Global Exploration: The New HydroConquest GMTs from Longines

Since its launch in 2007, the Longines HydroConquest has joined the pantheon of exemplary modern dive watches, with just enough heritage inspiration to complement its au courant presentation.

Of course, Longines has a deep library from which to draw inspiration, seeing as the brand’s experience with dive watches dates back to the late 1950s with its perhaps-under-appreciated Nautilus Skin Diver and Compressor watches.

True to form, the new line of HydroConquests, debuting today, folds in yet another heritage feature that Longines has been tapping into since 1925, the GMT function.

These new HydroConquest GMTs are the perfect travel watch for the SCUBA set. By allowing for timekeeping in two zones (often home time and local time), the new HydroConquest GMT models will serve dive fans equally well whether they are under familiar waters close to home or exploring exotic, far-flung depths.
 

Moreover, the inclusion of a GMT means that this watch’s adventurous travel vibe and versatile functionality apply universally, even if your head never goes below the H20.
 

However, the addition of a GMT function isn’t all that’s new. The 41mm screw-down steel case has been redesigned. Meanwhile, the new GMT movement sports a silicon balance spring and other cutting-edge components that render the new HydroConquests up to ten times more magnetic-resistant than the ISO 764 benchmark standard (anti-magnetism has been a long-time focus for Longines, but it has been a prominent message from the brand lately).
 

In addition to all that, steel bracelet versions of the new dive watches feature a redesigned H-link construction with a micro-adjusting clasp for over-wetsuit fit, a first for the brand.
 

Available in four colorways – a foamy green dial and a sophisticated brown dial version (both with contrasting subdued yellow markers and furnishings) as well classic blue and black dial versions (with bright white detailing) – each HydroConquest GMT model features an exquisite sunray finish, a single screw-in crown with prominent crown protectors, and two-tone 24-hour scale along the flange. And it is upon this scale that the extended GMT hand’s arrow-shaped indicator (with the same contrasting color as the rest of the dial decals) rides.
 

Available for purchase as of today, the HydroConquest GMTs range from $2,675 on the NATO strap to $2,775 on the rubber strap or steel bracelet. Visit the Longines website for more information.
 

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)