Longines GMT Faceoff: Spirit Zulu Time 39mm vs. Hydroconquest GMT

[@stocksxbondage]

Wearing my Zulu time now Edit: Living with the quick release bracelet is a game changer! Rushing out the house late but want to swap your strap? No worries. I used to have to just grab a different watch entirely. And as far as micro adjustment goes, I keep a toothpick in my phone case so I can change micro adjustment quickly too. Best of both worlds. No more spring bars flying across the room…

[@FS-zn9xe]

Me2

[@david12990]

Same wearing my blue dial Zulu.

[@kinderwaff]

I wear a sim card ejection tool as a necklace ornament. Not only can I eject my sim cards, but it doubles down as a bracelet adjuster

[@stocksxbondage]

@@kinderwaff this is the kinda content I want: everyday watch hacks

[@mr0ptimistic]

I thought I was alone in the sim tool trick...for me, i discovered it out of pure desperation while traveling from cold to hot weather and no way to adjust my bracelet...until the sim tool slipped out of my backpack and *light bulb* @@kinderwaff

[@Jazzbeau]

I love these vids as much for the snappy and borderline snarky dialogue as anything, but they're always interesting and informative, too!

[@thedarknightmedic6187]

I wonder how those watches look on a 7 inch wrist.

[@YoureTerrific]

We'll never know.

[@alanplays4697]

3:07

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Toblerone, Tanqueray, and Longines... that's a good time right there.

[@luisaguilar7997]

Yes

[@vostok2360]

I’d say Tissot is more of a toblerone duty free brand.

[@kalyansapsd1]

…and posters of Bollywood actresses wearing these…I used to think that these are some exclusive ladies watches 😂

[@gorannikolic2061]

Hahaha you dont find Longines on duty free on airport, its a good watch from heritage from 1823 year, omg what are you talking about you dobt know a esence of watches, dont talk about something you dont know, better to learn first before you say something so stupid like this 😂😂😂

[@mkyhou1160]

I had the 42 Zulu time in blue. Ended up selling it. The male end link wasn’t very nice, my main issue with it.

[@tngchinghwa]

actually same reason with the 39, wears large on my 6.5 inch wrist

[@Collector-k6y]

I had the HC GMT 41 and sold it for the Zulu 39. I have a 18cm (7in) wrist. Couldn't be happier! The HC is cool in its own right, but I feel some work needs to be done to make it optimal. Wearability: while the bracelet of the HC is comfortable, with its sliding half clasp, the case sits like a block on the wrist. The bracelet falls from the case in a pretty sharp way and, since the lugs are not curved, the overall impression is that the watch doesn't hug the wrist harmonically. It either dangles on your radius and ulna, or you have to move it backwards and it becomes a very stiff wear. It's not much heavier than the Zulu on paper, but it most certainly feels so! It's a watch you remember wearing, especially in the heat of summer. The bracelet is of great quality, so as the crown and the way the metal is treated. The bezel action is trash compared to the zulu: a rusty door vs silk. As far as the dial, it's a matter of taste. I'm not bothered by shapes, quite the opposite! But the hour hand may be too much and the hands are both VERY polished and shiny compared to the rest. The square date window, I find, could benefit from a little redesign. Overall, they should make it in 39 and definitely consider some improvements. They should also make it COSC certified! I don't see why the Zulu is and this not. As far as the Zulu, for me perfect wearability, almost perfect design and amazing specs. The matte dial is a matter of taste! I find it gives the perfect variety in a small collection and allows space for another black dial watch.

[@timetowatch_francois]

"... longuinesss ..." 😂👍🏼 You surprised me with that last one and I had to give you a chuckle. You deserved it.

[@cjsolarmusic]

I think the Zulu time is more for enthusiasts where the hydro is more for dudes who want a sub but don’t wanna play games/save money. Wish the Zulu had micro adjust on the fly but otherwise if I was in market for a gmt I’d def be considering it

[@bodrulm1]

You might be right. The Zulu is more subtle, for one who appreciates detail and different reflections off the various parts - bezel, dial, numerals etc The Hydro is toolish and does what it says on the tin.

