Whereas they’ve grown in recognition and aren’t fairly as uncommon as they as soon as have been, ceramic watches are nonetheless unusual and fairly expensive, all issues thought-about. I first dealt with this Longines HydroConquest All-Black Ceramic watch again in 2019 at Couture in Las Vegas, and I felt the execution was largely satisfying and worthy of a model that has entry to the Swatch Group’s assets. Over a yr out since its launch, it nonetheless provides off that feeling of stealthy luxurious as quickly as I put it on the wrist. It’s exhausting not to attract comparisons to the Omega Seamaster 300M in black ceramic/titanium, as each are aesthetically related choices from the Swatch Group, albeit at two very completely different value factors, with the Longines being one thing like 60% lower than the $eight,100 Omega.
Formed from a stable block of ceramic, the HydroConquest may be very light-weight because of the materials, in addition to the textured rubber strap — not as disarming as titanium, however considerably lighter on the wrist than the 43mm-wide case would counsel. Whereas largely equivalent to the 43mm metal case mannequin, the ceramic model does have completely different have blockier crown guards and a much bigger crown. Each of those adjustments are constructive, for my part. The lugs are on the longer aspect, with the case round a 51.5mm lug-to-lug, which is true on the higher finish of what I’d ordinarily put on.
Even with glare, legibility is nice
Every thing in regards to the case is fairly refined, with the glossiness mellowed out by the brushed uni-directional bezel (which has a really satisfying click on) and matte dial. Fortunately, Longines didn’t go the completely blacked-out route and saved a monochromatic black and white dial that’s extremely legible from varied angles, in addition to with direct glare, because of wholesome double-sided AR coating. The lumed hour and minute fingers are good and enormous, with a correct size that contextually matches in with the dial. The also-lumed lollipop seconds hand is a pleasant contact, as nicely.
If there’s one factor I might change on the dial, I’d in all probability make the 12, 6, and 9 hour markers a bit bit smaller, as they simply seem too outsized for my style. There isn’t any variant and not using a date window, however in that hypothetical, I suppose you’d should eliminate the 9 altogether since a three there would simply be lots.
The enclosed ceramic caseback has the Longines wing brand and a few fundamental details about the watch. I’m increasingly more coming round to enclosed casebacks until there may be actually one thing to point out off within the motion — in any other case it’s simply flashy filler prettied up with a customized rotor and/or mediocre Geneva stripes.
Anyway, since this can be a Swatch Group model, the motion right here is the Caliber L888, a modified ETA-2892 that trades a bit bit off the frequency for the sake of energy reserve. The L888 operates at 25,200 vph however bumps the 50-something hour energy reserve of the ETA as much as 65 hours.
I’ve to say that I’m a giant fan of textured rubber straps, and the one used right here is nearly as snug and nicely finished as that on my Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. It types to the wrist comfortably, and sizing is very easy to regulate. The double-folding clasp can be finished in ceramic, which is one other element that helps make this such a cohesive piece.
The Longines HydroConquest all-black ceramic is a complete lot of look ahead to the cash. It’s nearly the identical value as a metal Tudor Black Bay. Trendy versus classic diver, model notion, case materials, and motion are the foremost factors of debate between the 2, and people could be argued all day. Having dealt with the Longines within the metallic, er, inorganic compound, I do know it’s the one I’d decide. An all-around spectacular watch that stands out from the competitors, the Longines HydroConquest all-black ceramic is priced at $three,725 (see e-commerce web page right here). You’ll be able to study extra at longines.com.
