After a successful debut last year, Longines’ Hydroconquest family welcomes a new series of GMT models featuring a new case size and a trio of color choices
The Longines HydroConquest collection was first launched back in 2007 and quickly gained a reputation as a solid divers’ watch. Then, a comprehensive rework of the lineup came out in 2018, which further boosted the HydroConquest popularity, especially among those looking for sporty timepieces. Another major milestone for the collection happened last year, when the HydroConquest GMT made its debut. And now, in 2024, the family grows even bigger.
The most apparent new trait of the new HydroConquest GMT novelties is the 43mm case; slightly—but still noticeably—larger than last year’s models. The new stainlesssteel case features alternating polished and satin-brushed faces as well as a screwdown caseback, hinting at its divers’ watch credentials. And on that note, the cases are water-resistant up to 300 meters.
Of course, what’s inside the case is what matters most. The new HydroConquest GMT models are powered by the exclusive Longines calibre L844.5. This self-winding mechanical movement comes equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components in non-magnetic materials, giving it a magnetic resistance rating more than ten times than what’s required under the ISO 764 reference standard. Since strong magnetic fields are becoming increasingly common these days—what with the proliferation of, say, electric vehicles powered by electric motors featuring large magnets—the importance of this feature can’t be overstated.
And let’s not forget about the whole “GMT” aspect. As its name suggests, the HydroConquest GMT can display multiple time zones. Longines has quite a long history—stretching all the way back to the early 20th century—of creating timepieces with the GMT complication. The Longines calibre L844.5, in particular, is notable for its quickset local hour hand adjustment, making it a “true GMT” watch that’s ideal for ardent travelers.
Moving on to the aesthetic qualities of the new HydroConquest GMT, there are three dial options: green, black and blue, all with a sunray finish. The indexes are coated in Super-LumiNova to enhance readability under low light conditions, with the 12 o’clock index featuring a triangular design and the ones at 6 and 9 o’clock being round—also for ease of reading. The 3 o’clock position, meanwhile, is occupied by the date window.
Another highlight on the dial is the arrowshaped GMT hand, which has a black, orange or blue tip depending on the dial color. Moving outwards we come to a 24- hour scale in two tones to mark the transition between day and night, followed by the unidirectional rotating bezel that comes with a ceramic insert featuring a capsule with Super-LumiNova treatment on the triangle at 12 o’clock.
The finishing touch for the HydroConquest GMT’s 2024 lineup is the bracelets. All three variations of the watch are equipped with a stainless-steel bracelet featuring H-shaped links. The black- and blue-dial versions, however, also come with an optional rubber strap in black and blue, respectively.
HydroConquest watches have always been a solid choice for water sport enthusiasts and just about anyone with a preference for sporty-looking timepieces. With the HydroConquest GMT, Longines expands the allure of the collection to ardent travelers looking for a stylish companion that helps them keep an eye on home while roaming the world.
TEXT Joezer Mandagi