Review: Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve

Review of the new Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, classic but with originality, thanks to its power reserve indicator. Price €4,300

Unveiled in 1954 and tied to the realms of sport and performance, the Conquest collection by Longines is synonymous with precision and excellence.

Pioneering the protection of its name by the Federal Intellectual Property Office in Berne, Switzerland, the Conquest series reflects the brand's commitment to innovation. 

In celebration of the collection's 70th anniversary, Longines pays homage to its extensive historical catalog and rich heritage. Drawing inspiration from a classic 1959 Conquest model, the brand recently introduced the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, a distinctive and captivating timepiece highlighting a unique power reserve indicator situated at the centre of the dial.

The original Conquest model from 1959

After the official unveiling of the three dial variations – anthracite, black, and champagne – in late January, we had the chance to experience the champagne version hands-on. We are now excited to share our impressions and pictures with our readers.

The Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve comes in a round case crafted from stainless steel, measuring 38 mm in diameter with a total thickness of 12.3 mm, including the box-shaped and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with several layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. 

Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 5 bars (approximately corresponding to a depth of 50 metres / 165 feet).

The elegant lines of the case are highlighted by alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces. The curved lugs have been redesigned for improved ergonomics. Their width measures 19 mm. 

The non-screwed crown, embellished with the winged hourglass logo, has three positions:

1. Manual winding. If the watch has not been worn, it can be wound manually through about thirty revolutions.

2. Rapid correction of date by turning the crown forward. During this operation, the watch will continue to run, with no time adjustment required. 

3. Time setting with a stop-second function.

The ideal size ensures comfortable wearability on average wrists. For reference, the wrist in our pictures measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches.

The three-part domed dial features skyscraper-style polished hour/minute hands and a central baton type seconds hand. 

The outer part of the dial is edged by twelve applied facetted hour markers, yellow gold-coloured, rose gold-coloured or silver-coloured depending on the dial colour. 

In keeping with the characteristic circles motif of the Conquest collection, a fine circular thread carries the facetted hour-markers and separates the minute track on the fixed dial. 

The date is displayed at 12 o'clock in a date window adorned with a trapezoid-shaped appliqué that reinforces the vintage style of this model.. 

For improved readability in darker environments, the skyscraper-style hour and minute hands, along with four hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12o'clock, are coated with Super-LumiNova.

The power reserve is revealed on two rotating discs in the centre of the dial. Invented by Longines and used exclusively by the brand, this one-of-a-kind system places the power reserve indicator on the central uncoiling disc.

Shaped like a baton widened at the top, it indicates the movement’s depletion level on the external coiling disc, graduated from ‘64’ to ‘0’, thereby revealing the watch's remaining running time.

When the watch is wound, either by turning the crown or moving the wrist, the outer graduated disc turns clockwise until the reserve has been fully restored. If the watch is wound beyond the reserve, the two discs turn simultaneously clockwise by the same value.

When the reserve is running low, the central disc turns clockwise and indicates the number of hours remaining on the disc.

Visible through the transparent screw-down case back, the new Longines L896.5 calibre is equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components to guarantee a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard, according to which a watch must resist exposure to a direct current magnetic field of 4800 A/m, maintaining its accuracy.

Created specifically for this model, this self-winding movement operates at a frequency of 3.5 Hz (25,200 vibrations per hour) with autonomy of up to 72 hours. Finishes include perlage, Geneva stripes for the central oscillating mass, and golden engravings. 

The elegant tone of this model is completed by an alligator leather strap, secured to the wrist by a steel pin buckle featuring the brand's logo.

A watch that will undoubtedly delight longtime fans of the brand and attract new enthusiasts, the latest addition to the Conquest Heritage line boasts a classic style with a touch of originality, thanks to its one-of-a-kind power reserve indicator, creating a fascinating choreography that suggests the effect of the passage of time.

The new Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, whether with champagne (ref. L1.648.4.78.2), anthracite (ref. L1.648.4.62.2) or black dial (ref. L1.648.4.52.2), is priced at Euro 4,300 (including VAT) / US$ 3,800 (excluding local sales taxes). longines.com