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INTRODUCING: The Longines HydroConquest, now with ceramic bezel INTRODUCING: The Longines HydroConquest, now with ceramic bezel

INTRODUCING: The Longines HydroConquest, now with ceramic bezel

Andrew McUtchen

Longines are expanding their HydroConquest collection for 2018 with new models featuring a bezel with a coloured ceramic insert matched to the colour of the dial.

Vital statistics

Longines are expanding their HydroConquest collection for 2018 with new models featuring a bezel with a coloured ceramic insert matched to the colour of the dial. The existing characteristics of this collection remain, including water-resistance to 300 metres, a unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown and case back, crown protection, hands and the hour markers applied with SuperLuminova, and a double security folding clasp with integrated diving extension. There are new grey, black and blue sunray dials and a new rubber strap in colours that match the dial, which is said to be more ergonomic and more comfortable. The metal bracelet version combines polished and brushed steel. The new HydroConquest is available in 41mm and 43mm sizes for models with three hands and a calendar, and 41mm for the chronograph model.

Initial thoughts

You don’t need to mention the Big Crown here to reiterate what a ceramic bezel — with all its show-stealing shine, modernity and scratch resistance — can make to a legit dive watch’s appeal. It’s unlikely to have that kind of riotous table-turning reaction for Longines, but it sure does add another value proposition to the mix, and, from 50 paces, a moment or two of no doubt pleasing brand ambiguity: “Hey, is that a …