Longines enhances its Hydroconquest GMT line with a new range of 43mm models, perfect for those chasing the endless summer…
Off the back of last year’s successful launch of the 41mm Hydroconquest GMT, Longines has added to this collection with new 43mm versions in sunray blue, green and black dial and bezel colourways. This will be a welcome addition for those people wanting a larger version of what had become one of the brand’s most popular model lines here in Australia. Not surprising as they are great bang for buck, and look good too.
As we mentioned in last year’s Hydroconquest GMT 41mm release, Longines was one of the first brands to pioneer a GMT function. They debuted a second time-zone on a wristwatch back in 1925, helping ships convert local time to Universal World Time (UTC) or Zulu Time (the common name for GMT used by military and NATO forces) making timing and navigation easier. Since then, GMTs have become one of the most sought-after functions and complications on a watch. Understandable due to its ease of use and one of the more practical functions you can get on a watch.
Unlike many GMT’s that are on the market today, the new 43mm Hydroconquest GMT is a ‘True’ or ‘Flyer’ GMT. In a nutshell, the True GMT is designed for travellers who are able to set the GMT hand to their home time, and when abroad, quickly adjust the hour hand to reflect the local time at their new destination.
RELATED – WATCH EDUCATION: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FLYER AND CALLER GMT
Watch Advice was lucky enough to attend a preview showing last week of these new Longines pieces, and it is safe to say they don’t disappoint. These new models are technically the same as the 41mm variants, but in a new larger case to accommodate those with larger wrists or those that just want some more wrist presence from their watch.
The larger 43mm case whilst 2mm more in diameter, is still the same thickness at 12.9mm. This means that on the wrist, the watch wears slightly larger but the thickness does help alleviate any additional bulk that would normally come with a larger piece. The tapered lugs and case also sit flush with the wrist (at least on my 17.5cm wrist) and on both the rubber or steel bracelet, isn’t overbearing or too big. This means that those with smaller wrists will most likely be able to pull these off as well.
There are a few small differences in the 41mm vs 43mm collection. Whilst in the 41mm, you had the choice of the brown dial and bezel, this is missing in the 43mm collection. Also, the 41mm had a few more strap options given the Nato straps available on the brown and green variants. Whilst these aren’t availabe from the 43mm collection, with three colours on a steel bracelet and the Blue and Black dial having the option of a colour-matched rubber strap, most people will be satisfied with these.
Of note, Longines is one of the only brands currently offering an on-the-fly micro adjust on their rubber and leather straps. Whilst many brands now have this with their steel clasps, few have come up with a system for rubber and leather. This means if you’re like me and have wrists that fluctuate with the weather, it will be welcome on the rubber strap to get that perfect fit. If you have not seen it, do yourself a favour and head into your local boutique or retailer to see it for yourself.
Longines has also given the 43mm range a blue iridescent lume, which adds to the legibility of these pieces in the dark. This makes them a pure sports and tool watch, ideal for diving, camping, or just checking what time it is when your kids wake you up before the sun!
Inside the new 43mm Hydroconquest GMT is the same L844.5 calibre found in the 41mm. It is equipped with a silicon balance spring and in addition to this, the movement is made up of many other non-magnetic materials. Longines states the movement is ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 benchmark standard, meaning that it will stand up perfectly to any magnetic fields your household appliances and devices can throw out.
Final Thoughts
I’ve said it before, Longines is a brand that most definitely punches above its price point. The new models that they have launched in the last couple of years are a testament to their ongoing pursuit to make great quality watches at a great value price point. The Hydroconquest GMT is a prime example of this. A True GMT in a good-looking diver’s watch, well made and robust with choices of colours and strap/bracelet options, with both of these having on-the-fly micro adjust mechanisms.
Having tried these on and been able to compare them to the 41mm models, I can safely say that whilst these are larger watches in order to accommodate more people’s tastes, they still wear comfortably and are not overbearing on the wrist. It may have been nice to see the brown model make an appearance in the 43mm collection, as with the Nato strap options, but as Longines has a range of straps to purchase, you could easily choose one to suit your style at the time of purchase. And again, for pieces like these under the AU$5,000 mark, you would be hard-pressed to find another piece that ticks as many boxes as the Hydroconquest GMT collection.
References:
- Black – Steel (L3.890.4.56.6), Rubber (L3.890.4.56.9)
- Blue– Steel (L3.890.4.96.6), Rubber (L3.890.4.96.9)
- Green – Steel (L3.890.4.06.6)
Specification:
- Size: 43mm, 12.9mm thick
- Case Material: Stainless Steel, brushed and polished
- Dial: Black, Blue, and Green with sunray finish with offset 24 hour scale and 2 shade for AM and PM
- Crystal: Sapphire domed glass with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides
- Water resistance: 300 m (10ATM)
- Movement: Longines exclusive self-winding movement, L844.5, with silicon balance spring and magnetic resistance. 25,200 vph (3.5Hz), pivoting on 21 jewels
- Power reserve: 72 hours
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap with double safety folding clasp and micro-adjustment system. (Black and Blue Variants) Green variant come on steel bracelet only.
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AU$4,900 on Steel, AU$4,550 on Rubber
Availability: Available through Longines Boutiques & retailers, and at Longines.com shortly.
