Introducing: The New Longines Hydroconquest (Live Pics)

What We Know

The past few years have marked a significant refresh across all of Longines’s product lines, and this year, it’s time for the Hydroconquest to get a facelift. The new generation Hydroconquest continues to streamline the Longines modern dive watch for a broader audience. This new three-handed dive line actually draws from the Hydroconquest GMT released in 2023. Gone are the signature oversized “12”, “6”, and “9” numerals on the dial, with the “6” and “9” markers replaced by circular plots. The unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel on these has been reworked for a better feel, with improved tactility thanks to the internal click system taken from the brand’s Ultra-Chron Diver.

These new Hydroconquest Divers are available in two sizes: 42mm and 39mm, with a whole slate of colors. Black and slate grey bezels are paired with glossy black lacquer dials, while the familiar Longines navy blue colorway gets a matching lacquer dial in navy. Two brighter and more saturated bezel colors are introduced—green and what the brand calls “Luminous Blue.” While the Luminous Blue bezel is paired with a black dial, the green version Hulks out with a matching lacquer dial in green.

A Longines corporate boutique and e-commerce exclusive edition pairs a black bezel with a sunray-brushed ice-blue dial, totaling six colors for the new Hydroconquest. If that wasn’t large enough a product matrix, this refresh also pairs a new tapered Milanese mesh bracelet with a few colors: Slate Grey, Luminous Blue, and Frosted Blue. Black, green, and classic blue colorways are paired with the updated H-link bracelet from the Hydroconquest GMT. Both the mesh and standard bracelets come with tool-less micro-adjust.

Inside the new Hydroconquest is the Longines-exclusive L888.5 caliber, an automatic movement with 72 hours of power reserve, a silicon balance spring, and additional anti-magnetic measures.

The new Hydroconquests are priced at $2,200 for models on the steel H-link bracelet and $2,400 for models on the mesh bracelet.

What We Think

The 2023 Hydroconquest GMT was an impressive release in my book, taking what was a bit of a cartoonish dial in the Hydroconquest and making it more serious while still preserving some character through interesting colorways and dial accents. It was only inevitable that the three-hander would receive the same treatment down the line.

I had the chance to check these new Hydroconquest in person a few weeks ago, and I think these certainly feel like a more commercially appealing evolution for the diver. What the refresh loses in the older generation’s weird charm, it gains in versatility for someone looking for a competitively priced luxury dive watch. Compared to the Hydroconquest GMT, these colorways feel much safer, with the new shades of green and blue very reminiscent of the bezels from a certain iconic diver.

The mesh bracelet option is a new development for the watch, and I think it’s a great proposition that helps distinguish it a little in appearance. It’s a clever execution at its price point, with adjustability emphasized. In addition to the micro-adjust in the clasp, the lower portion of the tapered bracelet is actually a few removable links stamped on the front side to resemble the rest of the mesh. Yes, it’s a bit of a sneaky visual trick, but it’s the best way to actually ensure a proper fit. I’ve had terrible luck actually getting the mesh bracelet from Longines’ big brother, Omega, to fit my wrist, no matter the size, and I have a feeling this bracelet might not have those issues.

It’s clear where the brand is positioning this dive watch — a clean, well-priced, modern design that sits diametrically opposed to the heritage-inspired enthusiast segment that contains the fan-favorite Legend Diver. At its price point, the Hydroconquest feels like a nice offering for someone exploring the luxury diver segment, and with the combination of sizes, colors, and bracelets, it means a little bit of something for everyone.

The Basics

Brand: Longines
Model: Hydroconquest
Diameter: 39mm & 42mm
Thickness: 11.7mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Various
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Steel mesh or H-link bracelet, both with micro-adjustment

The Movement

Caliber: Calibre L888.5, Exclusive to Longines
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 VpH
Jewels: 21
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details:  Resistant to magnetic fields (ISO 764), with silicon balance-spring

Pricing & Availability

Price: $2,200 on H-link bracelet; $2,400 on mesh
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No, but Frosted Blue is Longines corporate boutique & e-commerce exclusive.

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