After enhancing the Conquest models earlier this year, Longines has followed suit within the HydroConquest collection.

The HydroConquest GMT is not just an all-new collection — the first GMT within the sporty HydroConquest line that debuted in 2007 — it also received similar refinements to the 2023 Conquest.

Longines removed the two Arabic numeral markers from the discontinued Conquest, making the 2023 Conquest arguably far more attractive. For the HydroConquest GMT, they removed all three of the Arabic numerals seen on current HydroConquest dials, once again, resulting in a more handsome dial.

For the all-new GMT HydroConquest collection, Longines also sized down the typically massive screw-down crown and crown guards, further elevating the aesthetics of the 300 meters water-resistant sports watch. The notched unidirectional stainless steel bezel, with ceramic insert color matched to the dial, has also been visually improved compared to the existing HydroConquest.

The end result is a timepiece that should be more desirable compared to the existing HydroConquest collection, which Longines has still not upgraded. They’ve presumably got a lot of HydroConquest inventory across the multiple case sizes, colors, and different movement variations — so while that collection would logically be next, Longines perhaps strategically chose to make that collection last to receive the design. If sales are good, maybe we’ll see a new HydroConquest debut this fall.

An automatic ETA caliber L844.5, made for Longines by ETA, that beats at 3.5Hz, with a 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, and an independently adjustable local 12-hour hand that does not require the watch to stop in order to be set — powers the hours, minutes, central seconds, date, and the arrow-tipped 24-hour GMT hand.

The new eight reference 41 mm x 12.9 mm stainless steel HydroConquest GMT collection, which is available with a green, brown, black, or blue sunburst dial, with applied luminous indices, is poised to boost sales for Longines. Retail is $2,775 on a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap, or $2,675 on a NATO-style strap.