The Longines HydroConquest ISN'T so great in 2024.

[@Studat]

I have the blue 43mm and absolutely love the Hydroconquest. It's a tank of a watch with a beautiful fit and finish.

[@pietbrookman1927]

I own the Longines for more than 12 years. A watch that will never let you down. Super robust and reliable as well as versatile to every outfit.

[@nextonthewrist]

I can't disagree with that 🙂👍

[@madprod3696]

La mienne est partie en sav au bout d’une semaine depuis je l’ai vendu et bien remplacé

[@RadicallyGreen]

I am debating should I get that or a s Steinhart. I had an aluminum bezel Hydroconquest and I wasn't happy with it.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@RadicallyGreen I would go with the Longines or an Oris Aquis. Reason is that Steinhart is not an original design and the case they use causes the watch to sit very flat on the wrist.

[@benjamingruen6820]

I have the 41mm HC and I absolutely love it. I bought it with the rubber bracelet but purchased the bracelet separately. My bracelet fits perfectly for some reason. I even thought to myself how good it fit. Thanks for the video though.

[@nextonthewrist]

I would get a good fit if I wasn't between the link and final hole of micro adjust, guess it's a bit of bad luck combined with missing 1 extra micro hole 😆...I will buy the rubber for next summer, I think it looks immense on the rubber 😎🙌

[@Watchmade]

My Longines journey also started with the HC gen 1 in 39mm and I moved over to gen 2 in 41mm. But something was telling me that the brand can offer more. So I got the Record 38.5, switched to Saint Imier 38.5 and also bought the Conquest 38. These type of models are more „Longines“ to me.

[@joshleonard2919]

I would have to say I agree with you. It's like looking at a car from 5-10 years ago and comparing it to a more recent design. It's missing features and the finishing associated with more recent Longines releases.

[@EdmundPorter-ju8kd]

I live in St Louis, grew up in Saskatoon. I have 3 Hamilton’s, though no diver and like them all. You make good points and I bet Longines you showed is due for a refresh. Longines has been updating and adding lots last few years. I also wish Certina was more visible here too. Really nowhere at all to see one in the metal.

[@nextonthewrist]

100% it's very annoying that swatch seem to have decided certina are the brand for European retailers only 😩 we should have access to all the swatch brands 😎 cheers for stopping by 🍻

[@DatamarkSystemsSL-Spain]

I have the steel 41 mm and I agree that there are a couple main lacks in it; the bracelet quality and confort is low and there is no loom. But in general terms is a very high quality watch for the money as it is around 1300€ retail at this point. I also put an eye in the Hamilton as I agree is much value for good price, but I recently bought a Khaki Expedition as I have a lot of divers in my collection and the Expedition offers me some different. Great review. Thanks.

[@GoTerpsGoBlue]

Own the 39 ceramic. I love the distinctive design. It’s a durable tank with very precise movement. My only complaint is the clasp…functional but not befitting the rest of the watch which exudes better quality

[@nextonthewrist]

The original design - distinctive - great choice of wording by the way, is absolutely a strong point 😎👍

[@GoTerpsGoBlue]

@@nextonthewrist yup…if they put the updated Hydro GMT bracelet on original Hydro…chefs kiss!

[@D76-z2h]

I only buy dive watches and have the blue ceramic and Blue/Gold editions of the hydroconquest. Also have a few captain cooks, Oris Aquis and Superoceans to compare it with on a daily basis. Agreed all the others are far more refined around the crown guards and lugs. The clasp is really awkward to open too. Definitely was a surprise at first, but with that stunning face and colours that really pop, it's slightly industrial feel compared all the others gives it a charm and character that has really grown on me. It sort of reminds me that it is after all a piece of machinery on my wrist and thus has a soul that to me gives it a certain something. Will be interesting to try the GMT and if there's a new version of the Hydoconquest released, obviously try that.However can see me looking to pick up an outgoing black faced model if they become discounted unless the newer model really blows it away.

[@nextonthewrist]

Enioyed reading your comments - can't argue with anything, it's a nice perspective on the shortcomings. Sometimes the more flawed the item the easier it is to bond with, weird how it can work. Have a great weekend and thank you for sharing 😎🍻

[@dadmodswatches]

Probably my favourite Longines model

[@jschoenzy9416]

I enjoyed this review. I think it's more attractive than the Hamilton IMO. I hope it gets an update.

