Conquest vs HydroConquest
The Conquest and the HydroConquest are two of Longines’ most popular sport collections. At first glance, they seem similar. The HydroConquest is often presented as the diving-focused version of the Conquest. Yet the differences between these two collections go well beyond their water resistance.
So what are the main differences between the Conquest and the HydroConquest? Why does Longines offer these two collections? And which one best matches your expectations? Here’s a comparison to help you make the right choice.
A shared history, two philosophies
The Conquest is one of Longines’ most iconic collections. Launched in 1954, it was designed as an elegant sports watch—capable of accompanying its owner both in everyday life and during more dynamic activities.
More than fifty years later, Longines introduced the HydroConquest to meet the growing demand for diving watches. While it retains the Conquest’s sporting DNA, it adds specific features such as a unidirectional rotating bezel and enhanced water resistance of 300 meters.
Today, both collections coexist with a clear goal: to offer two different visions of the sports watch. The Conquest prioritizes versatility and elegance, while the HydroConquest focuses on performance and the style of diving watches.
The main differences
| Criterion | Conquest | HydroConquest |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Sport-chic, understated, and versatile | Sporty, inspired by diving watches |
| Bezel | Fixed | Unidirectional rotating |
| Water resistance | 100 m | 300 m |
| Movement | Quartz or automatic | Quartz or automatic |
| Available variants | Chronograph | GMT |
| Starting price * | From CHF 800 | From CHF 1’300 |
| Recommended use | Everyday, versatile use | For diving watch enthusiasts and water-activity lovers |
* Prices vary depending on the movement, materials, dimensions, and finishing.
Why does Longines offer two collections?
At first glance, the Conquest and the HydroConquest may seem very similar. Yet their coexistence is explained by a simple logic: they were not designed for the same use.
Launched in 1954, the Conquest has always been conceived as a versatile sports watch—not as a diving watch. When demand for this type of timepiece grew, Longines chose to create a dedicated collection rather than modify the Conquest’s identity. That’s how the HydroConquest was born.
Today, the Conquest is for those looking for an elegant, everyday sports watch, while the HydroConquest takes the codes of diving watches with a rotating bezel, 300-meter water resistance, and a more assertive style.
Conquest or HydroConquest: which one to choose?
Your choice depends above all on your preferences and the use you want to make of it.
Choose the Conquest if you’re looking for an elegant, versatile watch that can accompany you both at the office and during your leisure time. Its understated design makes it easy to wear every day.
The HydroConquest will be a better fit if you appreciate the aesthetics of diving watches. Its more sporty look, rotating bezel, and 300-meter water resistance give it a more distinctive personality.
In both cases, you benefit from Longines’ watchmaking expertise and manufacturing quality. So the choice does not depend on the watch’s quality, but on its style and the use you want to make of it. If the Conquest appeals thanks to its versatility and elegance, the HydroConquest is more for those looking for a watch with a sportier style inspired by the world of diving.
If you’re still torn between the two collections, our team is here to advise you and help you find the Longines that best matches your preferences and lifestyle.
