Introducing The First Longines HydroConquest GMT

What We Know

Longines has introduced theHydroConquest GMT, expanding its HydroConquest line to include a dive-GMT. It marks a first for the HydroConquest collection, introduced in 2007 as Longines' modern dive watch (as compared to its heritage-inspired models like the Legend Diver or Skin Diver). The HydroConquest GMT comes with four dial color options and is powered by the new Longines caliber L844.5, an ETA-based movement with an independently adjustable local 12-hour hand.

The new HydroConquest GMT measures 41mm in diameter and 12.9mm thick. Lug-to-lug measurement isn't given for the new model, but on the three-hand HydroConquest, it's about 50mm. The stainless steel case has 300 meters of water resistance and is complete with a unidirectional ceramic bezel. It comes with four dial options, all with a sunray finish, and offered on a stainless steel bracelet or a strap style that depends on the dial color: black or blue (rubber strap option); green or brown (NATO-style strap option). Longines also says the bracelet and rubber strap will feature a micro-adjusting clasp. The hour hands are finished with a gilt or silver and Super-LumiNova, and a 24-hour scale sits on the outer track.

Inside is the L844.5, an ETA-based Longines movement with a 72-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring. It's a new movement from Longines, and like the caliber L844.4 in the Spirit Zulu Time, features an independently-adjustable local hour hand – a "flyer" GMT, as James would call it. MSRP on a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap is $2,775, or $2,675 on the NATO-style strap.

What We Think

The HydroConquest GMT looks like a worthwhile addition to Longines' modern dive watch option and to the broader "Dive-GMT" segment. The four colors are styled to give a more modern feel (blue or black, complete with rubber strap option and silver dial finishing), or a vintage vibe (brown or green, with NATO-style strap and gilt dial finishings). It's still a robust and modern dive watch with a ceramic bezel, 300 meters of water resistance, and the movement has magnetic resistance to ISO 764 standards.

It's another addition to Longines' growing selection of solid GMT watches below $3,000. Just last year it introduced the Zulu Time, a model that it recently shrunk down to 39mm. Notably, the HydroConquest GMT has a thickness that's listed at less than either size of the Zulu Time – the 12.9mm of the HydroConquest is a full millimeter thinner than the 42mm Zulu Time.

The HydroConquest is Longines' modern diver, conceived as a tool watch for today; as new GMT calibers have been developed over the past few years, it's nice to see Longines continue to invest in the future of the HydroConquest.

The Basics

Brand: Longines
Model: HydroConquest GMT
Reference Number: L3.790.4.06.6; L3.790.4.06.2; L3.790.4.66.6; L3.790.4.66.2; L3.790.4.56.6; L3.790.4.56.9; L3.790.4.96.6; L3.790.4.96.9
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 12.9mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Green, brown, black, or blue with sunray finish
Indexes: Applied, with Super-LumiNova
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet (w/ micro-adjustment clasp) for all dial colors; blue or black rubber strap with micro-adjusting folding clasp for corresponding dial colors; NATO-style strap in khaki green or beige for corresponding dial colors

The Movement

Caliber: L844.5
Functions: Time, date, GMT (independently adjustably 12-hour hand)
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour
Jewels: 21
Additional Details: Silicon hairspring