The Longines Conquest has earned its reputation largely by being easy to wear. It’s not the watch that demands attention the second you walk into a room, but it quietly delivers real Swiss quality where it matters. The lineup is broad enough that most people can find a good fit, whether that’s a straightforward quartz model around $900 or a more involved automatic chronograph pushing into the mid-$3,000 range. Different sizes, different styles, same idea throughout: a well-made Longines watch that doesn’t overcomplicate things or oversell itself. The Conquest doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It just shows up, does what it’s supposed to do, and does it well. That’s why it’s often the watch people end up wearing long after the “impressive” ones stay in the box. ... read more
The Conquest series plays a significant role in the broader Longines history, representing the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence in watchmaking. Back in 1954, Longines rolled out the Conquest at a time when most watches didn’t even belong to a “collection” yet. Brands were still selling individual models, not families with names and identities, so the Conquest was a bit ahead of the curve. And despite what the collection has become, the first Conquest wasn’t sporty at all. It was a restrained 35mm watch with a simple, almost formal dial. Something that would’ve made perfect sense on the wrist of a 1950s office professional, not at the beach or the gym.
Over seven decades, the collection evolved from those elegant beginnings into a full-fledged sports watch family while keeping the core values of reliability and precision that made it successful. According to Longines' own archives, the Conquest was designed for "athletes and adventurers," though modern versions serve just as well whether you're diving, traveling across time zones, or simply need a watch that starts every morning without fuss.
The main collection is the foundation for the rest of the series and its sub-models. It has clean, three-hand dials in sizes ranging from 29.5mm to 43mm, appealing to both men and women. The series features automatic movements with a 72-hour power reserve and excellent everyday magnetic-field resistance. Dials come in classic colors, from black and silver to contemporary blue and green, and most are paired with steel bracelets or leather straps. It’s about everyday wearability in the main Conquest collection, not so much specialized functions.
The Conquest Classic is home to the collection's refined watches, but those that still have a bit of the brand's sporty DNA. Most Classic models use quartz movements for low-maintenance accuracy, though automatic options also exist for mechanical watch enthusiasts. Case sizes typically range from 34mm to 40mm for people who want a watch that fits under a dress shirt cuff but doesn't look fragile. These watches prove that sporty doesn't have to necessarily be chunky, offering water resistance and durable construction but in a more subtle package.
Longines equips its Conquest Chronograph models with exclusive calibers featuring column-wheel construction and silicon balance springs, putting them in a different league than basic chronographs at similar price points. The L898 movement powers most automatic chronographs in the collection, delivering smooth operation and a 59-hour power reserve. The current production series features a 42mm case, with ceramic bezels adding both scratch resistance and visual appeal. These chronograph watches offer serious functionality for timing events while maintaining the refined aesthetic that Longines is known for.
The HydroConquest is Longines’ take on a modern dive watch. Introduced in 2007, it was clearly meant to go head-to-head with other entry-level luxury divers, and it does that by properly covering the fundamentals. It has 300 meters of water resistance, a proper unidirectional ceramic bezel, a screw-down crown, and the dependable L888 automatic movement inside. Size options run from 39mm to 44mm, though the 41mm tends to be the crowd favorite since it stays relatively slim at just under 12mm thick. Between standard steel, two-tone versions, and even an all-black ceramic option, there’s plenty of choices, and when you factor in the price, usually sitting in the mid-$1,000s, it’s hard not to see why the HydroConquest is such a popular choice among collectors.
Longines gave the HydroConquest a GMT in 2023, and it turned out to be a genuinely useful upgrade. It’s powered by the L844 movement, which lets you jump the local hour hand forward or back when you change time zones, while a separate 24-hour scale keeps track of home time. It’s the kind of setup that actually makes sense if you travel, rather than something that just looks good on paper. Sized at 41mm or 43mm and still rated to 300 meters of water resistance, it’s just as comfortable on a dive trip as it is crossing time zones. Dial options range from black and blue to green and a warmer brown tone, giving you everything from a straight-up tool watch vibe to something with a more vintage, all finished with that familiar ceramic bezel.
