Hydroconquest vs Seamaster

[funinhounslow]

I have been happily saving for a Seamaster 300 - specifically the white dial



and I am reconsidering my choice after seeing this

Longines Hydroconquest full ceramic



I have had a steel Hydroconquest for almost 10 years and it is a fantastic watch. I have enough saved for the ceramic version or I can save a bit longer for the Seamaster.

I don’t particularly like the lugs on the Hydroconquest but in balance I’m not a fan of the Seamaster helium escape valve.

The Omega has the superior movement but the Longines has that full ceramic case.

I suppose it could be argued that Omega is the “better” brand but there is also a significant price difference between the two.

I personally think Longines is underrated as a brand. My original Hydroconquest is remarkable value for money. I consider the price of the ceramic to be “fair” while I think Omega are pushing the envelope a little with their Seamaster prices. (Yes I know there’s some wriggle room here.)

I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on these watches. In short - what would you do? This will be a significant purchase for me and any thoughts are welcome...

[andy tims]

My 2p.

The SM300 is a fine watch but to me a pretty unimaginative choice. OK, you don't see as many white dial versions, but the Longines is a more individual choice.

Do you need to buy new though? For your budget, there is lots of choice going pre-owned.

[AmosMoses]

I'd go for the Omega in the interests of diversifying.

It's worth looking into lightly used examples as you can save a fair bit.

[Jayho]

If your first aim was the seamaster then continue saving until you get there. You might actually only be tempted by the longines because you like it and it's available now (aka no more saving).

To be honest I've been in a similar situation but didn't take this advice. Was saving for a Rolex explorer 1 but had spent a good chunk of the savings I had when I bought a house. As a compromise I bought myself a Tudor Ranger. Don't get me wrong, absolutely love the Ranger and don't regret getting it, but I'm now also back to square 1 saving for a Rolex. Only difference now is that since I've already got a dive watch (Tudor black bay) and a field watch (Ranger), my Rolex goal has become a DATEJUST. After that it would be saving for a speedmaster.

If you've got a similar longines already would you really need another so similar?

[Ninjin]

I've got the Seamaster you want (with black dial) and I know the longines product from trying them on when looking to buy one.

The Omega SMP is on a total different level to the hydroconquest. Forget specs, when you pick up the SMP compared to a SS hydroconquest, you will how much better the SMP bracelet is. You can see where the extra £££ has gone.

Now, going back to your Ceramic Longines, for that price range, consider the Tudor Black shield. My local AD had 20% off if over xmas too on the pre price rise cost. I've had mine since it's been released and its hard as nails! I caught it againts my acrylic kitchen worktop and thought it would get damaged, ended up damaging the work top!


https://www.tudorwatch.com/watches/fastrider-black...


Here's mine:

[funinhounslow]

Jayho said:

If you've got a similar longines already would you really need another so similar?

Yeah there is that. But I like that ceramic case and I don’t have a ceramic watch.

I either end up with two Hydroconquests or two steel dive watches (three if you include my Orange Monster). Neither is particularly sensible I suppose...!

[Greendubber]

I cant get on with those crown guards on the ceramics hydroconquest.

[Barchettaman]

Try on the HC. The newer ones are quite a bit more chunky than the older versions.

Coincidentally I have both watches, but not the newest versions!

My 2011 HC is my weekday watch on its bracelet.

My 1997 SMP 300 is my weekend warrior on a custom leather strap.



Second-hand the HC is ridiculously good value. I paid £415 for mine. OK-ish Seamasters (automatics) seem to start around £1200.

Edited by Barchettaman on Thursday 20th February 10:23

[blue_haddock]

Greendubber said:

I cant get on with those crown guards on the ceramics hydroconquest.

I do find the hydroconquest crown guards a bit too blocky and it spoils the look.

[GTEYE]

Keep saving just a bit more for the Omega, in the longer term you won’t regret it. There are deals to be had on Omega if you shop in the right place - find an independent dealer that will match Swiss Watches Direct for example.

[funinhounslow]

blue_haddock said:

Greendubber said:

I cant get on with those crown guards on the ceramics hydroconquest.

I do find the hydroconquest crown guards a bit too blocky and it spoils the look.

Yeah me too. I’m not sure if it’s a result of constraints of ceramic material like the long lugs. Having seen the watch in the flesh I could certainly live with it though.

Food for thought in the replies, thank you. While I accept the Seamaster is probably the “better” watch I am not sure it is worth the extra over the HydroConquest (factoring in likely discounts on both pieces).

I have decided not to rush into it, continue saving for the Omega and then decide. I can see myself testing the patience of the staff in the jewellers when I come to buy though...

To be honest though I am leaning towards the Longines. I think Omega’s pricing is becoming increasingly “optimistic”, perhaps taking advantage of the “unobtanium” nature of Rolex sports models. And the post below has convinced me I need a ceramic watch. Thanks all...

Ninjin said:

Now, going back to your Ceramic Longines, for that price range, consider the Tudor Black shield. My local AD had 20% off if over xmas too on the pre price rise cost. I've had mine since it's been released and its hard as nails! I caught it againts my acrylic kitchen worktop and thought it would get damaged, ended up damaging the work top!

[grumbledoak]

The actual watches don't really matter. There is no point setting yourself back on your real goal by taking second place now.

[marcosgt]

The Hydroconquest is a nice watch, but it's definitely not in the same league as a Seamaster (the clue is in the price, in this case).

If you're thinking of it as a substitute for the Seamaster, I think you'll be disappointed.

If you just like it in its own right, then go for it!

I've had a blue HC for the last 8 years and it's still one of my favourite (I have a fair number of watches now... they can become a bit of a habit! )

M

[mikeveal]

I think the correct answer is to keep saving.
Then get a Longines Legend Heritage Diver, a Captain Cook and spend the money you saved (compared to the cost of the Seamaster) treating your other half to a weekend away.


Both are considerably nicer than the pictures suggest.

[Hoofy]

Neither of those two options. Sorry.

I'd probably go for the steel Hydroconquest.

funinhounslow said:

I have had a steel Hydroconquest for almost 10 years and it is a fantastic watch.

Oh.

[T6 vanman]

If you want a Seamaster & like the idea of a Ceramic watch why not combine the two
Man maths at the best