Longines reimagines a unique CONQUEST model for the collection’s 70th anniversary.
To mark the 70th anniversary of its emblematic CONQUEST collection, Longines is presenting the new CONQUEST HERITAGE CENTRAL POWER RESERVE, inspired by an iconic model from the late 1950s. Unique in the world of watchmaking, its power reserve is displayed on rotating discs in the centre of the dial. Available in champagne, anthracite or black, this singular timepiece testifies to the brand’s technical excellence and timeless elegance.
An evocation of daring and of creative spirit, the Conquest collection was the first Longines watch line to have its name protected, in 1954, by the Federal Intellectual Property Office in Berne (Switzerland). Self-winding and water resistant from the outset, the Conquest line has always been associated with the world of sport and achievement. Symbolising this spirit of conquest, the collection was expanded in 1959 to include a model with a one-of-a-kind power reserve indicator, consisting of two rotating discs located in the centre of the dial.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Conquest collection (1954-2024), Longines is reimagining this classic with the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve. A striking tribute to the historic model, the power reserve is revealed on two rotating discs in the centre of the dial. This unique process, invented by Longines and used exclusively by the brand, places the power reserve indicator on the central uncoiling disc. In the shape of a baton widened at the top, it indicates the movement’s depletion level on the external coiling disc, graduated from ’64’ to ‘O’. It reveals the balance of power-reserve hours available, or in other words, the watch’s remaining running time. Rewinding can be done either by turning the crown or moving the wrist, causing the coiling disc to rotate. The aesthetics of the dial thus change continuously, creating an original poetic effect of the passage of time. This innovative mechanism echoes the long history of Longines watches with rotating discs, such as the hour-angle models developed for the aeronautical industry in the late 1920s.
Available in champagne, anthracite or black, the three-part dial of the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is edged on its fixed part by twelve yellow gold-coloured, rose gold coloured or silver-coloured applied facetted hour markers. 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. Another feature of this model is that the date is displayed at 12 o’clock in a date window decorated with a trapezoid-shaped applique. Like the hour markers whose colours they adopt, the unusual skyscraper-style hour and minute hands are coated with Super LumiNova®.
Demonstrating the watchmaking expertise and timeless elegance of the winged hourglass brand, the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is powered by the new exclusive Longines l.896.5 calibre, visible via the transparent screw-down case back. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, this self-winding mechanical movement offers a magnetic resistance up to ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard.
The completely redesigned 38 mm steel case, with alternating satin-finished and polished surfaces, is topped by a box sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The lugs have also been redesigned for optimum ergonomics and comfort.
The Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is available with black or grey leather straps, fitted with a new steel pin buckle, in common with the latest models in the Conquest Heritage line.