[@EEE_MMM]

Premium Swiss alternatives for this one? Mido Ocean Star, you can even get the GMT for less than the Longines. Closer to the price of the Longines (at least here in this country) you can find the Rado Captain Cook. Both of these I would prefer over the Longines, regardless of price. If you're willing to go preowned, a Tag Heuer Aquaracer is also an option.

[@nextonthewrist]

I have the ocean star tribute on right now - cracking watch and I have had the ocean star chronograph previously...such good watches. Gmt also as you rightly point out, great shouts. I realised as I was uploading the video I should've at least demonstrated the MIDO adjustable clasp in this video as another point but always something I think of afterwards 😆 rado make some stunning pieces too... thank you for the comments 😎🍻

[@nicotorres5867]

Hey! Just want to say awesome review! Great points that you have raised. Thank you!

[@nextonthewrist]

Thank you appreciate the kind words 👍

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Great video as always. Ive owned the 41mm and it wears large on my 7 inch wrist. I would re buy this watch in the 39mm black dial older model with the red tip on the seconds hand. I’m definitely liking aluminum bezel over ceramic, I love the warmth and more retro look it gives. 😊😊😊😊. I would recommend this watch at around $1000.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

The movement on these are spectacularly decorated!!!!!

[@nextonthewrist]

Yep agreed, I paid just over $1k for this version and I'm happy at this price. I wish someone would make a caseback mod for it so we could see it 🫣...cheers as always chief for stopping by 😎🍻

[@GRAAL21]

Hope they upgrade the hydro soon, i am holding to my money for it, i want to add longines to my collection but my Christopher Ward Trident Pro C60 is years ahead in terms of attention to details and feel, i just can`t spend more money for worst quality on the actual hydro...the best thing about it is the movement.

[@marcelodelpuerto395]

I love the Longines Spirit line but I can't get over the imbalance of the date window. If this were 40 or 39mm and the date at 4 or 6, it would be a very nice watch.

[@johnswatchjoint]

Great job buddy. Longines make two of my favourites..The Spirit in 37mm and the Conquest 38mm. Unfortunately their other models drown me but the quality is awesome 😊

[@nextonthewrist]

Cheers chief, good to hear from you 😎🍻... I gotta say I really like the spirit a lot as well, have come close to buying the champagne dial a few times as its such a beaut 🔥

[@PurebredInnovator]

I own the blue and gold PVD version of the ceramic bezel Hydroconquest and despite its many flaws (some of which were mentioned in your video) it is still one of my favourite watches. I have many dive watches and this model is by far the slimmest, so I can wear it with my dress shirts if needed. Also, despite many people not liking the crown and crown guards I think it makes the hydroconquest rather unique (like the helium escape vale on the Omega Seamaster Professional). It is also one of my more accurate automatic watches too. It beats the pants off my Seikos and Bulova watches which barely get any wear anymore because of this watch. It has also made me a fan of the brand. Looking at the Spirit Zulu Time, Ultra Chron, Master Collection models now. Some of them are so well done. That being said, I don't like the clasp, it is the worst thing about the watch and it feels cheap. Also, it needs push button microadjust now. It appears that the new clasp on the GMT is a major improvement. I would go so far as to switch out the entire bracelet for a newer one with an upgraded clasp. I like this watch enough to keep it, though. Overall, I think Longines is a great brand and I feel you get very good quality without jumping into Omega pricing. Longines now is where Omega was 15-20 years ago.

[@nextonthewrist]

I can't disagree with anything you've said really it pretty much echoes my sentiments, the movement and subsequent accuracy is a strong point. There's a lot to like, but until it gets a refresh I think it's only fair to point out the obvious shortcomings, which wouldn't have been so noticeable when the Hydroconquest was released quite a while back now - just things never stand still so it's to be expected I guess that the oldest watches feel the most dated. These things don't stop me enjoying it, and hopefully that comes across when I talk about the positives and my experience on wrist. I also have a love for unique crown guards - the Hamilton I demonstrated, the Longines as you point out ...I used to have a Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon that was another cool one. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views, enjoyed the read 🙂🍻

[@sivanstar]

Certina ds action diver all day long! I own the 43 (certified diver) with the aluminum bezel. Only 2 drawbacks, some play in the bezel but when it locks in, it doesnt move and male end links. I have a larger wrist and i got mine through a sale with my local watch club for a great price. I also have the ph200, Himalaya special edition, DS+ (which is awesome) and the Ds trust. The issue with Certina is marketing but if you own one.. you just know..

