Longines has been on a remarkably consistent run in recent years with some low key great watches that span much of their catalog. From the white dial Legend Diver heading into the summer, to the expansion of their Spirit Zulu collection over the past year, each new release does exactly what it needs to do. That continues this week with additions to the Conquest Heritage collection that bring new dials to the 38mm and 40mm case sizes. The Conquest was Longine’s first collection to be trademarked more than 70 years ago, and it’s a design that resonates just as well today in its Heritage form.
The Conquest name can be found on an expansive set of references within the current Longines catalog, and while the modern sporty variations can get a little shaky, especially when complications are introduced, the Conquest Heritage collection provides a rock solid foundation for the core design. The throwback charm underscores a timeless design that sits somewhere between formal and sporty, and depending on the dial choice, this is a watch with an impressive degree of range.
The Conquest Heritage is offered in both 38mm and 40mm sizing, each of which measure a neat 10.8mm in thickness, even with box sapphire crystals. These new additions bring five new dial colors into the collections in both sizes: blue, silver, green, black, and brown. All of the colors are set within a sunray finish. Each uses faceted applied hour markers with a fold through their center with a set of dauphine hands tracking the time. These are time only watches with no date aperture in sight. The blue dial gets rhodium plated indexes, so it gets a fresh appearance as new, rather than the gilt treated features seen on the others.
Inside, Longines is using their proprietary automatic caliber L888.5 (modified 2892-A2) packing a silicon balance spring, and 72 hours of reserve. This sits under a closed caseback that bears a medallion with an embossed fish mark. It’s very old school and it works well in this package. In addition to the classic alligator leather strap options (priced at $3,050), these references can also be had on H-link steel bracelets (priced at $3,150) which bring a more modern look to the design
Overall these are super sharp additions to the collection that bring a range of diverse dial options to a truly timeless design. This is a watch that could fill many roles in a collection, including daily duties. If you need a date, don’t miss the wonderful central power reserve models. Longines
Leave a Reply