Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
In association with:
There is something to be said for commemorating a significant milestone by reflecting on the past and how it has shaped us. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Longines’ Conquest range and to celebrate, the Swiss heritage brand is doing just that, with the launch of a striking tribute to an iconic model from the late 1950s.
In 1954, the Conquest collection became the first Longines watch line to have its name protected by the Federal Intellectual Property Office in Berne, Switzerland. Self-winding and water-resistant since its inception, the collection has always been closely associated with a spirit of conquest and remains a firm favourite among athletes and adventurers.
The aforementioned spirit became exemplified in 1959, with the launch of a unique timepiece showcasing a one-of-a-kind power reserve situated smack bang in the centre of the dial on two rotating discs. It serves as a petrol gauge of sorts, letting its user know how much tension is left in the mainspring, i.e. the watch’s remaining running time. Rewinding can be done either by turning the crown or moving the wrist, causing the coiling disc to rotate and continuously changing the aesthetics of the dial to create a poetic suggestion of the passing of time.
Seven decades on from its initial launch, this novel innovation has been honoured in the form of Longines’ Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve. It’s a contemporary take on a classic, and while the movement has been upgraded to 2024 standards and the case redesigned, it retains its old-school elegance. Faithful to the characteristic circles motif of the original, a fine circular thread carries the facetted hour markers and separates the minute track on the fixed dial. It’s a tasteful nod to the ‘50s timepiece, as is the inclusion of the original date window at 12 o’clock, decorated with a trapezoid-shaped applique. Even the impeccably placed logo harks back to the simplicity of mid-century design.
Powered by the new exclusive Longines L896.5 calibre, which is visible through the transparent screw-down case back, the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve offers a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard. The completely redesigned 38mm steel case (increased from 35mm for just a hint more wrist presence), boasts alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces and is topped by a box sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective treatment on both sides.
Staying true to a timeless aesthetic, the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is available with a champagne, anthracite or black dial. An elegant alligator leather strap accompanies each model and comes in black on the champagne and black models, and grey on the anthracite.
A winning combination of classic style and cutting-edge craftsmanship makes for a retro reissue that’s guaranteed to be a lifelong companion. Here’s to the next 70 years.
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