Power reserve indicators are one of those functions on a watch dial that we tend to take for granted. On mechanical watches that have one, the gauge lets you know how much longer you have before the movement stops ticking, thus requiring it to be wound again. Those who are rather fastidious about their watches will surely use the indicator as a visual reminder to wind a given timepiece so that it doesn’t lose accuracy towards the end of its current life. Typically appearing similar to a gas gauge on a car and sequestered as the smallest possible detail on the outskirts of the inner dial, the power reserve indicator was front and center on a special 1959 Conquest model from Longines, which is being revived today by the Swiss brand.
In honor of the Conquest line’s 70th anniversary, Longines has reissued the Central Power Reserve for the modern age. Unlike a traditional power reserve indicator, the dress watch shows the passage of time via two rotating discs at the center of the watch, counting down the hours from 72 to 0, although the highest number displayed on the discs is 64, with 72 marked by a black dot. This becomes a crucial element only when the watch is at rest and the mainspring tension begins to decrease. Visible through the caseback, the in-house movement is an automatic caliber. So if you want to bring the hand on the inner disc back to 64, all you need to do is wear the watch or wind it manually with the crown.
Available with a 38mm stainless steel case (up from 35mm of the original), the timepiece comes with either white, black, or anthracite dial colors. Given a classic black leather strap, it’s a solid dress piece, although certainly more appealing on the wrist than off of it, despite the fact that the watch’s highlight feature is really only showcased when sitting on a shelf. Another nice touch, however, is the date window at the 12 o’clock spot rather than the 3 or 6 like most timepieces.
Priced at CHF 3,650 (~$4,210), the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is now part of Longines’ permanent collection. Head over to the watchmaker’s website to get yourself one of these vintage-inspired re-editions.