[@shuycg]

The Spirit collection is great. That case design is the best they've done. Probably ever.

[@Dialandhands]

I own a Hydroconquest GMT in blue, on the bracelet and absolutely love it!! I bought it over the zulu time because it was just blue. It didn’t have red or orange accents and it had the tool free micro adjust clasp. Also, really like the new case and dial design! It annoys me that they don’t just use the same clasp on all of their watches. The Hydroconquest is lesser expensive but has a better clasp. Even on the new 39mm legend diver they didn’t use the clasp style from the Hydroconquest, it makes zero sense. …Evan, lug width is 21mm on the Zulutime😉

[@tngchinghwa]

picking a watch because of adjustable clasp makes zero sense. i live in the tropics region where its easy for my wrist to expand due to heat, yet i adjust my bracelets less than 5 times a year, and i own both adjustable and old school pin clasp

[@shawnholloway2410]

Great! I decided I do not buy watches without on the fly bracelet adjustment. If a micro brand can do it for a $600 watch, then all luxury brands should have it.

[@WatchesBeAwesome]

Grand Seiko - we're looking at you!😂

[@megamastah]

Same here, plus a 70 hr power reserve.

[@richardvanfrank8114]

I agree.

[@DBR6464]

100%, I've been eyeing this watch since it came out but the lack of quick adjustments keeps in on the fence. I recently bought the Traska GMT for a fraction of the price

[@shawnholloway2410]

@@DBR6464 I just rebought the TRASKA Freediver and about to buy the RZE Resolute Pro. Both around $600 and have great adjustable bracelets. It just irritates me, even my new Rolex explorer two does not have a good. Only gives 5mm, it is better than nothing but still.

[@clubsportlarry4835]

Brilliant writing and editing mate. So funny and well thought out.

[@remus2001]

Small correction at 2:20: the lug width of the 39mm Spirit Zulu is 21mm, not 20mm.

[@Orthodoc007]

Bought a couple watches from Exquisite Timepieces in the past 3 months. Planning to buy the Hydroconquest GMT from them before Christmas!

[@isthmuses]

Thanks for a great video as usual! Just a note at [2:21] that the Spirit Zulu Time actually uses 21mm lug width.

[@maclo97]

Babe wake up, YoureTerrific just dropped a new video!

[@AndyAdventuring]

I went to the AD to purchase the 39mm Zulu Time and walked out with the 42mm. The combination of flat lugs, short lugs, protruding caseback, and the shape of my wrist made the 39mm look like it was floating on my wrist. This is definitely a watch you'll want to try on before buying.

[@Dazulolwarrior]

Yeah, I thought the 42 would be too big for my wrist but it ends up being the perfect fit. Also same sentiments regarding the 39

[@timothyvunvun]

Me too. Went for the LLD 39 or the HC GMT but ended up with a Zulu 42. You simply need to get it on the wrist and get the feel of it. The Zulu 42 strangely felt a lot more luxurious compared to others i tried.

[@tngchinghwa]

agreed, such a pretty watch but those male endlinks didnt help, doesnt seem to sit perfectly on my 6.5inch wrist

[@andrewbaker3855]

Really glad to hear that! I bought the blue 42mm and 4 months later they release the 39mm. I was annoyed to say the least. Glad to hear there are drawbacks. One question though, anyone else HATE the bracelet? I've been wanting to get a leather strap but they're always out of stock (also, $365? C'mon Longines!)

[@timothyvunvun]

@@andrewbaker3855 i have an artem sailcloth green on the way. The bracelet is nice but I just need some variety.

[@simonyu8838]

I picked up a 39 mm Zulu Time a month ago. I'm not really a vintage watch guy, but something about the design just kept speaking to me even after getting a Mistflake a year before. I was able to write off the Zulu Time for a while due to the original size being too big for me but the moment the 39 mm was announced my wallet started feeling nervous. The GMT movement really put them on the radar for a lot of people who used to not pay much attention to them, including me, but it does feel like they have something really special now.

