As so many heritage watch brands invest in their iconic models, Longines — one of the oldest watchmakers in the world, pushing two centuries — is focusing on the here and now with its latest release. Its flagship HydroConquest diver has been one of its staples since its introduction in 2007 and now gets the brilliant addition of a GMT complication for the first time ever, placing it in a semi-niche segment within the watch community.
Last year, we saw Longines glance to the past for its popular Zulu Time series, honoring the brand’s important place in aviation history. However, as part of a non-heritage staple in its lineup, the HydroConquest is the perfect fit for a new style of GMT that settles comfortably amidst a world of modern watch design, realizing that, regardless of how much fun it can be, we don’t always need to go vintage. Available in four dial colors, including blue, black, olive green, and brown, the new dive-GMTs are decidedly contemporary in appearance, especially considering the strap options; all of the watches come with a stainless steel band. However, the former two also have the option of a same-colored rubber strap, while ditto for the latter two with a NATO strap. However, the brown version does sport a quasi-vintage flair for those interested.
Powered by an ETA-based Longines L844.5 automatic GMT movement, the timepieces boast 72 hours of power reserve and an independently-adjustable local hour hand. Since each reference is a dive watch as well, its 42mm stainless steel case offers a whopping 300m of water resistance and is adorned with a matching ceramic unidirectional bezel.
What’s more, these more-than-capable watches won’t break your bank either. Priced similarly to the Zulu Time, the HydroConquest GMT ranges from $2,675 to $2,775 and is available now from Longines’ website.
