Longines HydroConquest: Singapore Price And Review

Elegance with depth.

If we didn’t know better, the Longines HydroConquest collection would seem like an anomaly in the brand’s repertoire dominated by refined dress watches. Unlike its retro-styled or classically inspired brethren from the Master and Record collections, the HydroConquest watches exude muscled-up appeal. But even so, the dive watches express Longines’ ‘Elegance is an attitude’ tagline with signature aplomb.

The latest roll-outs comprise automatic chronographs with column wheel, which exude machismo by virtue of the complication, as well as pared-down three-hand models, which are the focus of this review. Having tried all the references at Longines’ exclusive showcase earlier this year, held in conjunction with the opening of its Marina Bay Sands boutique, our favourite has to be the three-hand with date version in 41mm case (the other two references are the three-hand with date in 43mm case, and chronograph in 41mm case).

The latest HydroConquest models flaunt ceramic bezels in blue, grey or black with matching sunray dials. Enhanced functionality aside – ceramic is known to be scratch-resistant and impervious to wear – the material boasts a gorgeous sheen that injects a refined and contemporary vibe. This is especially true for the three-hand models, which are dressier compared to the chronographs.

Though not immediately apparent, the three-hand models are toughies. Driven by an ETA-based automatic movement with 64-hour power reserve, they offer similar dive-ready features as the chronographs, including 300m water resistance, screw-down crown, crown protection, and extendable, double security folding clasp.

We are more partial to the 41mm offerings, which serve the three-hand lines’ smart-casual aesthetic well, though clearly the 43mm versions would work for those with larger wrists. Having said that, the 41mm models do feel weighty and substantial on the wrist.

Despite the ‘simple’ three-hand configuration, the watches do not lack athletic allure. Rather, the striking dials that offer high-contrast legibility, muscular case profile, and alternate matte and satin finishing on the bracelet evoke a sense of sportive luxury that wouldn’t pale in comparison to the other iconic dive watches that you’ll find on the market today.

Case	41mm or 43mm in stainless steel with ceramic insert bezel
Dial	Sunray black, blue or grey
Movement	Automatic Calibre L888.2
Bracelet	Stainless steel
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Price	S$2,390