A watch collection needs to be special to survive until its 10th anniversary, but for a collection to thrive until its 70th anniversary earns itself a place in the horological history books. This year the Longines Conquest collection is doing exactly that, and to commemorate this platinum anniversary, the Saint-Imier-based brand has launched the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve across three different references.
While the name is a bit of a mouthful, the watch itself is a fitting tribute to one of the more elegantly refined collections of the last century. In fact, in 1954 the Conquest name first appeared alongside Longines on the dial of the Longines Conquest ref. 9001, and became the first Longines collection to be registered with the Federal Intellectual Property Office in Berne, Switzerland.
Less than half a decade had passed before the Longines Conquest Automatic ref. 9028-2 was launched, measuring 35mm in diameter and powered by the Longines calibre 292. This was still cutting-edge technology at the time, and its impressively balanced, symmetrical design has served as inspiration for the trio of Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserves we see before us today.
The main difference between the three different references is the dial colour, which arrives in either Champagne, anthracite, or black, each of which offers a slightly different impression on the wrist. It isn’t obvious unless you know what you’re looking for, but beneath the date window and logo, the power reserve indicator is a pair of rotating discs in the centre of the dial that reads up to 72 hours before winding is needed.
Where you’ll find common ground across the collection is the 38mm stainless steel case, complete with heritage-inspired domed sapphire crystal, polished upper surfaces and an exhibition caseback. The oversized crown makes winding a breeze, while the matching alligator leather straps on each of the watches pair very nicely.
It’s through the exhibition caseback that you can see the brand-new Longines Calibre L896.5, which makes this power reserve function possible thanks to its silicon balance-spring that ticks away at 25,200vph. As we’ve come to expect from Longines’ latest movements, the antimagnetic properties and power reserve are rock solid and the L896.5 is no different, with the aforementioned 72 hours of power reserve.
The Longines Conquest collection remains an enormously popular one, due mostly thanks to its high-quality build and timeless design cues. It’s not insignificant for any collection to reach its 70th anniversary, and the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve range is a fitting tribute to the name.
The Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is currently available with all three of the references arriving with an RRP of $6,325. They will be available both online and from Longines boutiques and authorised dealers.
This article is presented in partnership with Longines. Thank you for supporting the brands who support Boss Hunting.
