Longines is one of the most successful Swiss watch brands with an illustrious history that dates back to 1832. You can’t think of its name without recalling its classically proportioned dress watches from the 1950s. But, many casual observers probably know Longines better as a sponsor of many sporting events and a maker of diver’s watches – Two-Tone HydroConquest Models.
The HydroConquest is one of the brand’s four core watch families under the Longines Sport Collection. First introduced in 2007, these Longines watches are favored for their superb performance and bold style. This year, Longines revisited the watch’s design once more and updated it in the form of two-tone models that feature a rose or yellow PVD coating that outlines the unidirectional rotating bezel.
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History and the New Two-Tone Models – Two-Tone HydroConquest Models
The history of Longines Watches is deeply rooted in sports, being an official timekeeper for championships and sponsor of many international sports federations. In particular, it’s involved in alpine skiing, archery, tennis, and equestrian.
The brand eventually penetrated the aquatic sports market with HydroConquest, offering a range of modern diver’s watches that feature 300m water resistance, screw-locked case backs, screw-locked crowns, and sapphire crystals. They have a maximum 72-hour power reserve equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring for extended service intervals and improved chronometry. Each watch boasts an unrivaled blend of functionality and elegance while offering the best qualities of a Swiss luxury watch.
The New Two-Tone HydroConquest Models – Watches
The HydroConquest was first redesigned in 2018 with color-coordinated dials and ceramic bezels in either black, gray, or blue. They came in an option of 41mm or 43mm case sizes and a metal bracelet or rubber straps.
Case
Now, fresh from the launch of ceramic bezel-equipped HydroConquests in 2020, Longines teased fans with the brand-new two-tone models—six two-tone versions, to be exact. Unlike previous models, the new HydroConquests are packaged only in a 41mm stainless steel case. The size makes it more versatile and wearable for most consumers while making the decision process easier for them.
Dial
The dials of the new HydroConquests feature sunray patterned dials that provide a contrasting background to the Arabic numeral and dot markers in gold-plated tones. It has the signature HydroConquest- style hands and a date window at 3 o’clock.
“To ensure legibility, the 12 o’clock dot features Super‑Luminova, and the 15‑minute section shows clear markings.”
Movement
It is equipped with the Calibre L888 movement with time and date functionality. The new-generation automatic movement has a frequency of 4Hz and packs in an impressive 72-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Colorways
“Three of the new references come in blue, black, or green dials and bezels, paired with yellow gold PVD‑plated center links and a stainless steel bracelet.” The rest are sporting gray, black, or blue sunburst dials with matching ceramic bezel inserts, rose gold PVD-plated center links, bezel, hands, and hour markers.
Bracelet
In addition to the stainless steel bracelet, the models also come packaged with rubber straps in black, blue, gray, or green. It comes with an integrated diving extension in the clasp for a better and more comfortable fit.
Water Resistance
As with previous HydroConquest models, the two-tone Longines watches are 300m water-resistant. “The version with a rubber strap offers the perfect balance of functionality and elegance in its segment, thanks to its ability to stay reliable underwater for long periods. Despite their subdued flair, these diving watches deliver the same top-level performance as any other in their range.”
Pricing
The new two-toned HydroConquests will start at a retail price of $2750. The good news? By Aug. 1, all Longines watches will be accompanied by an extended 5-year warranty. As part of its move to improve customer satisfaction, this extended warranty covers all the brand’s watches with movements that use an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. This innovation doesn’t directly make watches more reliable. But, given its resistance to corrosion, weather, magnetic fields, and atmospheric pressure, it can improve a watch’s accuracy and durability.
A Longines Watch Just for You
It’s the durability and accessibility of the HydroConquest that renders it a promising tool for amateur and professional divers alike. Starting from a range of color-coordinated watches in classic black, blue, or gray colors, the collection has grown to include a set of two-toned watches with better movement and more style options.
The Saint-Imier-based watch company looks much different in the early 19th century than it is today. Throughout its history, it has pioneered many advancements and industry-first technology that continue to influence Swiss watchmaking today. But, while it’s the case, what remains is the brand’s commitment to continued excellence that seeks to protect the name and integrity of the business.
What do you think of the new two-toned HydroConquest models? Which among them is your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment.