On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Conquest collection, first introduced by Longines in 1954, the Swiss maison presents a uniquely complicated new model. This is the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, a watch with a retro-designed case that encloses a complication cherished by all collectors.
Dear friends of IWS, let’s now discover all the details of this new watch together.
The Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve
For the 70th birthday of the Conquest collection, Longines decided to pay homage to the renowned model with a re-edition directly inspired by a timepiece the maison introduced in 1959. This was a Longines Conquest that, like the model presented today by Longines, featured a wholly unusual and unprecedented central power reserve indicator on the dial.
In fact, observing the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, available in three different dial versions: champagne, anthracite, or black, one can admire the power reserve indicator above rotating discs at the center of the dial.
This is a system invented by Longines in the late ’50s, first appearing on the Conquest of 1959, and is faithfully reprised today, making the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve a faithful successor to the vintage model.
This power reserve indicator, expressed in hours, displays the remaining charge level on the outer disc, graduated from “64” to “0”. Specifically, the power reserve is indicated by the thinnest end of the indicator on the central disc. Marked by a retro design, the new Conquest features twelve applied indexes in yellow gold or pink, or silvered, depending on the chosen dial color.
In addition to the power reserve, the new Conquest is equipped with one of the most useful complications ever, namely the date function, located at the top of the dial at 12 o’clock. The choice to place the date at 12 o’clock gives the watch greater symmetry compared to the traditional date at 3 o’clock.
To ensure excellent legibility of hours and minutes, even at night, the ‘skyscraper’ hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. Inside the 38 mm diameter steel case, the innovative Longines L896.5 caliber is housed, visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
This is an automatic mechanical movement that, thanks to the presence of the silicon balance spring and several innovative components, is able to withstand high magnetic fields. Completing the design of this vintage-modern watch, we find the leather strap with a steel ardillon buckle.
Our Opinion
With this re-edition of a historically cherished model, Longines has once again presented a timepiece that will surely be appreciated and widely discussed. Distinguished by a classic design, but containing all the innovations offered by modern watchmaking, this timepiece certainly represents the meeting point between the charm of vintage and the reliability and technology of a modern watch.
In the wake of this very interesting model, I am confident and at the same time hopeful that the maison will revisit more and more great classics from its historical archive given the presence of several important models belonging to the brand’s historical heritage.
Price
The new Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve will be sold at a retail price of EUR 4.300,00.
Visit our Youtube channel to experience the best of the world of watchmaking firsthand.
For all real-time updates, follow us on Instagram.