[@nextonthewrist]

Great to hear - I really want to try one soon, consider it firmly on the list. I remember Certina was pretty popular when I lived in Europe but seems less popular since migrating across the pond. May have to order from a bit further afield when the time comes 😎🙌

[@nlytnlyt6644]

The Ceramic bezel is a major plus over the Hamilton too I think you overlooked that. I think the hydroconquest reviewed here is the last of the previous iteration design ethos of the brand before its recent Conquest design overhall which we have seen recently with the conquest, hydroconquest-GMT, and conquest heritage CPR. For a more current Longines diver (that’s not the epic legend diver) you should check out the Hydroconquest GMT, Major design improvements in every metric and I reckon more indicative of what will be following throughout the rest of the hydroconquest range going forward into 2025 and beyond.

[@nextonthewrist]

Did you watch the video all the way to the end? I did summarise exactly that point r.e the newly released gmt being the perfect upgrade that this older model needs 🫣...appreciate the view and comments though 😎🍻

[@nlytnlyt6644]

@@nextonthewrist yeah I was typing as I was watching but by that time I’d got to the end I’d invested too much time in what I had written to back down lol. I’d still recommend a viewing them though.

[@nlytnlyt6644]

Although I wonder if that makes the point of the video a bit redundant? “This watch needs updated …also it’s been updated”

[@nextonthewrist]

I don't think so - it looks like the 3 hand is still waiting for an update. Based on the fact Longines here in Canada is still directly selling this model through their online store and ADs I assume they also view them as two separate pieces - GMT and 3 hand diver. If they were replacing the 3 hander it would normally also be reported in the articles at launch for the GMT. I am expecting and hoping for an update to this model too at some point soon, based on what they've done with those lovely GMTs🤞🤞

[@garyjones5947]

Certina ds action diver 43mm feels and looks premium in the hand.

[@nextonthewrist]

So many people saying this - noted - and I will try one, thanks for taking the time to watch 😎🍻

[@AdMaiora2]

I have both and the bezel action is way better on the hydroconquest ceramic... Maybe I got a flimsy ds action...

[@Robert-vw3od]

Any watch of that Price is going to have some compromises, you are getting a lovely looking watch with a good movement and longines styling - that’s the answer to your question , you are getting that lovely styling , it’s different to the new model and you can dress it up . this is not a new design so they are not going to give you micro adjustment and the type of clasp that is slowly becoming standard today, if you want that then you will have to pay more money for the new version- I own a blackbay with the metas movement but just a couple of days ago, I saw a previous generation blackbay on a red leather strap with the smiley self winding text - and I thought to myself wow that is still a beautiful amazing watch which must be a privilege to own. they have to cut somewhere so it is going to be on the bracelet , they’ve gone with new models which have those things, but this is still a beautiful watch which represents really good value.

[@nextonthewrist]

I wouldn't use the new gmt as an excuse - the GMT is it's own series not a replacement for this. However the GMT release is a great demo of the features and upgrades this watch is screaming out for and hopefully will get soon - in my opinion there's no excuse that at the introduction of the ceramic they didn't upgrade the bracelet to be at least in line with cheaper Hamilton, MIDO and Certina watches....the experience is well within the same group and clearly at an affordable price. For me it's lazy and I hope they remedy it, but like I said don't take it personally - I still enjoy wearing mine and if you vehemently disagree with me also fair enough - I appreciate your comments and explanation of your own viewpoint. As long as you enjoy the watch that's all that ever really matters, especially not youtube watch channels. For what it's worth, I can objectively critique something with a reviewers hat on and still love it regardless 😎🍻

[@Robert-vw3od]

@@nextonthewrist 😃 do you agree with some of your points. they really should, but they won’t. they know huge amount of the public won’t question it.

[@tantu2395]

Actually I nearly pulled the trigger to this beautiful Longines before but ended up buying a Seiko turtle instead.

[@jeeperspeepers8323]

I have several Longines watches, but I wouldn’t call Longines a “luxury” brand. I do enjoy wearing them, though.

[@nextonthewrist]

That's a can of worms I refuse to open and debate, I accepted long ago that everyone has a very different definition of what luxury is so fair enough on your point 🙂👍...as enthusiasts we know the range Longines operates in as far as prices that's good enough 😅

[@RadicallyGreen]

Longines is kinda "premium" and has heritage but calling it luxury is like calling a BMW 3 a luxury car.

[@mattiasfolkesson5625]

​@@nextonthewristi think they are pretty luxury 😊 But what is luxury? Only based on price?