[@mr0ptimistic]

Hydroconquest is growing on me. I wish the date window at 3-o'clock was a hole punch rather than square window which would be more symmetrical with the indices at '6' and '9'. Terrific video.

[@jwillwork3683]

this

[@LectioDivina33]

Wearing my Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT in Black now. Thanks for listening to my request for this comparison Your Terrific! The quick release had also been a game changer for me. I now have the stainless steel bracelet, Navy Blue Waffle FKM rubber strap, Royal Blue Silicone strap, Royal Blue Crocodile & leather strap and just received an Azure Blue FKM rubber strap. Love the ability to quickly change the look of this beautiful looking watch without having to buy another watch! Go Longines! ❤❤❤

[@Not_Mark_Twain]

Other fine review -- thanks. I have owned both the 41mm and the 39mm Zulu Time on both bracelet and leather. The QR makes strap changes easy. Strong agree that the bracelet needs microadjust ESPECIALLY since the leather strap HAS microadjust exactly like the rubber strap does for the badly named HydroConquest. The problem with the microadjust on the Zulu leather strap however is that it extends when you do not want it to. It slips. Not hard to send it clicking back to a shorter position, but it would be better if it did not slip (and I owned two of these -- both slipped). But otherwise, Zulu is a super GMT. Wears better than the Tudor, which is fat. I like them better than the Grand Seiko GMTs, but not everyone will. And five stars is a Longines trademark for its best movements. I believe that all the Spirit watches have them. A feature, not a bug.

[@itsgarydevlin]

Saw a new avatar in your profile - got confused. Fresh tho!

[@Mackster248]

as always your video/photography work is top notch. longines has a few models i always tell myself that i want to try out, just can't get myself to pull the trigger

[@mikep197]

Great stuff! Your sense of humor and delivery is perfect for this. Interesting, informative, and funny! Work on that wiggle

[@luke_knight23]

I have about a 6.5 in wrist and when I tried on the 39mm Zulu time yesterday at a jeweler, it seemed weirdly small.

[@dc7442]

When I saw your picture on your avatar, I had to think of what channel this was. If there was a picture of a 7 inch wrist, I would have know right away.

[@topangacailah]

Thank you for making high quality videos!Love AMZWATCH ’s watches

[@harryhillyer940]

I love seeing the same clasp that formex uses because it really is brilliant, but dexel being owned by Raphael Granito’s family makes sense why he got the clasps first. Beautiful watches here.

[@DrRC84]

Your humor is on point. Your videos often have me LOL-ing. We could be friends

[@thepartrain]

U know what I love about this channel (that I just found btw)? Is you give your honest opinion. Most other channels just give the same specs. BRB binging the rest of the channel (hoping u did a video on the new IWC ingenieur…)

[@milanchristi7939]

Fun review! Points well made. I've got four Longines and really love them all.

[@stevenbrier5802]

I was going to buy the 42 mm, but now I'm torn! Guess I'll have to just go to an AD and just wear both. One question, what brand is the olive shirt in the video??? Sharp look.

[@hafidmohadi8811]

does the watch bracelet interchangeable? between spirit and hydroconquest

[@henkrpe3249]

The issue with Longines is that they could make it perfect, but they don't because then people won't have a reason to buy Omega. Hence the mish mash of shapes on the hydroconquest, the 5/5 Yelp rating on the zulu time, the wiggle, and the bracelet weirdness... Also, isn't the date location just where they cut the hole in the dial, rather than differences in the movement?

[@johnmoyer9719]

The lack of tool less micro adjust is the one thing that has prevented me from buying a 42 mm Zulu. I have it on most of my watches....either factory or 18mm aftermarket and the watches that don't have it or don't have aftermarket options available just don't get worn. Maybe I'm weird but my wrist swells and contracts enough during the course of a day that I adjust the length of the band on the watch I'm wearing several times every day.

[@MrGeirSteinar]

Totally agree on the stars - The HydroConquest is my pick, for what it’s worth, and I think there’s a 39 mm version of that one as well 👍

[@ChewXuan-o4d]

I think they will 🤔

[@Vess_Iossifov]

Thanks for the video! Unfortunately the 39mm Zulu time has 21mm between the lugs....