The Longines Conquest VHP collection showcases Longines' commitment to making the absolute best analog quartz watches possible, delivering accuracy of plus or minus five seconds per year. That's not per day or per month, it's per year, putting these watches in an elite category that even most COSC-certified quartz chronometers can't match. The thermocompensated quartz movements include gear position detection systems that automatically reset the hands if they get knocked out of place by magnetic fields or hard impacts, plus perpetual calendars that won't need adjustment until 2399. With five-year battery life and a sophisticated combination of practical features, the V.H.P. represents the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it luxury watch.
The Conquest Heritage line pays tribute to the original 1954 models while incorporating modern watchmaking technology. These vintage-inspired watches typically feature 35mm to 40mm cases that mirror the proportions of mid-century dress watches, complete with domed crystals and classic dial layouts. You still get contemporary automatic movements with silicon balance springs, so accuracy, reliability, and resistance to magnetism aren’t compromised for the sake of looks. It’s a lineup that makes sense for people who love vintage proportions and design, but don’t want to deal with vintage watch ownership.
Most Conquest models are made from 316L stainless steel, which is watch-speak for “tough enough to wear every day without babying it.” Longines mixes brushed and polished surfaces on the case, so the watch still catches the light but doesn’t show every little scratch the way a fully polished case would. Some versions are two-tone, with yellow or rose gold PVD on the bezel, crown, or center links of the bracelet. It’s worth noting that these are coated, not solid gold, but they do a good job of giving the watch a warmer, dressier feel.
Looking at the HydroConquest side of the lineup, there’s even an all-black ceramic version that’s about as scratch-resistant as it gets. Many newer models also use ceramic bezels, which hold up far better over time than older aluminum bezels do with everyday wear. Sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating are standard, making the dial on these watches easy to read in almost any environment. Strap changes are straightforward, thanks to a range of different lug widths.
The Conquest collection employs both quartz and automatic movements depending on the model, with Longines-exclusive calibers based on ETA platforms. The workhorse L888 automatic movement powers many three-hand models, offering a 72-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring for enhanced magnetic resistance and longevity. Chronograph models use the L898 caliber with column-wheel construction, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour for smooth operation and 59 hours of power reserve.
Quartz models run on movements like the L157 for basic three-hand functions or the remarkable V.H.P. calibers (L288.2 for three-hands, L289.2 for chronographs) that achieve plus or minus five seconds per year accuracy through thermocompensation and perpetual calendar functions. GMT models feature the automatic L844.5 caliber with independently adjustable local hour hand, silicon hairspring, and enhanced anti-magnetic properties exceeding ISO 764 standards by a factor of ten.
Ceramic bezels are standard on modern Conquest watches and offer better resistance to fading and scratching than the previous aluminum inserts. That means a more consistent luster through years of wear. Bezels are glossy or matte and operate at 120 clicks, with unidirectional movement for all dive watches for safer underwater timekeeping.
The bezel inserts feature clear, legible markings in white or beige luminous material, with the first 15 minutes typically differentiated for dive timing reference. Classic Conquest models often skip the rotating bezel entirely, opting for fixed bezels that contribute to a cleaner, more refined aesthetic. Colors match or complement the dial, with black, blue, green, and brown ceramic options letting you coordinate with your preferred style.
One of the strengths of the Conquest lineup is how many sizes it comes in. At the small end, there are compact 29.5mm options, and at the other end it goes up to 44mm for anyone who prefers a watch with a bigger presence on the wrist. Most people tend to land somewhere in the middle, with 39mm, 41mm, and 43mm being the most popular because they wear well on a wide range of wrists. Thickness depends on the type of watch movement. Quartz models stay fairly slim at around 10mm, while chronographs and GMTs add a bit more height. Even the HydroConquest, despite its serious 300-meter water resistance, manages to stay under 12mm thick, which helps it wear flatter than you might expect.
