Good things, small packages

I have been lucky enough to get hands on with a number of Longines watches over the last few years: the Legend Diver, the HydroConquest GMT, the Flyback, the Zulu Time, and most recently, the Conquest Chronograph. I have even had the opportunity to tour the brand’s facilities in St. Imier. The general impression I am left with from these experiences, is that Longines not only makes a good watch, but one that is competitively priced, as well. The most recent addition of the Conquest 38 is no exception.

Here, we’ll take a peek at three of the five new colourways: green, blue, and champagne. However, the watch is also available in black and silver iterations.

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Check out the Conquest 34mm

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Key Features of the Longines Conquest 38mm

Case

The Conquest collection has been a part of the Longines stable since 1954. Over the intervening years, it has evolved from a dress watch (still expressed in the Conquest Heritage line) into the brand’s flagship stainless steel sports watch.  These latest representations look very much like their larger 41mm brethren, proportionately downsized into the new 38mm case size. The watch measures 46.8mm lug to lug, and a relatively slender 10.8mm in height, as well. Unfortunately, (and, yes, I can hear the collective groans) the lug width comes in at an odd ball 19mm.

The case remains a mix of brush and polish, with the shiny bits on the fixed bezel and sides, and the brushing across the top of the lugs. As though channeling the HydroConquest, we also have a set of partial crown guards. The display case back and crown are screwed down, and the watch offers up a solid 100m of water resistance.

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Bracelet

The Conquest comes on an H-link bracelet that shares the same mix of finishing. It is attached with a butterfly deployant mechanism. To aid in the sizing, there are two half links—one on either side. There is, however, no method for comfort adjustment and the spring bars are standard (rather than quick release).

Dial

Of the five dial variants, I find myself attracted to the champagne out of the gate. I do like the tones of green and blue used in the other two watches featured here; however, the champagne feels slightly more sophisticated. All three have a sunray texturing and look great in different lights.

The applied, wedge-shaped hour markers are bevelled on all four edges. In conjunction with the sector styled chapter ring, the indices focus your attention toward the centre of the dial. There is a date fixture at six—colour-matched in the blue dial, but not in the others—and the hands are dauphine with an elegant needle seconds. Longines has treated the cardinal indicators—as they have the hands—with Super-LumiNova. The other markers are joined by a small square of lume off the tip.  

Movement

The Longines Conquest 38 runs the Calibre L888. We find the same movement used in the 41mm version. It is an ETA-based claibre and features 21 jewels, a beat rate of 25,200vph and a solid 3-day power reserve. It also has an anti-magnetic, monocrystalline silicon balance spring .

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SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 46.8mm Lug to Lug 10.8mm Thick 19mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 100m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal Sunray Dial Wedge Markers Dauphine Handset Super-LumiNova
Movement	Calibre L888 21 Jewels 25 200bph 72-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel H-Link Bracelet /w Butterfly Deployant Clasp

The Longines Conquest 38mm

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Final Thoughts on the Longines Conquest 38

Overall, the Longines Conquest 38 is a tasteful and classic design. While it is definitely a sports watch with capable water resistance and a robust build quality, the timepiece leans toward sophistication in both its case finishing and dial layout. The eschewance of numerals for wedge markers, the sunray texturing, and the choice of a butterfly clasp feel like a move in the direction of elegance. Undoubtedly, the watch is slender enough to wear with a cuff, as well. While it would certainly benefit from a comfort adjust system, there is little else to complain about, here. The movement is excellent. The price point—for a Swiss heritage brand—is appealing. And the aesthetic, with its seamless blend of vintage and modern cues, is timeless.

Pricing & Availability

The Longines Conquest 38 retails for $2075 USD ($2800 CAD). For more information, please visit the brand website.

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About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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