Longines HydroConquest Review: Best ‘Value For Money’ Watch?

The Longines HydroConquest quickly became a top choice in the category of sport-luxury dive watches. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash?

I still remember when I was deciding on my first big watch purchase. It came down to two options: the Longines HydroConquest (39mm) or the Oris Aquis (41.5mm). At the time, I was looking for a stylish dive watch around $1500 with a 6.5-inch wrist.  

Four main things helped me decide: build quality, movement, finish, and, of course, how much it cost.

A year later, I’ve been rocking the HydroConquest, researching the brand, and comparing it with other ‘affordable luxury’ watches. The compliments keep rolling in, but am I 100% happy with my purchase?  

Stick around, and I'll help you answer the big question: Is the Longines HydroConquest worth it?

In 2007, as mechanical sport-luxury watches were making a strong comeback, Longines introduced the HydroConquest.

The design took inspiration from the classic Conquest model but added a unidirectional ratcheting bezel with a 60-minute dive-scale insert, marked by Arabic numerals every 10 minutes and minute markers for the first 15 minutes. 

1. A watch designed with a more rugged, sportier vibe, perfect for recreational divers and anyone wanting to sport that look. 

2. Instead of the rectangular index at 9 o’clock, there’s now a bold Arabic numeral and the date stays at 3 o’clock. 

3. The hour hand got a fresh look with a faceted, short design, a bulging luminous diamond at the tip.

4. The minute hand became a baton style, and the sweep seconds hand got a fun lollipop design.

5. With a solid water resistance of 300 meters—perfect for diving—it also features a screw-down crown with protectors and a caseback with Longines' classic winged hourglass logo engraved. 

Bigger, bolder hour markers appeared at the 12-hour positions, and plenty of Super-LumiNova was added to the hands, markers, and the orientation dot on the bezel at 12 o’clock. 

The steel bracelet has a double security folding clasp and a handy diver’s extension.

Longines Hydroconquest Ceramique watch 

If you know only a little about the Longines brand, particularly the Hydroconquest lineup, then the table below will give you a general idea about this unique collection:  

A two-tone green dial Longines hydroconquest 41mm watch in the packaging 

The Longines HydroConquest collection starts at just over $1,000 (before taxes) for its entry-level all-steel models featuring Swiss quartz movements.  

These models are powered by the ETA Caliber L157, which includes a battery end-of-life indicator. The watches come in three case sizes: 

• 39mm in diameter and 10.1mm thick

• 41mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick

• 44mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick

The 39mm and 41mm quartz models are priced at $1,050, while the larger 44mm version costs slightly more at $1,100. 

If you prefer an automatic watch, HydroConquest offers automatic versions for all three case sizes, each being sold for $1,500 at different dealerships.  

QUICK TIP:  

• You can get the HydroConquest Automatic for as low as $1,488, plus free shipping on MyGiftStop. 

These models have sunray blue or black dials paired with matching bezel inserts.  

They house the Longines-exclusive Caliber L888, based on the ETA L31.L11 movement. This movement is enhanced with a 72-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 25,200 vph. 

For its price, the HydroConquest offers a blend of style, durability, and reliability that’s hard to beat.  

While a ceramic bezel is available, many prefer the classic appeal of the stainless steel version.  

Generally, Longines is often considered an underrated brand that delivers exceptional value for money.  

That’s why it ranked among the top six watch brands in the “value for money” category. 

The Longines HydroConquest offers two movement options to cater to different preferences and budgets: Automatic and Quartz. 

If you appreciate traditional watchmaking and have a bit more to spend, the HydroConquest Automatic is an excellent choice. So I’d recommend it to traditional lovers. 

But If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the HydroConquest Quartz delivers precision and requires just one battery replacement every few years.

Here’s why: 

The automatic HydroConquest models have the exclusive Longines Caliber L888 for those who value mechanical craftsmanship.  

Built on the ETA A31.L11 base, this movement is designed for Longines. 

Key features of the Caliber L888 include: 

• A 72-hour power reserve allows the watch to keep running for three days without winding.

