New HydroConquest GMT: Modern redesign with dual time
Fernando AldeaThe HydroConquest, a Longines sports watch icon, evolves with a sophisticated design and the house's exclusive GMT movement.
The HydroConquest line has always held a special place in the world of sports watches. This iconic and revered collection surprises us once again by expanding its family with models boasting a sophisticated design and the distinction of the Longines GMT movement. It is this balance between technical excellence and refined aesthetics that makes the winged hourglass brand unmistakable. Furthermore, its recent inspiration draws directly from the depths and adventures of water sports, adding a fresh flavor to its rich history and Longines' tradition of creating watches for various time zones. It is a journey that combines the past, the present, and the exciting underwater world.
https://player.vimeo.com/video/852652633What Longines says
Longines expands its horizons with the introduction of the HydroConquest GMT , adding a dive-GMT function to its already renowned HydroConquest line. This launch marks a milestone for the collection, which first saw the light of day in 2007 as Longines’ modern diver’s watch. In contrast to its heritage-inspired models such as the Legend Diver or Skin Diver , this model represents a new era. The HydroConquest GMT comes in four dial options and is powered by the new Longines calibre L844.5, an ETA-based movement with an adjustable local 12-hour hand.
Measuring 41 mm in diameter and 12.9 mm thick, the new HydroConquest GMT demonstrates impeccable design. While the lug-to-lug measurement for the new model isn't specified, the three-hand version measures around 50 mm. The stainless steel case guarantees water resistance up to 300 meters and is complemented by a unidirectional ceramic bezel. The model is offered in four dial options, all with a sunray finish, available on a stainless steel bracelet or on a strap that varies according to the dial color: black or blue (rubber strap option), green or brown (NATO-style strap option). Additionally, Longines highlights that both the bracelet and rubber strap will feature a micro-adjustment clasp. The hour hands feature gold or silver finishes, complemented by Super-LumiNova, and a 24-hour scale adorns the outer layout.
Internally, it houses the L844.5, Longines’ ETA-based movement with a 72-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring. It’s a new movement for the brand, and like the Spirit Zulu Time ’s caliber L844.4, it features an independently adjustable local time hand, colloquially known as a “flyer” GMT. The suggested retail price for the model with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap is $2,775 USD, while the NATO-style strap option is $2,675 USD.
First impressions
The HydroConquest is Longines' modern diver's watch, conceived as a tool watch for modern times. It's not only a tribute to the brand's heritage but also a clear demonstration of its commitment to innovation. Seeing how, with the development of new GMT calibers in recent years, Longines continues to invest in the future of the HydroConquest is truly inspiring. It's a sign of the path the brand is taking, one marked by excellence and adaptability.
The HydroConquest GMT has been meticulously designed, as evidenced by the four available colors. With options ranging from a completely modern look like blue or black, complemented by a rubber strap option and silver dial finishes, to vintage touches in brown or green, with a NATO-style strap and gold dial finishes, Longines has demonstrated versatility. Essentially, it maintains its robust character with a ceramic bezel, 300-meter water resistance, and a movement that resists magnetism according to ISO 764 standards.
With the addition of the HydroConquest GMT, Longines strengthens its position in the high-quality GMT watch market under $3,000 USD. It's worth remembering that they recently introduced the Zulu Time, which they later adapted to a more compact 39mm format. Perhaps most notably, they've managed to refine the HydroConquest GMT's design to a thickness that's even thinner than the 42mm Zulu Time, cementing it as a stylish and functional option.
Specs
| LONGINES HYDROCONQUEST GMT |
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REFERENCE : L3.790.4.06.2/6 | L3.790.4.66.2/6 | L3.790.4.56.6/9 | L3.790.4.96.6/9 |
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MOVEMENT : Automatic mechanical Caliber L844.5 | 11.5 lignes, 21 jewels, 25,200 vibrations per hour, with silicon balance spring | Power reserve of up to 72 hours |
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CASE : Round, stainless steel, 41 mm diameter, 12.90 mm thick | Sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides | Unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with Super-LumiNova® coated case above a triangle at 12 o'clock | Screw-down crown | Screw-down case back | Water resistance to 30 bar (300 metres) |
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DIAL/HANDS : Green/Brown/Black/Blue sunray dial with engraved 24-hour scale, applied indexes with Super-LumiNova® treatment | Polished gold-plated/rhodium-plated hands with Super-LumiNova® treatment |
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BRACELET : Stainless steel bracelet with double safety folding buckle closure and micro-adjustment / Khaki green NATO strap with buckle on green dial / Beige NATO strap with buckle on brown dial / Black rubber with double safety folding buckle closure and micro-adjustment on black dial / Blue rubber with double safety folding buckle closure and micro-adjustment on blue dial |
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FUNCTIONS : Hours, minutes, seconds, date at 3 o'clock | GMT function (24-hour hand) |
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PRICE : $2,775 USD with stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap | $2,675 USD with NATO-style strap |
