{"id":45522,"date":"2023-08-10T12:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.horbiter.com\/?p=45522"},"modified":"2023-08-10T10:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T08:44:43","slug":"longines-hydroconquest-gmt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.horbiter.com\/en\/longines-hydroconquest-gmt\/","title":{"rendered":"The Longines HydroConquest GMT watches hands-on"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

With the launch of the Longines HydroConquest GMT, the new product development strategy proves it\u2019s keeping its pace unstoppably<\/strong>. 2023 has been exceptionally prolific so far; it kicked off with the re-edition of historical models like the Pilot Majetek<\/strong><\/a>, and the brand has undergone a significant design review like never before<\/strong> in recent history, with the new, top-selling Conquest collections hitting the spot between the first and second half of the year.<\/p>\n

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While the fully-overhauled Conquest has received much praise for its sleeker silhouette and clever price point, the 2023 Hydroconquest GMT joins a much more competitive product category<\/strong>; the GMT-equipped diving watch is the new destination for all-round sports watch seekers.<\/p>\n

An entirely new face<\/h2>\n

If a Spirit Flyback<\/strong><\/a>, for instance, takes inspiration from the Spirit, the Longines HydroConquest GMT preserves the collection\u2019s family feeling but debuts a whole new design concept that we expect it\u2019ll involve a fully-renovated HydroConquest anytime soon.<\/p>\n

The new case design<\/h3>\n

The case body abandons sharp edges and large Arabic numerals to become curvier<\/strong>, offering a unique, integrated line from lug to crown protectors. The case flanks look more generous and almost surround the diving rotating bezel, as seen from atop.<\/p>\n

The outcome is a bolder new design<\/strong>, which feels sturdier and has no frills; it\u2019s contemporary and clean but less original than the \u201coutgoing\u201d design.<\/p>\n

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The bezel\u2019s grooves are also larger<\/strong>, while baton indexes replace the rounded ones, and those large Arabic numerals synonymous with any HydroConquest diving watch. Longines\u2019 designers took this chance to renew and upgrade the original collection.<\/p>\n

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In brief, the side profile is tall and bold, and the lugs are slightly curved in their final part<\/strong>. Also, you\u2019ll notice the luminous dot at twelve is oversized. The watch has improved quality and details and offers a more attractive, luxurious design.<\/p>\n

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According to the specs sheet, the case measures 41,00 mm across<\/strong> (winding crown excluded) and 12,90 mm in thickness<\/strong>. It\u2019s not the tallest timepiece in its product category, but shaving a few tens off the case\u2019s thickness would further improve comfort and usability, considering the new model weighs a considerable 181,4 grams.<\/p>\n

The HydroConquest GMT bracelet<\/h3>\n

Here is where things get even more interesting; an unexpected form-and-function new bracelet hits the spot<\/strong>, and we\u2019re sure it has required the most significant design effort. The HydroConquest GMT (as it is with a Conquest) adopts a new H-shaped bracelet aiming to enhance the user experience aesthetically and technically. The H-shaped design is nothing new in horology but is more refined than any Oyster-looking three-piece bracelet.<\/p>\n

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It is 21mm wide on top to taper towards the clasp<\/strong>, a thoroughly thought and nicely built folding clasp with safety push buttons and a button-operated micro-adjust mechanism. The variable geometry design further enhances the bold case shape.<\/p>\n

As an option, Longines offers a NATO strap or a rubber strap<\/strong>, the latter mounting a folding clasp. Head to our \u201cFinal Thoughts\u201d paragraph to read our comments.<\/p>\n

The Longines calibre L844.5<\/h2>\n

The title suggests a slightly different calibre than a Spirit Zulu Time<\/strong><\/a>\u2018s (coded as L844.4). It is true as far as the Chronometer certification is concerned.<\/p>\n

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Therefore, the movement is the same; it beats at 3.5 Hertz, offers three days of power reserve when fully wound, and comes equipped with a silicon hairspring. Hence, the new HydroConquest GMT is a Traveler GMT<\/strong>. It is not chronometer-certified; the above explains the calibre L844.5.<\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/h2>\n

The new Longines HydroConquest GMT is the sportiest<\/strong> \u201cLongines GMT\u201d watch available<\/strong>, based on a rugged diver watch to attract the largest possible audience.<\/p>\n

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The replacement NATO strap<\/strong> (available in khaki and beige) makes for a multipurpose timepiece<\/strong>, as are the black or blue rubber straps. Longines has equipped them with a folding clasp, while our favourite option still would be a pin buckle paired with Longines-branded rubber strap.<\/p>\n

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Four dial palettes are available<\/strong>; you can go for the stand-out green or brown \u2013 we\u2019d pick the green one with a contrasting black ceramic bezel \u2013 or a more mainstream black or blue. We applaud the build quality; the fit and finish are flawless, and the bracelet is the best in the business; here is a wholly different watch than anything HydroConquest-related you have ever experienced.<\/p>\n