Why We’re Loving the Latest Conquest Releases from Longines
We love nothing more than a well-made, beautifully designed Swiss timepiece available in a price range most would feel is affordable but manufactured by a company with a long, storied history. This is why we adore the Conquest collection.
By Barbara Palumbo
Contributor
On April 3rd, 1954, Longines filed a patent for the name “Conquest,” which was registered with the Swiss Federal Intellectual Property Office just over one month later. The “Conquest” collection name was the first of its kind for Longines and one that has stuck around for over seventy-one years, give or take a lapse in new releases.
The Conquest models – particularly as of late – have been branded as what the company has deemed the “ultimate everyday watch,” mainly because they’re crafted in stainless steel and available in around the $2,000 price point, give or take. But, of course, Longines timepieces are, on the whole, one of the most affordable Swiss heritage brands on the market today, and I say that as a proud owner of FIVE (“Yes… just the five”) Longines watches, both vintage and modern.
In fact, I’m regularly in the ears of Giuseppe Miccio (Longines’ Head of Product Development), Daniel Hug (Longines’ Head of Brand Heritage), and Matthias Breschan (Longines’ CEO) to bring me out for a tour of the factory and museum as a now ((ahem)) collector of the brand. (GUYS!!! COME ON!! WHOSE CAR MUST I WASH, OR KIDS MUST I BABYSIT, TO GET THIS FINALLY GOING??)
But back to the new Conquest models… wait, was that what we were discussing? Yes… yes. Okay, let’s carry on!
More of the Conquest to Love
As a relatively newly divorced and menopausal 52-year-old woman, there is just a little more of me to love than there was when I was in my 20s or my 30s. But if I’m being honest here, the older version of me is a lot more exciting, a lot more colorful, and a lot less pretentious… not unlike the latest editions of the new Longines Conquest (which may just be why they are so sought-after).
Boasting no fewer than 14 new references, the latest editions range in size from 30mm to 41mm, so there is something for everyone, no matter their wrist size or taste. This is a good move by the brand because men have become more open to smaller case sizes in the last few years.
Moreover, despite the recent “I’m comfortable wearing my father’s/grandfather’s/husband’s/boyfriend’s massive watch” phase, women are back to accepting smaller, suitable-to-the-wrist case sizes, which is why these newer Conquest pieces are SO. DAMNED. PERFECT.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Aside from the case sizes of the newest editions of the Longines Conquest, the brand has released new dial colors as well as case and bracelet metal combinations, so again, the purchaser has a variety from which to choose and all within a price range that is almost unfathomable in this day and age for watches that are conceived and born in Switzerland.
From all stainless steel to stainless steel and 18K rose gold pieces, and from sunray-patterned dial colors that highlight muted tones in colors such as blue, green, black, silver, and white mother-of-pearl, there is so much from which to choose in the sport/casual/everyday category.
Final Thoughts
Longines remains a subtle force in the Swiss watch industry, having not only made its place in the industry as the “everyday watch,” but also by appearing on the wrists of the “everyday wearer. Plus, not many brands can say they are the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, the Royal Ascot race, or a multitude of other notable sporting events worldwide.
vThose who purchase or are gifted a Longines have come to understand the true meaning of a “value purchase.” Moreover, the Conquest model, I feel, is the model that most resonates with what Americans deem to be the “Average Joe.”
Frankly, other Swiss brands should take a page out of Longines’ book because Longines is ahead of the curve in figuring out what works in this economy and political environment.
Check out the Longines website for more information.