Lug-to-lug measurements typically range from 45mm to 52mm, with most models featuring slightly curved lugs that hug the wrist contour for improved comfort and aesthetics. The case proportions generally favor tool watch practicality over dress watch thinness, though the Conquest Classic models are more restrained. Longines has clearly paid attention to how these watches actually sit on wrists rather than just chasing diameter numbers, which shows in how comfortably even the larger models wear.
Water resistance across the Conquest lineup really depends on what the watch is meant to do. At the lighter end, the V.H.P. quartz models are rated to 50 meters, which easily covers everyday activities like handwashing and general wear. In practice, they can handle more than that, but brands tend to be conservative with these ratings. Step up to the standard Conquest sport models and you’re usually looking at 100 meters of water resistance, which is perfectly suitable for swimming and most casual water activities.
Then there’s the HydroConquest. With a 300-meter rating, screw-down crown, sealed case back, and proper gaskets, it’s to actual dive-watch standards and has no trouble with recreational scuba diving. That level of water resistance is more than most owners will ever need, but it’s reassuring to have. Across the board, sapphire crystals help handle pressure better than older materials, and most Conquest models use closed case backs to prioritize sealing and durability over showing off the movement.
Longines makes Conquest watches on three-link stainless steel bracelets, leather straps, and rubber straps depending on the model and intended use. The steel bracelets feature brushed outer links with polished center links, secured by double-security folding clasps that prevent accidental opening. On the HydroConquest models, the bracelet even includes a built-in extension so you can wear it over a wetsuit, one of those small, practical details you might not use often, but you’ll appreciate the first time you don’t have to mess with tools to make it fit.
Rubber straps on sport models feature micro-adjusting folding clasps for precise sizing, while leather straps typically use traditional tang buckles or deployant clasps. NATO-style straps come as options on certain Hydroconquest GMT models, offering a more casual, vintage-military aesthetic. Lug widths follow industry standards, so swapping in aftermarket straps is straightforward if you want to change the look. The factory straps and bracelets punch well above their weight class in terms of quality, with solid end links and good finishing details that you'd expect from watches costing significantly more.
Based on our sales history here at Bob's Watches, Longines Conquest models typically sell for around $1,200 on the pre-owned market. We've seen prices start as low as $695 for quartz V.H.P. pieces and reach up to $2,495 for Conquest Classic two-tone and diamond-set references. Our best-selling Conquest reference has been the L3.727.4.96.6, the V.H.P. Chronograph with the blue dial, which usually moves between $995 and $1,195. About two-thirds of the Conquest watches we've sold landed in the $800 to $1,300 range, well below retail, making it one of the most approachable options in the Longines lineup. It sits below the Longines Master Collection (averaging around $1,660 in our sales) and the Longines Spirit (around $1,645). If you're after something dressier, the Longines Elegant Collection lands in a similar price tier at roughly $1,100, but the Conquest's real advantage is versatility. It works just as well on a bracelet at the office as it does on a rubber strap over the weekend.
Longines Heritage models are worth a closer look from a value perspective. In our records, Heritage pieces have climbed from an average sale price of about $1,195 in 2022 to roughly $1,695 in 2025, close to a 40% gain over three years. The Heritage Skin Diver (L2.822.4.56.2) has been especially steady, and the HydroConquest, though less frequently traded, has sold at $1,795 on our platform.
The V.H.P. line has been our top Conquest seller, accounting for about two-thirds of all Conquest transactions we've processed. Experts and online watch communities have noted that if the V.H.P. really has been discontinued, those models could see renewed collector interest. Diamond-set references and GMT complications also tend to hold their value well. The broader pre-owned Swiss market has softened recently, but our 2025 Conquest sales are actually trending higher in average price than prior years, which tells us savvy buyers are starting to recognize the opportunity.
The Longines Conquest collection offers a diverse range of models, each with its own unique features and characteristics. As a result, watch enthusiasts often find themselves comparing different Conquest models or even contrasting the Conquest with other Longines collections. These comparisons can help potential buyers make informed decisions based on their preferences and needs.
