Longines Hydroconquest L3.696.4.59.2

Longines Hydroconquest L3.696.4.59.2

Since 1832, Longines has been producing timepieces that have captured the essence of elegance. The brand, based out of St. Imier, has been heavily involved in gymnastics, automobile racing, and the winter Olympics. In 2010, the brand launched the Hydroconquest Collection, which became a bona fide overnight success. The Hydroconquest is primarily a diving watch geared towards professionals who seek only excellence from their instruments.

The case is fashioned from a single piece of stainless steel, which has been brushed and polished adding depth to this timepiece. The stainless steel is hypoallergenic which makes this watch perfect for any skin type. The round case carries dimensions of 41mm for the diameter – a perfect size for Men. The bezel rotates only in a counterclockwise direction enabling the wearer to measure elapse time on a red PVD plated graduated scale featuring markers and Arabic numerals. The main crown is screw locked which maintains the incredible water resistance of 30 bars (300 meters). The case back is also screwed down playing its part in the water resistance of this trendy diving watch. The chronograph pushers are lever styled and come up to meet the crown guard making for a flowing look for this watch.

This Hydroconquest watch is fitted with a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement – Calibre L688. The L688 movement is based from an ETA 2893 movement. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and carries 54 hours of power reserve when fully wound. This movement also features a column wheel mechanism, which is responsible for the smooth start of the chronograph seconds. This results in a more precise chronograph.

The chronograph carries subdials at 3 and 6 indicating the minutes and the hours respectively. The chronograph seconds are indicated using a central hand. The chronograph minutes counter is bordered in red, which complements the bezel and contrasts wonderfully against the black dial. At the 9 o’clock position, there is a small seconds subdial. The hour markers are all in Arabic numerals painted with Super LumiNova. The hands also feature lume and are rhodium colored for perfect legibility. There is a small date aperture between the Arabic numerals 4 and 5 on the dial.

On the L3.696.4.59.2 is a black rubber strap fitted with a double security folding clasp and an intergraded diving extension. The sapphire crystal protecting the dial is scratch resistant and features several layers of anti-reflective coating on the underside. Longines guarantees this watch for 2 years from the date of purchase.