Longines HydroConquest Watches
In 2007, Longines introduced a new diving model to their comprehensive collection of watches: the HydroConquest. It joins a brand with a rich Swiss history. Founded in 1832, by Auguste Agassiz, in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines has always had an eye toward horological innovation. In 1876, Longines sent their technical director, Jacques David, to Philadelphia to attend the World’s Fair. At this time, the American watchmaking industry was growing by leaps and bounds, due to its new system of manufacturing using interchangeable parts. David returned to Switzerland and wrote a detailed report on his findings. This report was extremely important in getting the Swiss watchmaking industry to adapt to modern manufacturing methods and is a big part of Longine’s continued success.
Longines innovated throughout the 20th century, producing many very famous aviation watches. The HydroConquest is one of the latest examples of Longine’s mastery of mechanical watchmaking. It opened up the brand to a new group of customers looking for capable dive watches.
Longines HydroConquest’s Unidirectional Ratcheting Ceramic Bezel
The Longines HydroConquest features a very dependable bezel, described as a unidirectional ratcheting bezel. The bezel is an important part of the dive watch and is used to time underwater dives. How does it work? When a diver is about to descend underwater, they align the bezel with the minute hand of the watch. When the diver is underwater, it is easy to read the elapsed dive time by looking at where the minute hand is pointing on the bezel. The unidirectional aspect of the bezel is important as well. In case the watch is accidentally knocked while the dive is underway, the bezel can only rotate to shorten the dive time, not lengthen it. This important safety feature could save a diver’s life.
In addition, the bezel is made from ceramic, a durable material that is easy to read, even underwater. You may be asking yourself why divers don’t use a chronograph mechanism to time their dive. They certainly could, but chronograph mechanisms are more difficult to secure against water intrusion. The chronograph pushers are also harder to operate with wet hands or while wearing diving gloves. A unidirectional bezel provides a simple alternative for divers.
Longines HydroConquest’s Stylish Crown Guards
With any mechanical watch, the crown is one of the parts most susceptible to damage. The crown is the interface between the outside world and the precision mechanical movement inside the case. A knock to the crown could easily damage the sensitive mechanisms in the movement. The Longines HydroConquest largely avoids this hazard with its stylish and functional crown guards, which are built into the case. The guards flank the crown on either side, so as to deflect any accidental knock to the watch. The style of the crown guards matches the rest of the case and makes for a solid-looking mechanical timekeeper, one capable of surviving even extreme underwater environments.
Longines HydroConquest Offers a Wide Range of Styles and Colors
The Longines HydroConquest is available in many different styles and colors, sure to suit anyone looking for a dependable mechanical dive watch. Blue dials are all the rage at the moment, and Longines offers its HydroConquest with a dark blue dial and a matching ceramic bezel. Black is always a reliable standby, and Longines has a version of the HydroConquest with a matching black dial and bezel. If you are a fan of the retro look, how about a two-tone case and bracelet?
Longines offers one version of the HydroConquest with contrasting steel and gold accents that are quite eye-catching. If you are looking for something to stand out in the crowd, a Longines HydroConquest with green dial and matching bezel will surely do the trick. Last but not least, how about a Longines HydroConquest with a dial and bezel in a subdued gray? Whatever your style, there is a Longines HydroConquest that will look good on your wrist.
Longines HydroConquest Has a Useful Strap
The Longines HydroConquest is available with a choice of metal bracelet or rubber strap. You may be asking yourself, why would you want a rubber strap for a luxury mechanical diving watch? A rubber strap is actually the most functional strap for a dive watch, due to the changing conditions underwater. The rubber strap allows for some flexibility in wearing the watch, while a metal bracelet may not. Of course, it is easy to switch between the two, depending on your situation.
Longines HydroConquest Pricing and Availability
The Longines HydroConquest is a popular watch, available for resale from a wide range of sellers. In 2021, a Longines HydroConquest with blue dial in great condition could be found for $230. The two-tone version of the Longines HydroConquest is a particularly stylish option and ranges from $500 (preowned) to $820 (new).