[@nlytnlyt6644]

Longines operates at the £1000-£5000 price bracket with more models starting to push into the £6000 bracket. They are 100% a luxury brand although it’s more specifically understood as “attainable luxury” or “entry luxury” just look at other brands in that price bracket and you’ll understand why (Tudor and Tag are probably the best non-swatch comparison). Premium components, and excellent finishing generally. You’ll start to see less Longines offerings sub £1600 going forward as well I reckon which is also on par with the rest of the luxury market. I think the OP may be confusing Luxury brands for high-horology brands such as JLC, Patek, or Lange or this new ultra-high-luxury bracket being developed by Rolex and Omega as they restructure their brands positioning in the market after the post-covid boom ends.

[@RadicallyGreen]

@@nlytnlyt6644 It's just like Seiko. Starts sub-1k but goes all the way to like 6 grand.

[@The416punchaman]

but you are wearing a calgary flames hat... haha sorry I'm an oilers fan. Love the HydroConquest! Longines is killing it, and this watch is superb! Thank you for thee video 👍

[@nextonthewrist]

Haha if it makes you feel any better, I have been to a few hockey games but can't say I'm a fan just happens to be my local team and I like the hat 😆 thanks for stopping by 😎🍻

[@larrycross4114]

can’t get over the missing number three on the dial. Looks like they didn’t finish it .

[@raffaeltondeur4537]

I would prefer the Certina DS Action 38 or 43!

[@stefanotattifrongia3612]

One of the most underrated watch out there.

[@nextonthewrist]

On my list 🙂🍻

[@raffaeltondeur4537]

@@nextonthewrist : on my wrist! 🙂

[@nikolastojanov8749]

I must admit I never got this Longines cuz I dont like the dial. The 6,9,12 markers together with all the round markers dont combine at all. A lot of design details with the case and dial just dont look good to me. They did retire this model and launched an updated one this year or last. And that one is a big improvement

[@nextonthewrist]

I can't see any updated model for the 3 hand in Canada, both the models I've shown are for sale at ADSs here brand new and directly from Longines official online store as of today. They released the gmt which I spoke about at the end of the video, is that what you're referring to? 👍

[@nikolastojanov8749]

@@nextonthewrist I just checked and you are right. I was thinki g about thenew gmt. I was sure there ia also a new 3 had watch with the same markers without numerals, but I was wrong...

[@nextonthewrist]

Hopefully soon 🙂👍

[@dissident_mantis7]

So just to be clear, these issues are corrected with the GMT?

[@nextonthewrist]

As far as I've seen from other videos - yes - but I haven't handled the new gmt myself so I reserve final judgement until that point. It does definitely have a milled outer clasp with micro adjust 🙂

[@mariog7213]

Longines will inevitably release the new HC using the GMT case

[@nextonthewrist]

Looking forward to it 😎

[@climatecypher]

Solid comparison.

[@siddhant46s54]

Worst time to buy this as an update similar to the new hydroconquest gmt is definitely on the way , which will make it so much better and get rid of those awful arabic numerals

[@tvo6453]

The Longines Hydroconquest can be bought for around $1100 USD. I bought it 3 years ago for $1000 USD. Nobody should be paying retail for a Longine.

[@nextonthewrist]

Agreed - but you can get big discounts on both the longines and the Hamilton hence the direct comparison 🙂👍

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

I have the older aluminum blue 41mm version you mentioned and regretted buying it. The crown guards are overdone and ugly. The crown position is lower, and only the underside is accessible. The dial and insert are overly busy. The lume is worse than a $60 Invicta Pro Diver. The bezel with the smooth section matching the lugs is also a bad move. The bracelet doesn't tapper which for some may not be an issue but I hate it. They obviously corrected some of these difencentsies with the newer ceramic however those ugly crown guards still exists. I paid $890 for it seven years ago and I am shocked that they still offer it today along with the newer ceramic.

[@nextonthewrist]

Yeah it definitely improved as you said in some areas but it still needs one more push in the right direction. It is so strange that they didn't discontinue the steel bezel it with the ceramic launch, especially as they're always on the grey market with huge discounts - there's surely no one still ordering the steel bezel version direct from Longines at full price...cheers for the comments 😎🍻

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

@@nextonthewristLongines has a longer history, longer than Omega and one would think it would be towards the front of the pack in the Swatch group lineup but it's not and I'm sure held back on purpose. As most know, models like the Hydroconquest are often known as a lower cost alternative to the Omega Seamaster and one can't help but wonder if they have their hands tied a bit not to outshine the flagship Seamaster. Companies do this all the time. There are $300 microbrands with superluminova that glow brighter and longer. It's a 300m dive watch with a diver's extension and this is inexcusable for a thousand dollar plus watch from a well established brand. The crown guards are horrible and It's almost like they were supplied lume 50% diluted. Rolex did it right with Tudor from the early pre 2000 days. Same case, lume, crown bracelet, the only diference was the movement which one could easily argue in favor of a ETA.

