Longines Hydroconquest Automatic - Opinions/alternatives?

[JoeCastle]

Hi All,

Basically, I now get 20% off any purchase at Ernest Jones. I thought I'd take this opportunity to get myself a versatile every day watch. Ideally I'm after something:

Durable: Wearing it everyday pretty much.
Versatile: Just as happy on my wrist at a client meeting as it is at the pub.
Automatic: Not a definite, but appealing visually and interesting.
Understated: I'm quiet a big guy so small will never really look great, but I'm looking more wrist presence than look at me!

Budgeting myself 1k (so £1200 rrp) and right now I can't see past the Longines Hydroconquest Auto http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/6081207/lo... Only issue? The nearest Ernest Jones that stocks them so I can actually try them on is 2 hours away, SO i'll need to pop down on a free weekend. Whilst I'm waiting to pop down there, any other recommendations? I had a try with one of the Aquaracer Autos which is a bit higher than my current budget but certainly a nice looker.

Edited by JoeCastle on Monday 5th September 15:41

[paulguitar]

I had a previous model Hydroconquest and actually returned it as I found it clumsy, particularly around the lugs.

In the end I went for a Christopher Ward Trident Pro 600, which I have had for a year now and have been very impressed by.

You would not be taking advantage of your discount, of course, but it is under budget and in my experience much better quality than the Longines. Only my opinion, of course!

[walamai]

I was looking for ages for my first 'nice' watch in a similar budget to yourself. I bought myself the 39mm version (there's a 42mm also) - but I would say to go for the 42mm - it's a 'normal' size in contemporary terms, rather than the 39mmm which in hindsight felt and looked a bit small (and I have scrawny wrists!). The 39mm has an odd band width also, so limits aftermarket options.

However, I really couldn't get along with it for one reason - the crown! It's oddly recessed within the crown guards, so in combination with it being a screw down crown it made it very fiddly to set. I'm slightly pedantic about accuracy, so setting every few weeks with the annoying fiddly bd of a thing it really put me off. It's obviously not a show-stopper for everyone, but I'd say to definitely try it on before you commit.

And because you can't have a watch thread without pics, here's mine on a composite strap!

[JoeCastle]

paulguitar said:

I had a previous model Hydroconquest and actually returned it as I found it clumsy, particularly around the lugs.

In the end I went for a Christopher Ward Trident Pro 600, which I have had for a year now and have been very impressed by.

You would not be taking advantage of your discount, of course, but it is under budget and in my experience much better quality than the Longines. Only my opinion, of course!

More than happy to listen to suggestions outside of my discount if they're a good price in the first place! I'm aware that the used market is also great, but as my first "Proper" watch, I'd like the experience of buying new.

[T6 vanman]

The problem with Earnest Jones is that 2 months ago they had several great watches at 50% off and I bet closer to x-mas you'll bet more watch for your money again,

If you cant wait I've just got a Ball watch and can recommend the quality of this brand,

[phumy]

Ive had mine for 5 years now and its been through the wars, had three years on a new power station construction site in humid Asia and two years back in UK now and it has never let me down once. It keeps the best time too, bought it in Dipples in Norwich and got a very good discount.

[warren182]

I'd look at the Longines heritage diver, and the oris aquis and the oris diver 65 (both versions).

[hilly10]

There is. a Red one it's also mint on TZ SC. he wants £570