[@FS-zn9xe]

Correct. Glad you mentioned it, so I do not have to

[@remus2001]

All the previous Spirit models had date windows at 3. So heritage cannot explain why it moved the date window to 3 for the Spirit Zulu but not for the Hydroconquest GMT.

[@marcusedcofficial]

The Dive/Time GMT is super cool, but i'll take the versatility and legibility of the GMT function on the Zulu Time. Great video!

[@endusima]

I'm pretty sure the Zulu Time 39 is 21mm lugwidth?

[@AHStein-zo6jj]

Says 21mm on the Longines website.

[@BM-si2ei]

I discovered the whole 'thing' about the GMT wiggle when I was researching Explorer II's to purchase a few years back. Even for a ridiculous hobby with insane hobbyists analyzing the most mundane details of a silly piece of man jewelry, caring about the GMT hand jumping a bit when you adjust the hour hand is a bridge too far for me.

[@YoureTerrific]

I'm with you. If you want perfection, get a digital watch.

[@Jdinaz]

I like Exquisite Timepieces. They operate fairly and have good communications. I’ve traded with them and am pretty sure I’ll be buying more from them. These are nice watches. Great video.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I've tried both on wrist, same straps/bracelet combo seen here too. The HydroConquest is comfortable. The hour design doesn't bother me too much, but you're right to call out the flatness of the hands as looking cheap. People give Seiko a hard time about their prices, but their much cheaper (yet still not "cheap") watches have beveled hands. They definitely class up the joint, and we need it. Thanks for voicing every enthusiast's frustration with the bracelet details. Why Longines? So close, yet so far. As for the Zulu Time, these look great and the 39mm variant is a winner. For those that insist on a bigger watch for their perfectly sized 7 inch wrist, the 42mm is available.

[@RedwoodAggie]

@@IDKline If I had an 8 inch wrist, I'd definitely go with the 42mm Zulu Time over the 39. There's always the Longines Legend Diver 42 for a little bigger size diver.

[@mitchmatic8029]

nice vid and delivery. I have the green dial HQ and Zulu Hodinkee version in Titanium w/Ti bezel. Love them both.

[@word42069]

how much would you like for the titanium?

[@samson5767]

Have you considered taking your show on the road?

[@YoureTerrific]

Depends on which road.

[@roycedot]

There seems to be a price band gap with high quality watches from micro brands and Mido, Tissot available for under $1,200 and then the next level being Longines, Tudor, Oris at $2500+ - excluding micro brands overpricing them SW300, SW330 watches for $2k

[@ArthurFShelby]

I wrote off multiple modern Longines from my desired list on account of those stars. Great video!

[@drkesrf]

Interesting. I love the stars. Why is it offputtint? They represent the chronometer

[@ArthurFShelby]

@@drkesrf For some reason they stand out too much on the dial, to my eyes. I'm glad they are liked by other people though!

[@Porsche9284ever]

Totally love the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in the Hodinkee edition. Amazing watch, perfect design - for me. But since I‘m a watch snob I will never get myself this Longines but pay 3 times the price for a Rolex Explorer II. Great video, bud 👍

[@YoureTerrific]

Reasonably unreasonable. Same.

[@CosmicPipe]

Watch snob = A victim of the luxury watch confidence scam.

[@bikeman123]

Love the Zulu time, especially the Hoodinkee version. But the Hydroconquest with its gmt and a divers bezel is bizarre.

[@abhinavv04]

These are gods of watchmaking. People who invented a GMT movement. Fly Back Chronograph. Oldest and the first. Brand logo. Ever. Longines. Respect to them.

[@justintsang6119]

Comparison with Seiko's MM200 GMT (SPB381/383/385) next! Also would like to pre-order a copy of Subtle & Confusing - let us know when it drops!

[@abhinavv04]

Why does the gmt hand shake or move. While setting the hour hand. Is that normal ?

[@overkillbliss6535]

I can't decide...who's more entertaining: YT or MWC? Great work.

