In exciting news, Longines announced yesterday that it is expanding its HydroConquest range with all-new GMT models. Born in 2007, the HydroConquest collection has not yet had its own GMT model despite being a longstanding staple of the Longines portfolio. Making up for lost time, the launch consists of eight models in four stunning dial colours. Read on for more about these first-ever Longines HydroConquest GMTs.
GMT Function and Movement
Although we usually dissect the watches’ appearances first, there’s too much to love mechanically about these models to wait until the end.
Increasing the diversity of the collection’s capabilities, the addition of a HydroConquest GMT range is certainly worthwhile. Its indicated through the central arrow-head hand, which extends to a ring of 24-hour indices tucked against the flange. Exemplifying the brand’s commitment to outstanding detailing, on all colourways, this ring features a trendy split-colour design.
Beating at the heart of each HydroConquest GMT is the brand’s own exclusive L844 automatic calibre movement. Just like other top-of-the-range models, it boasts a generous 72-hour power reserve and a frequency of 25’200 vibrations per hour. But it doesn’t stop there. Above all else, by far its most outstanding feature is its anti-magnetism. In addition to a silicon balance spring, the L844 is built with non-magnetic components. In turn, this ensures that each of the HydroConquest GMTs is more than ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 standard. Impressive, right?
Cases and Colourways
Although there are eight different models, each of them has a similarly sturdy build. Housing each dial is a stainless steel case, which measures a versatile 41mm in diameter and 12.9mm in thickness. With an anti-reflective sapphire crystal for added protection, these cases lock in an impressive 300 metres of water resistance.
LONGINES HydroConquest GMT (41mm) Sunray Green with either a Bracelet or Strap
The first of the four dial colourways is a stunning khaki green colour, available either with a stainless steel bracelet (L3.790.4.06.6) or a green NATO-style buckle strap (L3.790.4.06.2). Whilst the bracelet offers an elegant yet sporty silhouette, the NATO strap reinforces the military charm of the khaki colour. But, topped with applied gilt indices and hands with a matching SuperLuminova inlay, the khaki pieces share the same warming vintage charm. Moreover, as an added functional touch, there’s also an unobtrusive black date display at 3 o’clock on each model. This echoes the black ceramic unidirectional bezel which frames the dial.
LONGINES HydroConquest GMT (41mm) Sunray Brown with either a Bracelet or Strap
Surprisingly, the second colourway is brown. It’s a colour used sparingly by Longines, but one that is certainly welcome given the resurgence of sepia-toned watches recently. Like the khaki, the sunray brown dial is coupled either with a stainless steel bracelet (L3.790.4.66.6) or a beige NATO-style buckle strap (L3.790.4.66.2). Enhancing its warmth are the SuperLuminova divers indices and hands with gilt framing, whilst a black date aperture emphasises its depth. Completing the design, the brown ceramic bezel mimics the central dial’s colour scheme and ties the silhouette together.
LONGINES HydroConquest GMT (41mm) Sunray Black with either a Bracelet or Strap
Of course, for a more versatile look, there are also two black colourways. This time, the strap options include a stainless steel bracelet (L3.790.4.56.6) or a black rubber strap (L3.790.4.56.9). Although each is ideal for completely different occasions, they both fasten with a high-quality fold-over mechanism. As for the dial itself, the black is instead finished with silvered indices and four central hands. Meanwhile, its additional red accents both enliven the design and distinguish the GMT functions from the rest. However, just like its predecessors, the black features a SuperLuminova inlays on both its hands and hour markers that match its framing. Moreover, it features a black ceramic unidirectional bezel and a petite white date display at 3 o’clock.
LONGINES HydroConquest GMT (41mm) Sunray Blue with either a Bracelet or Strap
Finally, with the option of a matching rubber strap (L3.790.4.96.9) or bracelet (L3.790.4.96.6) is the classic Longines blue colourway. Although it’s a staple for the brand, the blue never fails to visually impress. With a white date display as well as silvered hands and indices, its central design closely resembles that of the black models. But, instead of red, it features more complementary light blue detailing to accent the GMT functions. Moreover, a deep blue bezel frames its design, in lieu of black.
But what do you think about these first-ever Longines HydroConquest GMTs? We want to hear your thoughts, favourites, and feedback down below!
