With the new 2026 generation, Longines purposefully intervenes in each element of the HydroConquest collection, taking it to a more mature and contemporary level.
To fully grasp its significance, it is useful to trace the evolution of a line that has adapted over the years without losing identity.
From the first Conquest to today’s underwater vocation
The HydroConquest was born in 2007, but its story begins much earlier, in 1954, with the Longines Conquest collection. Conceived as an everyday watch, the Conquest line defined an idea of sportiness that became the basis on which to build later developments.
With the HydroConquest, Longines takes this philosophy into more technical territory. Water resistance is increased to 300 meters, the construction becomes more robust, and the aesthetics maintain a clean, balanced line.
In 2018 comes a first significant update. The design and proportions are revised to respond to a more contemporary taste, and ceramic bezels make their entrance, definitely improving strength and perceived quality.
The passage of 2023 marks an even more noticeable evolution. The stylema is refined, the color palette is expanded, and the collection welcomes a GMT function for the first time. HydroConquest thus opens itself up to wider use, while retaining its character and gaining more versatility.
The new generation 2026
The collection presented this year represents the synthesis of this path. Longines’ work is almost “surgical” and affects all aspects: proportions, ergonomics and perceived quality.
The steel cases are offered in diameters of 39 and 42 millimeters, both with a restrained thickness of 11.7 millimeters. The surfaces alternate between satin finishes and polished details, restoring an elegant visual balance. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects a completely redesigned dial, even cleaner and more legible, with applied indexes generously treated with Super-LumiNova.
The new HydroConquest collection
Color research is one of the most interesting aspects of this new generation. Alongside the classic blue, black and green with a glossy lacquered finish, an unprecedented ice blue soleil appears (the two references of which will be available exclusively at Longines Corporate Boutiques, Shop in Shops and the brand’s e-commerce platform). The textured surface of the latter is interesting in that it reflects light dynamically, creating depth and visual play that recalls water in a sophisticated way.
HydroConquest Corporate Boutique and E-commerce Exclusive
The unidirectional rotating bezels adopt ceramic inserts declined in five shades, from more classic colors to bolder variants such as deep green and bright blue. The rotation, and related grip, have been refined to offer greater precision and improved tactile response, while the luminescent indicator at twelve o’clock ensures instant legibility even in low light conditions.
The reliable L888.5 caliber
Concealed inside the case is the automatic caliber L888.5, developed exclusively for Longines. It is a modern movement with a silicon balance spring, which improves chronometric stability and protects against magnetic interference.
The frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour is accompanied by a power reserve of 72 hours, offering concrete autonomy in daily use. Resistance to magnetic fields is significantly higher than traditional standards, an increasingly relevant element in contemporary watchmaking.
Screw-down crown and case back ensure water resistance to 300 meters, confirming the collection’s vocation as a professional diver.
Details that make a difference
The caseback also evolves, with the introduction of an engraved planisphere, a direct reminder of Longines tradition associated with travel and exploration. It is a discreet but significant detail that reinforces the character of the timepiece.
“H” link bracelet on 39 and 42 mm versions
The steel bracelet with “H” links has been perfected to improve ergonomics and aesthetic continuity with the case. The folding clasp incorporates a micro-adjustment system, allowing a precise and comfortable fit to the wrist.
The new Milanese mesh bracelet
A version with a Milanese mesh bracelet also appears in the collection for the first time. Its flexible and breathable structure introduces a new dimension of comfort and gives the watch a more sophisticated character, further expanding its versatility.
A new expression of sporty elegance
The new generation HydroConquest fits consistently into the history of the collection and is a natural evolution of it. Each element has been refined to enhance the overall experience, from comfort on the wrist to perceived quality and aesthetic appeal.
The Longines HydroConquest Corporate Boutique and E-commerce Exclusive on the wrist of Ambassador Henry Cavill
The result is a modern diver’s watch, solid in performance and with attention to detail, capable of credibly interpreting the idea of sporting elegance that has always defined Longines identity.
The HydroConquest in all configurations with a classic “H” bracelet will be available for €2,200, and at €2,350 the version fitted with Milanese mesh (including the Corporate Boutique and E-commerce Exclusive version).
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