When comparing Longines Conquest quartz vs automatic models, several factors come into play. Quartz watches, particularly those in the V.H.P. line, offer superior accuracy and require less maintenance. They're ideal for those who prioritize precision and convenience. Automatic models, on the other hand, appeal to traditionalists who appreciate the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking.
Quartz Conquest watches tend to be slimmer and often more affordable, making them excellent choices for everyday wear. Automatic models, while typically thicker and more expensive, offer the charm of a sweeping seconds hand and the satisfaction of owning a self-winding timepiece. Both types maintain the Conquest's signature style, so the choice often comes down to personal preference regarding movement type.
The comparison between Longines Conquest vs HydroConquest models is common among those interested in sporty Longines watches. While both collections offer robust, water-resistant timepieces, there are notable differences. The Conquest line provides a more versatile aesthetic, suitable for both casual and formal settings. The HydroConquest, as its name suggests, is more explicitly designed for diving and water sports.
Longines HydroConquest watches typically feature more prominent bezels and often have higher water resistance ratings (up to 300 meters). They also tend to have bolder, more tool-watch inspired designs. Conquest models, while still sporty, offer a more refined look that can easily transition from day to night. The choice between the two often depends on whether the buyer prioritizes a pure sports watch or a more versatile timepiece.
Comparing the Longines Conquest vs Spirit collections reveals two different approaches to modern sports watches. The Conquest line, with its longer history, offers a more classic sports watch aesthetic with a wide range of options from dressy to sporty. The Spirit collection, introduced more recently, draws inspiration from Longines' aviation heritage and offers a more vintage-inspired look.
Longines Spirit watches often feature more traditional pilot watch design elements, such as large Arabic numerals and prominent crowns. They also tend to have COSC-certified chronometer movements, appealing to those who prioritize precision. Conquest models, while equally capable, offer a broader range of styles and typically more accessible price points. The choice between these collections often comes down to aesthetic preference and whether the buyer is drawn to the aviation-inspired design of the Spirit line.
The reason the Conquest works is simple. It’s built to be worn, not admired from across the room. Longines puts real watchmaking into the lineup and keeps the pricing grounded, so you’re paying for quality rather than hype. Whether you’re after a proper dive watch, a GMT you can actually travel with, or one of the most accurate quartz watches out there, the Conquest covers it without piling on features you’ll never use. It’s a collection that does its job confidently, which is exactly why so many people choose the series.
- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches
Bob’s Watches has earned its reputation by keeping things straightforward. We price watches transparently, stand behind what we sell, and lean on real experience rather than marketing promises. Every Longines Conquest that comes through our doors is inspected by certified watchmakers who know these movements well. It’s not just a quick check to see if the watch is running. We confirm authenticity, take an honest look at condition, and make sure everything works the way it should before it ever goes up for sale.
Buying a pre-owned watch online only works if you trust who you’re buying from, and we don’t take that lightly. We show you the watch clearly with detailed photos, describe the condition the way it actually is, and price everything based on real market data, not guesswork. After working with countless Longines watches over the years, we’ve learned which models tend to hold their value, which ones offer the best bang for the buck, and which references are better skipped. That experience helps take some of the uncertainty out of the process, so you can buy with a lot more confidence.
If you're looking to sell your Longines watch, Bob's Watches offers a straightforward process that gets you competitive offers without the hassle of private sales. The pre-owned Longines Conquest market remains active, with certain models like the Hydroconquest and Heritage pieces maintaining strong demand from collectors and first-time buyers. We buy Conquest watches in various conditions, from daily wearers showing honest use to pristine examples with complete box and papers.
Getting a quote takes minutes through our online submission form, where you'll describe your Longines Conquest and upload a few photos. Our expert team reviews your submission and provides a fair cash offer based on current market values, condition, and completeness of the package. There's no obligation to accept, no pressure tactics, just honest offers backed by years of market experience. Once you accept an offer, we handle insured shipping and payment promptly, making the entire process as painless as possible.