When Longines originally unveiled the HydroConquest it was a statement of intent. Despite a rich heritage and a number of successful vintage-style dive watches, Longines was offering fans a bold and truly modern diver. Fast forward to 2023 and the Swiss watchmaker has dropped the first ever watches in the HydroConquest line that feature a GMT complication. If going diving equipped with a tough Swiss-made watch wasn’t enough, you can now keep track of multiple timezones – ideal for frequent travellers. The new Longines HydroConquest GMT features a redesigned case, a new GMT movement and a choice of four colourways.
As a part of the HydroConquest line, this latest addition includes the key attributes of a modern dive watch, including 300M water resistance and a screw-down crown. It maintains the elegant sports watch aesthetic of the original 2007 models and the stainless steel case remains at a comfortable 41mm wide. The height has been slightly increased to 12.9mm and the case features a mixture of brushed and polished finishes.
Having sung the praises of the HydroConquest as a contemporary diver, we were thrilled to also see touches of vintage chic on these latest models. Or more correctly, on two of the new releases. Although all four watches sport eye-catching sunray dials, the differing colour palettes offer slightly different looks.
The blue and black variants are proudly modern and would wear as well in the office as in the sea. On the other hand, the exact same watches in the earthy brown and green tones tip a nod to dive watches of the past.
All four models include a functional uni-directional bezel with a ceramic insert and the all-important fifteen-minute countdown. There’s a luminous pip at 12 o’clock. The sumptuous dials feature an unusual combination of rectangle, round and triangular markers and as ever, the hour hands have the signature diamond decoration. Depending on the colourway, the hands are either gilt or silver polished.
Of course, there’s also an extra fourth hand on these new models. The GMT hand has a bold lumed pointer and is used in conjunction with the 24-hour scale on the inner flange – the subtle use of colour differentiates day from night.
This extra functionality is made possible by the new Longines calibre L844.5, a movement with exceptional anti-magnetic features and a 72-hour power reserve. Rounding out this exciting new release—depending on the model—is a choice of a NATO or rubber strap, or a stainless steel bracelet, which for the first time in this line includes a micro-adjustment clasp.
Remarkably, Longines has managed to add the functionality and design language without inflating the price. Ranging from just AUD$4,400, the new Longines HydroConquest GMT isn’t just good value, it’s a bonafide steal.
Longines HydroConquest GMT
Diameter: 41mm
Height: 12.9mm
Case: Stainless Steel
Movement: Calibre L844.5
Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet, Canvas NATO strap or Rubber
Water Resistance: 300M
Price: AUD $4,400
