REVOLUTION_International_Vol 54

GOING GREEN
Longines’s latest HydroConquest models
makes it easy to go green.
WORDS ADAM CRANIOTES
Opposite, clockwise
The HydroConquest
Green Boutique
Edition (left) and
HydroConquest
Green (right).
The Boutique
Edition features an
easy-adjust strap
on both the bracelet
and rubber strap,
that’s conveniently
operable via two
thumb-friendly
pushers on both
sides of the bracelet
and strap.
The Boutique
Edition comes
in a forest green
ceramic bezel with
a brushed finish,
and a ceramic bezel
in the same color.
The Longines HydroConquest has always been a
standout in terms of value, if not in design. Mind
you, this isn’t to say that it isn’t a handsome addition
to the somewhat crowded ranks of gentleman divers on the
market — it most definitely is — but it never fully stood out
from the crowd. Well, Longines seems hellbent on changing
that with the release of two new HydroConquest models in
dueling shades of green.
The standard version of the HydroConquest comes
replete with a matte green dial — “khaki green” in Longines
parlance — a matching glossy green ceramic bezel and
can be had on either a matching textured rubber strap or
bracelet. Under the hood beats the L888 caliber movement,
which offers a very generous 64 hours of power reserve.
As with all HydroConquests, the case, which can be had
in either 41mm or 43mm sizes, is alternately brushed and
polished, with a sapphire crystal on the front and solid case
‘round back. The whole shebang is good for 300 meters.
Now, for those who dig green but want something a bit
more exclusive, Longines is also releasing a boutique-only
version, which ups the ante with an absolutely gorgeous
vertically brushed ceramic dial in a deeper shade of green
— “forest green” — and rounds out the package with an
upgraded version of the L888 that sports a silicon balance
spring. In addition to the steel bracelet it also comes with
an exclusive dive strap with a micro-adjustable clasp.
Swapping between the two is a breeze thanks to a novel
quick-change system integrated into the ends. Unlike the
Khaki Green HydroConquest, the Boutique Edition defers
to contemporary trends and is only available in 41mm.
And now, the sordid topic of coin… This is one area
that the HydroConquest truly shines. With a recommended
retail price of US$1,600 for both the strap and bracelet
versions, the Khaki Green represents a terrific value. And
should you opt for the Boutique Edition, the ticket to ride is
a reasonable US$2,400 (remember, it comes with both the
strap and bracelet).
While there’s ultimately not much to see here beyond
the new colorways, as the old saying goes, “it ain’t easy
being green.” Unlike other, more traditional colors, this is a
difficult shade to get right, and Longines really nailed it, not
once, but twice. Irrespective of one’s budget, these two new
additions to the HydroConquest family shine.
LONGINES
HYDROCONQUEST GREEN
MOVEMENT Self-winding L888.3 caliber; hours,
minutes and seconds; date; 64-hour power reserve
CASE 41 or 43mm case in stainless steel; unidirectional
turning green ceramic bezel; water resistant to 300m
STRAP Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and
integrated diving extension; interchangeable with green
rubber strap with folding clasp
LONGINES
HYDROCONQUEST GREEN BOUTIQUE EDITION
MOVEMENT Self-winding L888.5 caliber; hours,
minutes and seconds; date; silicon balance spring;
64-hour power reserve
CASE 41 case in stainless steel; unidirectional turning
forest green ceramic bezel; forest green vertically
brushed ceramic dial; water resistant to 300m
STRAP Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and
integrated diving extension; interchangeable with green
rubber strap with folding clasp
THE MODERNIST 77