• A frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, ensuring smooth hand movement and stable timekeeping.

This makes the automatic model ideal for weekend divers or those who like to rotate their watches.

You Can Read My Review Of the Longines Masters Collection Here

Quartz-powered HydroConquest models are equipped with the Longines L156 or L157 calibers derived from reliable ETA quartz movements (Longines and ETA are part of the Swatch Group).  

These Swiss-made movements are known for their accuracy and durability. 

The End-of-Life (EOL) indicator is a standout feature, which alerts you when the battery is running low. 

The seconds hand will start jumping in four-second intervals, signaling that it’s time to replace the battery—helping you avoid the inconvenience of a stopped watch.

Hydroconquest 39mm Ceramic

A little confession: I’ve intentionally tried to push my 39mm Hydroconquest to the limit.  

I scaled a mountain, dived into the deep, and attended a formal event—all in the same week with this watch on. And it stood the test.  

On the wrist, the HydroConquest feels as good as it looks.  

Its angular case design, polished details, and slim profile perfectly balance ruggedness and elegance.  

The sapphire crystal ensures durability, while the 300-meter water resistance makes it ideal for everything from casual swimming to scuba diving. 

Once you’re out of the water, the HydroConquest transitions effortlessly to formal settings. The polished accents, sharp case lines, and compact height make it easy to wear with a shirt cuff.

While searching for the perfect watch, I came across some strong contenders alongside the HydroConquest, including the Seiko Prospex SPB381, Glycine Combat 39mm, Hamilton Khaki Navy 40mm, Tag Aquaracer 40mm, Oris Aquis 39mm, and even the Tudor Black Bay 54/58. 

Although I ultimately chose the HydroConquest 39mm, I still looked into these other models and even tried some of them on. 

To make things clearer, I created a table comparing their durability, price, design, and other features to the HydroConquest. 

I’d say the Seiko Prospex SPB381 and Hamilton Khaki Navy 40mm are still the ultimate picks for any budget buyers.  

If you prioritize luxury and prestige, you may be more enticed with the Tudor Black Bay 54/58 or TAG Heuer Aquaracer. 

Of course, Oris Aquis 39mm offers a mix of elegance and durability. But none of these beat the refined look of the HydroConquest 39mm Ceramic. 

This is the part where you get to know the good and bad of the HydroConquest based on my experience with the watch and feedback from many users across several online forums:

THE GOOD 

1. Great value for the price since it’s an entry-level luxury dive watch 

2. It can withstand depths of 300 meters. In other words, no need to worry when going for serious diving. 

3. HydroConquest has a slim profile, making it more comfortable to wear. 

4. Modern models often feature ceramic bezels with clear markings for easy time tracking. 

THE NOT-SO-GOOD 

1. The clasp mechanism on the bracelet isn’t as cool as the ones we see on some higher-end watches. 

2. There are no micro-adjustment options for the strap adjustments

3. To some, nothing really stands out for the HydroConquest's design, especially compared to other dive watches in its price range. 

You can find a wide selection of Longines watches, including the HydroConquest models, for sale at MyGiftStop.  

Our collection of Longines watches is carefully curated to include the most popular styles and models.  

We often have discount promotions, allowing you to shop at excellent prices and free US shipping.

The Longines HydroConquest comes in both automatic and quartz versions. The automatic version uses a self-winding movement powered by your wrist's motion, while the quartz version runs on a battery.

The Longines HydroConquest has a water resistance of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). In other words, it’s suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and even recreational scuba diving.

Yes, the Longines HydroConquest is perfect for everyday use. It has a durable build, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and water resistance add to its practicality.

The Longines HydroConquest 39mm will best fit small and medium-sized wrists, while the others are designed to fit men with bigger wrists. It provides a balanced and snug fit for smaller wrists without feeling oversized. 

The Longines HydroConquest typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the specific model, materials, and features. Quartz versions are usually more affordable, while automatic and ceramic bezel models are on the higher end.

The Longines HydroConquest holds its value well in the second-hand market compared to many other watches in its price range. However, value retention is more likely with limited editions or rare models.