The new Longines Hydroconquest reference L3.788.4.98.6 is a nice looking upgrade for the Hydroconquest line. The HydroConquest was introduced in 2007, had an upgrade from the aluminium bezel insert to a ceramic bezel insert to a full case and dial upgrade. I was looking to purchase a HydroConquest, but I thought the aluminium insert would soon be superseded, so I was right. The second generation was a GMT movement, this is now the third generation and I reckon it will be a hit.

I wandered into Mazzucchelli’s Jewellers in Karrinyup, they have a good range of RADO, Longines, and Tissot, just to name a few brands. They also had TAG Heuer, but lost the range in that store when TAG Heuer opened their second boutique at Karrinyup Shopping Centre. It is still available in the stores not competing against the TAG Heuer boutiques. So I had a look at the older versions and planned my trip in my mind to the Longines boutique in the city for the next day.

As this was a new reference, Mazzucchelli’s Jewellers did not have any inventory, they were waiting for a shipment to arrive. Naturally, the Longines is going to get their shipment first, they want to be first to the Perth market as they are direct competitors. Mazzucchelli’s Jewellers had the older version with the Arabic numerals at the 3, o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions for me to have a look at, the updated reference, if I recall correctly, was introduced in 2022 and I tried that on too back then.

As a dive watch rated to 300 metres it has a screw-down case-back, a screw-down crown, and integrated crown guard as one would expect. Naturally, the sapphire crystal prevents scratches and damage to the crystal, the ceramic bezel insert prevents scratches and has a really good wrist presence. The first generation used the Conquest case and had the externally mounted crown guards, that was an acquired taste, but I was ok with it.

The H-link bracelet is tapered, the older versions used a straight bracelet with a twin lock clasp. I liked the micro-adjustment, that was pretty neat, that is the first of these I have come across and I immediately loved it. There is a 42 mm and 39 mm case version, for me the 42 is perfect as I have an 8 inch wrist, the 39 mm version is perfect for most wrists. There is also a Milanese bracelet version that I am sure will be popular, but won’t work for me.

The frosted blue dial of the reference L3.788.4.98.6 uses wide index markers, with dot markers, at the 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, the 3 o’clock is substituted with the date window. I can’t say I am a fan of the two dot markers, they should have kept geometric markers throughout. The 12 o’clock marker is an archetypal triangle, the hour hand is a snowflake type, the minute hand is straight, and the second hand is a lollypop type.

Despite the three different types, the design works. I do not like excessive writing on the dial, it is cluttered and messy, the HydroConquest is pretty clean here, just enough to identify Longines, even the hourglass logo is subdued.

The automatic movement is based on, some would argue evolved from the ETA 2892-A2 that has been internally upgraded, the Longines L888.5, a silicon balance spring enhancing anti-magnetic capabilities with a 72 hour power reserve. Beating at 25,200 vph [3.5 Hz]. The movement has 21 jewels, I cannot see the finish on the movement as the solid case-back is is laser etched globe with winged hourglass logo.