Longines brings Commonwealth Games colour to the HydroConquest for Glasgow 2026
Tom Austin- Longines has introduced a special limited edition HydroConquest to celebrate its role as the official timekeeper and partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- The watch is limited to 2,026 pieces for each of its two sizes: 39mm or 42mm, with each watch featuring a caseback engraved with the official Glasgow 2026 logo and a limited edition, “One of 2026” inscription.
- The dial features a gradient lacquered finish transitioning from teal to deep black, the “HydroConquest” inscription in violet, and the seconds hand features a pink tip, completing the Games’ primary palette.
Every four years, the Commonwealth Games brings together the very best athletes from across the nations and territories of the Commonwealth of Nations for 11 days of elite competition, where more than 3,000 athletes battle for 215 gold medals across one of sport’s most prestigious international events. At that level, every fraction of a second counts, and the responsibility of keeping track of the milliseconds falls to the official timekeeper. For Longines, that relationship stretches back further than most might imagine. The brand first served as official timekeeper in 1962, before stepping away for more than 5 decades and returning in 2014, a role it has held ever since. 2022 saw our last coverage of a special edition, Commonwealth Games Longines, and now, for the 2026 games, the partnership has returned, just in time to make use of the excellent new generation HydroConquest.
In keeping with the rest of the collection, two sizes are available: 39mm and 42mm, of which there are 2,206 pieces of each, as highlighted on the inscribed, closed case back. This seals the brushed stainless steel case, which is shared with the main collection, measuring 11.7mm thick in both sizes. Sitting atop is a sapphire crystal with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, which is framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert, highlighted by teal numerals and markings that match the dial. Water resistance is rated to a dive-worthy 300 metres, meaning that all the functionality and tool-like capabilities of the HydroConquest line are present and correct.
While some interesting colourways were introduced with the core line refresh, this Commonwealth Games edition HydroConquest has given Longines a great excuse to inject even more playful colour and vibrancy into the look. The logo of the 2026 Commonwealth Games has three signature colours: teal, violet and pink, and this new model incorporates this bold, almost 90s retro shell-suit-like palette in a well-executed way, carefully using the contrasting tones as accents across the watch’s display. Firstly, the gradient lacquered dial showcases a transition from bright teal in the centre to a deep black at the outer edges, closely pairing with the bezel. The HydroConquest inscription at six o’clock is finished in violet, while the tip of the seconds hand is lacquered in a vibrant pink, perfectly echoing the logo.
Technically, the rest of the dial remains untouched, from the polished, applied rhodium-plated indices and hands to the subtly framed date window at 3, it still manages to perform well when it comes to legibility, especially in darkness, thanks to lashings of Super-LumiNova.
Powering both watches is the Longines Calibre L888.5 automatic, a movement that has appeared in several previous Longines releases, but with upgrades such as increased magnetic protection from a silicone balance spring and other anti-magnetic components. It delivers a substantial 72 hours of power reserve while beating at 25,200 Vph, and while it is exclusive to Longines, the movement is based on an ETA calibre, but the defining difference is that it’s neatly decorated with gold inscriptions paired with Côtes de Genève finishing on the rotor, and perlage on the main plates.
Unlike the standard HydroConquest, which arrives on a stainless steel bracelet, this special edition model comes with a black rubber strap that closes with a double-folding stainless steel safety clasp. This comes complete with a special-edition teal-and-black display box, exclusive to the Commonwealth Games edition.
Longines HydroConquest Commonwealth Games 2026 Edition pricing and availability
The Longines Hydroconquest Commonwealth Games 2026 edition is now available from Longines boutiques and is limited to 2,026 pieces per size. Price: £2,050
| Brand | Longines |
| Model | HydroConquest Commonwealth Games 2026 |
| Reference | L3.779.4.09.9 L3.788.4.09.9 |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 11.7mm (T) x 48.1mm (LTL) 42mm (W) x 11.7mm (T) x 51.2mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Teal gradient lacquer |
| Lug Width | 20mm/21mm |
| Strap | Black rubber strap, stainless steel folding clasp |
| Movement | Calibre L888.5, Longines-exclusive, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Limited to 2,026 pieces in both sizes |
| Price | £2,050 |