[@YoureTerrific]

Who is MWC and why are they obviously worse than me?

[@overkillbliss6535]

@@YoureTerrific Mad Watch Collector

[@stevens1041]

Longines is great. One could do worse, among brands. For me, the Legend Diver was the watch that made me aware of the brand. Buddy I worked with had it, let me try it on and even wear it. I was impressed, for a brand I completely never heard of. He told me it was popular in China (a place he liked to travel to often), so maybe that's why it sells well but I don't see it often in my country.

[@danwolfe7665]

What is that shirt you’re wearing? I like it.

[@theoverlord1925]

Would have been nice to know the weight of the Hydro Conquest GMT. I like the overall look and they got the price almost right except that I personally would have charged a little more and have it COSC certified keeping it under 3 grand . I also dislike the 21 mm lugs, why ? 20 mm or 22 mm is the way to go , 21 mm screams “ we want you to buy ours straps at a premium “ . The Zulu time is nice but too heavy for me at 147 gr , should be no more than the BB 58 at around 135 gr. I agree 100% with regards to the clasps on the bracelets , one better clasp for both models makes sense.

[@lucioledizerot196]

Not related to these specific models, but I've had the Spirit Titanium 40mm for a year, and I still think it's one of the best releases of the last few years

[@Jcauto-t4r]

I have the Zulu in green 41mm and love it ! I also have the previous Hydroconquest but I’ll get te new one.

[@ryanm9554]

Lawngene, that's how I pronounce it anyway(springle in a twang for fun at parties). Really love the Zulu time! I own the 40mm spirit in blue and it's a really wonderful watch. I'm keen to try the 39mm zulu on my 7.3" wrist. I did own the blue 42 zulu for a short time and really loved it, but didn't see the need for 2 blue spirits. I also agree that I would really love a spirit zulu with a timing bezel instead of the 24hr bezel. I really don't have a need for a 3rd time zone (like ever), especially with a jumping local hour hand and 24hr hand (that's 2 already and much easier to read than a bezel). I do however have a need to time things a regular basis (ok, maybe not need, more like want?).

[@slick5favorite]

The Hydro gmt looks great and the price point is not just silly in comparison to Omega & Tudor. I need to check both of these out at an AD.

[@UltraDoug]

Yeah I feel the same about Longines. What is that? I’ve owned two, about to sell the 2nd one simply because it doesn’t get the wrist time it should compared to my other watches in a humble 6 piece collection. I dunno, there’s some sort of missing ‘X’ factor I guess.

[@dspserpico]

Longines is a brand with great heritage. Started off as lancemakers in Judea in the first century AD.

[@chriskim7123]

Waiting for hydroconquest to come out with 38~39mm size next year

[@hoss6048]

8 1/4 wrist here..the bigger watch looks proportionate but isn’t always as comfortable

[@maxtelero4904]

Bought the bronze gmt. Had both Zulu and hydro on my wrist. And the bronze just blew me away. Longines are on point

[@sadaka201]

The Hydroconquest GMT does it for me!

[@oldsnwbrdr]

Longines has a very cool quartz GMT that I was interested in but could never find anywhere.

[@Amplitudeproblem]

What's the name of the turtle?

[@hellohippoh]

Watching with my 39mm titanium zulu! It's (as you mentioned) a better sized version of the black bay pro that's more suitable for travel (light) and with that sweet rotating bezel (which they invented almost a century ago!)

[@domoel]

You are so lucky. Want to have the hodinkee version but out of stock and forever gone. 😢

[@TimRobertsen]

6:35 - I've already put in a pre-order.. 2 pre-orders (in all honesty), because I read with both eyes

[@SniperMan5858]

Why compare the 39 and 41?! Wouldn't the 41 and 42 be a better comparison?!

[@timyoungnc]

Would love to see a red and blue bezel on hydroconquest.

[@Jazzman12792]

Wait. but whats your wrist size?

[@MDSkai]

The Zulu time is just so stunning to me

[@sage9743]

I went to my AD ready to give them my money for the 39mm Zulu but found the lug to lug closer to 50ish mm. Unfortunately a little too big for my puny little wrists so I left with my money still in my pocket.

