Longines Hydroconquest?
Discussion
I popped into my local AD for Longines as I wanted to try on the 39mm. Sadly they only stocked the 41mm which I duly tried. It wasn't as big as I expected but as I only have small wrists, I think I will try some more shops to see if anyone stocks the 39mm
I inquired to see if they would discount but he was adamant that they only mark down end-of-line models. Iconic Watches seems to be the best price in my searching so far.
Having said all that, some of the Heritage models are very nice too.
I inquired to see if they would discount but he was adamant that they only mark down end-of-line models. Iconic Watches seems to be the best price in my searching so far.
Having said all that, some of the Heritage models are very nice too.
He's in Austria! As previously mentioned my local AD doesn't stock the 39mm. I am in Cambridge for a few days with family and the Fraser Hart branch doesn't stock the 39mm either! I tried on the 41mm and TBH it doesn't seem overly big for my wrist but I think it confirms that the 39mm is the one for me.
I saw somebody made an MX5 to Hydroconquest comparison on another thread so thought I'd give my six month review of my 39mm black auto.
Reliable workhorse engine: The ETA keeps ticking away with excellent accuracy (averages +5 per day). Not the most musical note but the sweep looks great once bedded in (looked oddly stop start for the first month but might have been me).
Rusty Arches: The otherwise excellent finish is marred by a Bezel that seems more Demio than Cosmo. I also think the logo on the dial should be polished like the hour markers to reflect the light in the same way. The caseback is stunning for the money.
Simple ergonomics: I originally didn't like the polished hour markers finding them fussy, however in low light they make it much easier to read the time.
Cheap mods: I'm definitely teased to give the links a brushed finish, the polished sections have marked easily.
Lack of power: The lume is excellent and easy to read if you hold the watch under a bright light for 30 seconds and then step immediately into the dark. At all other times it is rubbish.
80% of a TVR for a tenth of the price: I'd love a Fifty Fathoms but being realistic this suits my salary a lot better and means I don't have to worry about wearing it everywhere.
Simple roof mechanism: The clasp looks cheap compared to say a SMP and was difficult to open when new, it has freed up a bit now and is a case of function over form.
Useful size for b-roads: Not everyone can have tree trunks for arms so the 39mm option is much appreciated.
Overall I'm made up with it and think I'll have it forever. The imperfections are definitely excusable considering the price. I've also got a G-shock for fixing cars/cycling duties and maybe the Hydroconquest leaves room for something smarter...
Daft name mind.
Reliable workhorse engine: The ETA keeps ticking away with excellent accuracy (averages +5 per day). Not the most musical note but the sweep looks great once bedded in (looked oddly stop start for the first month but might have been me).
Rusty Arches: The otherwise excellent finish is marred by a Bezel that seems more Demio than Cosmo. I also think the logo on the dial should be polished like the hour markers to reflect the light in the same way. The caseback is stunning for the money.
Simple ergonomics: I originally didn't like the polished hour markers finding them fussy, however in low light they make it much easier to read the time.
Cheap mods: I'm definitely teased to give the links a brushed finish, the polished sections have marked easily.
Lack of power: The lume is excellent and easy to read if you hold the watch under a bright light for 30 seconds and then step immediately into the dark. At all other times it is rubbish.
80% of a TVR for a tenth of the price: I'd love a Fifty Fathoms but being realistic this suits my salary a lot better and means I don't have to worry about wearing it everywhere.
Simple roof mechanism: The clasp looks cheap compared to say a SMP and was difficult to open when new, it has freed up a bit now and is a case of function over form.
Useful size for b-roads: Not everyone can have tree trunks for arms so the 39mm option is much appreciated.
Overall I'm made up with it and think I'll have it forever. The imperfections are definitely excusable considering the price. I've also got a G-shock for fixing cars/cycling duties and maybe the Hydroconquest leaves room for something smarter...
Daft name mind.
woots787 said:
I saw somebody made an MX5 to Hydroconquest comparison on another thread so thought I'd give my six month review of my 39mm black auto.
Reliable workhorse engine: The ETA keeps ticking away with excellent accuracy (averages +5 per day). Not the most musical note but the sweep looks great once bedded in (looked oddly stop start for the first month but might have been me).
