, while in the 1930s the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch was able to calculate longitude, as well as, with the help of an almanac, allow a pilot to work out the discrepancy between civil and solar time.
Longines also has an illustrious dive watch history, which dates back to the 1930s when they introduced the world’s first water-resistant chronograph complete with waterproof push buttons.
However, in 2007, Longines decided it was time to launch an entirely new collection inspired from the fascinating world of aquatic sports. The HydroConquest stood in complete contrast to its vintage inspired Longines Legend Diver Watch that launched the same year. With the HydroConquest, Longines wasn’t interested in resurrecting legends but in creating a diving style watch that appealed to those in the water or enjoying a snooze beside it. It had all the markers of preserving a traditional style of diving watches – unidirectional bezel, bold legible numerals and indices filled with Super-Luminova®, plus a sporty design that managed to look both contemporary and classic. A screw-down crown gives a water resistance of 300m and Longines also added an integrated extension to the bracelet. Powering it all is the Longines exclusive calibre L888, it oscillates at a relatively slow 25,200vph - but for good reason. The slower oscillation delivers an approximately 72-hour power reserve, so if you take if off for the weekend it will still be running when you pick it up on Monday morning.
In 2018, the HydroConquest was redesigned. Ceramic was added to the bezel of these new pieces, giving it a more luxe streamlined feel; the bezel was also reshaped, and the dial tweaked to make it more legible. Longines also added the option of a coordinating rubber strap.
Two years later, Longines unveiled their most desirable HydroConquest to date – the Khaki Green; its military shade brushed dial and bezel beautifully complemented by the steel. Never one to shy away from a trend, they have also introduced bicolour version, with PVD in rose and yellow gold instead of the pure metal itself. And now a new version is set to join its ranks – an exclusive Watches of Switzerland collaboration. Rather than the dial and bezel sharing the same shade, this 41mm version has a matt black dial and contrasting green bezel – a combination never used before in a HydroConquest. Upping the luxury factor, this timepiece will come in a beautiful presentation case accompanied by the additional green NATO strap and strap change tool making it the ideal gift, whether you choose to actually pass it along or keep it for yourself. The set is limited to just 500 pieces in the UK.
“We’re really excited by our collaboration with Longines,” says Sophie Conroy, Watch Buyer. “To get to put our stamp on such an iconic and beloved design is a privilege but we think we’ve brought something of the Watches of Switzerland Group personality to the HydroConquest.”
If the other exclusive designs are anything to go by, it will be another fly-out-of-the-door success. So run, don’t walk, to your Mappin & Webb to be in with a chance of winning this particular conquest.
Discover more from Longines here at Mappin & Webb.
