The St. Imier-based company presents the new HydroConquest GMT in a 43 mm case, joining the 41 mm case models launched last year.
The GMT function is intrinsically linked to the pioneering spirit and history of Longines. In 1911, the company filed a patent for the first pocket watch capable of displaying two time zones. Preceded in 1908 by another model intended for the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey), which allowed Turkish time to be converted to Western time. Then, in 1925, the company produced for the first time a series of wristwatches indicating a second time zone, called Zulu Time.
Launched in 2007, the GMT version of Longines' HydroConquest diver was given a new design last year, thanks to the launch of the 41 mm case models. Longines now presents five new versions, all with polished/satin-finished steel case 43 mm in diameter, with a soleil dial in black, blue or green. The unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic ring in the same colour as the dial has a luminescent reference index. Both the crown (fluted and with protective epaulettes) and the case back have screw fasteners.
Longines HydroConquest GMT: robustness and reliability
The robust 43 mm steel case of the HydroConquest GMT is combined with a steel bracelet or rubber strap.
The watch, waterproof up to 30 atmospheres of pressure (300 metres), employs the Longines calibre L844.5 (based on ETA A31.411, 11 ½ lignes, 25,200 vib/h, 72-hour power reserve), with silicon balance spring. This gauge is ten times more resistant to the negative influences of magnetic fields compared to the ISO 764 reference standard.
The glass protecting the dial is of the anti-reflective sapphire type. On the same dial, there are SuperLuminova luminescent hands and indices, the second time zone hand with a luminescent triangular tip (the corresponding indices are on the flange) and the date window at 3 o'clock.
The new HydroConquest GMT with 43 mm case is available with a steel bracelet or rubber strap (available for models with a black or blue dial). Both the strap and the bracelet have folding closures with a double security system and micro-adjustment.
Prices3,100 euros (rubber strap); 3,350 euros (steel bracelet).