Rusty Arches: The otherwise excellent finish is marred by a Bezel that seems more Demio than Cosmo. I also think the logo on the dial should be polished like the hour markers to reflect the light in the same way. The caseback is stunning for the money.
Simple ergonomics: I originally didn't like the polished hour markers finding them fussy, however in low light they make it much easier to read the time.
Cheap mods: I'm definitely teased to give the links a brushed finish, the polished sections have marked easily.
Lack of power: The lume is excellent and easy to read if you hold the watch under a bright light for 30 seconds and then step immediately into the dark. At all other times it is rubbish.
80% of a TVR for a tenth of the price: I'd love a Fifty Fathoms but being realistic this suits my salary a lot better and means I don't have to worry about wearing it everywhere.
Simple roof mechanism: The clasp looks cheap compared to say a SMP and was difficult to open when new, it has freed up a bit now and is a case of function over form.
Useful size for b-roads: Not everyone can have tree trunks for arms so the 39mm option is much appreciated.
Overall I'm made up with it and think I'll have it forever. The imperfections are definitely excusable considering the price. I've also got a G-shock for fixing cars/cycling duties and maybe the Hydroconquest leaves room for something smarter...
Daft name mind.
Good review except I've not a clue what you mean about the Bezel... ???Reliable workhorse engine: The ETA keeps ticking away with excellent accuracy (averages +5 per day). Not the most musical note but the sweep looks great once bedded in (looked oddly stop start for the first month but might have been me).
Rusty Arches: The otherwise excellent finish is marred by a Bezel that seems more Demio than Cosmo. I also think the logo on the dial should be polished like the hour markers to reflect the light in the same way. The caseback is stunning for the money.
Simple ergonomics: I originally didn't like the polished hour markers finding them fussy, however in low light they make it much easier to read the time.
Cheap mods: I'm definitely teased to give the links a brushed finish, the polished sections have marked easily.
Lack of power: The lume is excellent and easy to read if you hold the watch under a bright light for 30 seconds and then step immediately into the dark. At all other times it is rubbish.
80% of a TVR for a tenth of the price: I'd love a Fifty Fathoms but being realistic this suits my salary a lot better and means I don't have to worry about wearing it everywhere.
Simple roof mechanism: The clasp looks cheap compared to say a SMP and was difficult to open when new, it has freed up a bit now and is a case of function over form.
Useful size for b-roads: Not everyone can have tree trunks for arms so the 39mm option is much appreciated.
Overall I'm made up with it and think I'll have it forever. The imperfections are definitely excusable considering the price. I've also got a G-shock for fixing cars/cycling duties and maybe the Hydroconquest leaves room for something smarter...
Daft name mind.
I've got the same watch in blue and it's the watch I wear the most. I wear mine on a blue Hirsch strap - I can't dive in it in this configuration, but it's very comfortable and, as a T-Shirt I saw once said, I only dive 1% of the time even if I'm a diver 100% of the time
M.
My inaction has resulted in a price rise, from £610 to £672 at Iconic Watches. A quick search on Chrono24 has found a Spanish seller offering one at £571 plus €20 postage with UPS. (http://www.chrono24.com/en/longines/hydroconquest--id2711020.htm?SETLANG=en_GB&SETCURR=GBP)
Seller has 'trusted' status so unless anyone says otherwise, I think this is the one.
Seller has 'trusted' status so unless anyone says otherwise, I think this is the one.
shogun001 said:
Looking at picking one of these up in the next few weeks. Is there any advantage for choosing the automatic vs the quartz model? Seems like a big price difference (£150) just for not having to ever change the battery?
If that's the only advantage you see in having a mechanical watch, then go for the quartz. The mechanical one won't keep better time and will require more servicing than the quartz.DSLiverpool said:
I bought the Quartz one because it's my back up watch and setting it up all the time would be a pain. My main watch is automatic
There's no real difference unless you value a mechanical watch in itself (although I think the quartz is only available in the, fractionally, smaller size - 39mm - at least it was on the older model).I'd planned to get a quartz one, but just before I ordered I bought a Citizen Skyhawk AT, so got the automatic instead. I do like the smooth sweep of the second hand, but whether it's worth the extra, only you can decide.
M
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