[@ozzy1154]

When will a non-microbrand make a 36mm GMT?

[@YoureTerrific]

Hmm, that’s a reasonable request and I can’t think of a watch that fulfills it. Damn.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

Toblerone, Tanqueray and Longines… Amazing

[@joes8134]

Longines did good. Always wanted to like the Hydro but those previous gen crown guards were hideous. This watch is so much cleaner. Longines has been on a roll lately!

[@ali83]

You killed me with that Lon-gi-ness

[@andrewbaker3855]

ID Guy nailed it, the Hydoconquest has too many SHAPES. Rectangles, circles, triangles, diamonds, OH MY!

[@shuycg]

I'm just waiting for a 39 Flyback Spirit or a 37 Pioneer ( titanium, time only ). Or both. I'd buy both actually.

[@deannoble673]

I have the Spirit Zulu 39mm with the blue dial. I thought you would want to know that. You should see how it plays with the light. And I'm not embarrassed to say that I like the stars on the dial. Almost all of them. The Hydroconquest? Meh. But Longines I think they are doing some pretty good things right now. Pretty pretty good.

[@simonwright6882]

I've always felt the same way about the hydroconquest handset. They improved every thing else but stuck with this minging set of hands.

[@jordanwolk6532]

Good receiew, thanks, because I’m the way, I don’t like watches that are sold in let’s say Macy’s, but the Zulu has been on my radar. You must watch curb your enthusiasm with last line

[@scollyutube]

Titanium 39mm Hydroconquest now please. Perfect holiday watch.

[@qbaneando]

I believe the correct pronunciation is LAWN-GUINNESS. Like, "it's a lovely day for a Longines." -YoureWelcome

[@YoureTerrific]

🍻

[@dingodave3966]

Evan, you clarified something for me pal. The flat hands (on any watch) it does cheapen the look for me also. Silly little things, huh.

[@YoureTerrific]

Yep. Looks cheap and makes them less visible at different angles.

[@Guuulj]

I feel the same about Hydroconqueror hands.

[@UnseenHero]

Gotta see that high quality wiggle now.

[@YoureTerrific]

🕺

[@desertwurm]

BB Pro or Longines Zulu?

[@YoureTerrific]

For me? Neither, clearly.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

Nice I like both Thorough review Thoroughly good Lon guiness Long gynaes Lon geeens Long eye ns Lunge jeans Long genes

[@arisaga822]

One thing I just can’t dig about the new hydroconquest is the mixture of batons and circles for the indices. The previous model looked much better with just circles - in my humble opinion.

[@dylvasey]

Love the Zulu Time, but buying one means losing a ridiculous amount of it to deprecation should you ever want to move it on.

[@FS-zn9xe]

Go for it! Zulu is a keeper

[@dylvasey]

Agreed. @@IDKline

[@brettgosper6003]

Longines are killing it with their designs of late

[@jennyfromjapan]

trust me - i always come back for the 7" wrist and i still wasn't ready for it 🙈

[@dhmy2kgto]

Prefer the Zulu. Apart from the hour hand on the Hydroconquest, the indices also don't really sit well.... Nailed that brand name though!

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Great vid. Prefer the Zulu out of the two. More of a classy, vintage vibe to them. If only they didn’t have those naff 5 stars on the dial.

[@TheCdM1981]

My rule of thumb with Longines and ETA whether it’s considered in house or not in regard to movement is if it’s exclusive to Longines it’s in house. Period. Lastly the reason you gave for Longines and duty free shops at airports. I assume you mean watch stores there. In that sense Rolex can be found at some of those stores too. So there goes that reason.

[@bnick25352535]

Bought my Zulu Time 39 for 2300 new from WatchMaxx.For that price can't go wrong.

[@gordtulk]

Checked out the hydro very closely. Bezel action was awful. And the way the watch fit on my wrist - the watch bottom is very flat - was not good (7.5 inch wrist. No sale. Too bad. Because gmt with diver bezel is an excellent setup