By advantage of being absent from any watch honest, some watches do find yourself being unsung heroes, similar to this Longines Hydroconquest GMT. It debuted final 12 months in a 41mm case, a lot as you see it right here in 43mm; Longines is likely to be one of many solely manufacturers sizing up aggressively in 2024, making this uncommon dive and GMT watch combo important. On that notice, Longines does have a comparatively new GMT mannequin in its Spirit assortment and this Hydroconquest makes use of the same motion nevertheless it does bear a barely totally different title; each the 41mm and 43mm model use the identical automated calibre L844.5 whereas the Spirit Zulu Time makes use of calibre L844.4. Additional technical particulars on these calibres aren’t obtainable presently. We noticed each the Spirit Zulu and the Hydroconquest 41mm on the debut of the fashions final 12 months.
Anyway, the upsized Hydroconquest GMT is way the identical because the 2023 model, bar the scale. Because of this the water-resistance stays 300m, which does make us suppose that the brand new measurement is only a response to market requests. We now have not had each fashions in hand to check however all of the listed particulars, together with the alternating satinated and polished surfaces, are the identical. In reality, evaluating the specs and descriptions, it appears that evidently the 43mm model doesn’t have gilt or silvered arms and hour markers, however the SuperLuminova is identical.
Now we don’t sometimes deliver up value so early within the dialogue however each fashions are listed collectively on the Longines web site and right here too there are similarities. In reality, the 41mm and 43mm fashions are principally the identical value, though the 43mm model doesn’t have a Nato strap choice to check (we’re trying on the bracelet, which would be the most expensive choice, and these too are the identical). Examine your authorised seller or the boutique for extra particulars on this.
Digging into the main points right here, there’s additionally no brown dial model for the 43mm watch; dial choices are black, blue or inexperienced. The crown guards too seem to take care of the identical form between the 2 sizes; this function differs from the usual Hydroconquest mannequin, as confirmed by Robin Nooy at Monochrome. Now, since we didn’t get into calibre L844.5 when it got here out, we’ll shut this out with some specs. The stability spring is in silicon, with different parts (unspecified however sometimes all a part of the escapement) in non-magnetic supplies. Once more, these aren’t spelled out.
Motion: Computerized calibre L844.5 with second time zone; 72-hour energy reserve (roughly)
Case: 43mm in metal; waterproof to 300m
Strap: Bracelet and rubber
Worth: SGD 4,350 (with bracelet)
This text first appeared on WOW’s Summer time 2024 challenge.
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