Longines, founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, in the Jura region of Switzerland, boasts one of the longest histories of watchmaking in the Swiss watch industry. For this brand, the "Conquest" collection was the first to have its name protected, as it was trademarked by the Swiss Federal Office of Intellectual Property on April 3, 1954. The current lineup includes models with various designs, sizes, and functions, making it a watch that can be recommended for both men and women. This article will focus particularly on the women's Conquest and explain its appeal.
Why I recommend "Conquest" to women now
The history of Longines' "Conquest" line dates back to 1954. On April 3 of that year, the name was registered as a trademark at the Swiss Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) in Bern, Switzerland, and it became the brand's first watch collection.
Since then, the collection has seen a wide range of variations in function, materials, and size, including the "Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve," which was revived with modern technology to commemorate the collection's 70th anniversary, and continues to be supported by a broad range of users. In 2023, it was renewed as a new generation model, drawing inspiration from the original model while adopting more modern specifications. The case lugs were designed to be shorter and feature smooth curves to improve the fit on the wrist, and the surface of the case and bracelet is alternately finished with a satin finish with fine lines in one direction and a polished finish that is like a mirror, further updating both practicality and luxury.
In this article, we'll focus on the ladies' models within the Conquest collection. While many ladies' watches are quartz, the Conquest offers mechanical luxury watches in smaller sizes such as 34mm and 30mm in diameter. With a range of models from sporty and elegant to glamorous models featuring diamonds and mother-of-pearl, it's a collection ideal for choosing a watch that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
A notable feature of the ladies' model is the use of a silicon balance spring, which is less susceptible to magnetic interference in mechanical watches. In today's lifestyle, where magnetic sources are abundant, such as smartphone speakers and magnetic clasps on bags, this prevents the deterioration of accuracy due to magnetization and maintains stable operation. In addition to the movement's performance, the 10 ATM water resistance is another attractive feature. The Conquest's greatest advantage is its sufficient magnetic resistance and water resistance for everyday life, providing high satisfaction in practical terms. This reliable practicality is the reason to choose the Conquest.
Enjoy choosing your "Conquest"!
The Conquest series offers a wide variety of options. You might be wondering which one is best, but considering three factors—"intended use," "size," and "material"—will help you choose the model that best suits your lifestyle.
If you prioritize wearing it with glamorous attire, models with mother-of-pearl dials or diamond-set watches will make a statement on your wrist. Mother-of-pearl, in particular, is beautiful and delightful with its iridescent shimmer unique to natural materials. On the other hand, if you want a watch that can be used daily, from business to casual on weekends, the combination of a sunray-finished colored dial that changes its appearance radially depending on the reflection of light and a stainless steel bracelet is the most versatile. Furthermore, if you envision using it for sporty and active purposes, a model with a lightweight, comfortable, and sweat- and water-resistant rubber strap is a good choice.
As mentioned earlier, the current women's models are available in 34mm and 30mm diameters. The 34mm diameter is a modern, slightly larger size that gives the wrist a sporty presence. In contrast, the 30mm diameter is a more classic size that fits neatly on the wrist.
The materials used for the case and bracelet also significantly influence the overall impression. Models made solely of stainless steel have a clean, silvery look that easily complements a wide range of outfits. On the other hand, models with 18K rose gold caps on the bezel and crown add a touch of softness and elegant glamour to the wrist.
In addition, all automatic models are equipped with exclusive mechanical movements manufactured by ETA specifically for Longines. This is a major advantage that leverages the strengths of being part of the Swatch Group. The 34mm diameter model is equipped with the Cal.L888 automatic movement, which uses a silicon balance spring. This movement employs a balance wheel that vibrates at 25,200 vibrations per hour, ensuring a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. It offers the practicality of continuing to run until Monday morning even if you take the watch off on Friday night. The smaller 30mm diameter model, on the other hand, is equipped with the Cal.L592.5. It also features a silicon balance spring, vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and has a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
Top 3 Recommended Conquest Models
Finally, I'd like to highlight three recommended models from the Conquest series.
Automatic movement (Cal. L888.5). 21 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 34.00mm, thickness 10.90mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 413,600 yen (tax included).
This model features a 34mm diameter stainless steel case and bracelet, combined with a light blue dial with a sunray finish. The fine sunray brushed finish on the dial changes its appearance depending on the angle of light, while the applied indices and polished silver hands give it a three-dimensional effect.
The hands and some of the indices are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility in dark conditions.
L3.430.5.70.6
Automatic movement (Cal. L888.5). 21 jewels. 25,200 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case (diameter 34.00mm, thickness 10.90mm). 10 ATM water resistance. 500,500 yen (tax included).
This model, with its 34mm diameter case, combines stainless steel with an 18K yellow gold cap, creating a glamorous yet practical timepiece suitable for everyday wear. The 18K yellow gold cap on the bezel and crown gives it a different look compared to models made solely of stainless steel.
The dial features a refreshing silver color with a sunray finish, and it is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet. It is equipped with a triple safety folding clasp that is easy to open and close with a push button, while also being robust, making it easy to put on and take off even for women with long fingernails, and ensuring peace of mind.
L3.320.4.97.6
Automatic movement (Cal. L592.5). 22 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 45 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 30.00mm, thickness 9.70mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 413,600 yen (tax included).
This model features a small 30mm diameter stainless steel case bezel paired with a deep blue sunray dial, further enhanced by 15 diamonds totaling approximately 0.037 carats, set as hour markers. These diamonds are of the top Wesselton VS-SI grade. The understated blue hue makes it suitable for both formal and casual occasions, while the diamonds add a subtle touch of sparkle.
Inside, it houses the Cal.L592 automatic movement, which boasts a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. This movement has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and employs a silicon balance spring. While maintaining the practicality of the Conquest's 10 ATM water resistance, it incorporates elements of a high-end timepiece that adorns the wrist like jewelry.