[@nextonthewrist]

@@24hourgmtchannel64 the argument against this is MIDO and Certina both manufacturer more rounded watches. I can speak personally for MIDO - great finishing, adjustable clasps, better lume (still not microbrand quality) good quality bracelet integration...and obviously the Hamilton in this video if we needed any.ore proof. For this reason it makes me wonder if it's Longines who just focused on other models - the spirit line, the hydroconquest GMT etc. and it was a conscious decision to let the hydroconquest get old... rather than to specifically blame Swatch.

[@bobwatson9290]

Date window ruins the symmetry

[@ekekonoise]

I don't understand why those huge numerals!

[@nextonthewrist]

Haha I dunno, I guess I just consider it as the classic (hydro)conquest dial 😆

[@madladdan]

This or the murph?

[@nextonthewrist]

Hmmmm hard to pick as they're really different styles of watches, ones a diver ones more field... Possibly both? 😆

[@anima201]

Go Flames!

[@ulig12]

The Longines looks so dated overall. What a difference to the Hamilton. Thanks for sharing!

[@mattiasfolkesson5625]

Or classic ? I kind of like that watches have their thing, you can see its a hydroconquest, like you can seee its a seamaster pro, luminor, daytona, defy, and so on

[@ulig12]

@@mattiasfolkesson5625 Hm… I don’t think mere recognizability is sufficient to become a classic. Is this really an outstanding timeless design or something that rather mirrors a stale taste from the past? I‘m inclining towards the latter.

[@kuanwang9107]

Design needs a refresh imo

[@danieltuval8879]

The model before this was 44 and 41,this iteration is actually 43.i bought mine about a year ago having got rid of my 2018 no date sub,which I found totally overpriced and boring, and I have to say the longines has not disappointed. I don't see why it would any different in 2024 to any year as its a very classic expensive looking diver better value than most the competitors in my opinion. It feels and looks as premium as the best available. Not sure anything more to say.only don't like that Hamilton at all and as,I say I'm comparing this watch directly to a Rolex and it feels just as premium to me.i could tell you several things about the modern sub thst disappointed me.but most of all it didn't feel like a tool watch anylonger. The longines does.also don't forget omega are also in the swatch group, I'm not sure that's a relevant point really as if you don't like omega like me you won't buy one

[@nextonthewrist]

Yep as I said - I owned the previous stainless steel bezel version in 44 and now this in 41 🙂👍 ... I'm pleased you're really enjoying yours, and when I wear mine I really quite like it as well on the wrist. Objectively I point out the issues I have with it, show clearly in a comparison and then it's always up to you the viewer to see if its something that concerns you or not - we all feel differently and judge watches on different points and pay attention to different things. I'm very much against some things that other people won't mind at all - most important is always buy what you like and wear it with pride. Enjoy it in good health 🙂👍

[@setter55]

Own the rarer full numeral dial version, first one to use the 2892 movement. Wears a bit big, lume is poor but quite a comfortable watch as it's slim. Also own a DS action diver, much better featured watch. Bracelet in particular.

[@nextonthewrist]

Lots of people suggesting the DS as a good alternative, thanks for the comments - I didn't know they had a full numeral version of the longines that's cool 😎🍻

[@kamil151]

It's definitely overpriced and out dated, don't understand why they made update but GMT only version so far. However I don't like that new Hydroconquest GMT either mainly due that weird decision of using to many different type of hourd indexes. Regarding the Certina, I have got the Certina DS Action 43mm in bicolor blue/gold color and let me tell you Certina is for me definitely the king of serious dive watches in the 1000 - 2000 euro price range. Yes it does have the same movement as the Hamilton in your video, but apart from that it's pretty different. Ceramic bezel, ISO divers certification, beautiful brushing on the case, on the fly micro extension on the clasp, nice hefty feel in the hand, it's nearly perfect, just the lume is not that good for diver. And I have jumped and swam with it in the sea with no issues too 😅

[@nextonthewrist]

So many praises for the certina all over the video comments 😎🔥...Appreciate your response, thanks for taking the time 🍻

[@devenderbutani80]

Not my cup of tea!

[@mikemorgan-swinhoe9516]

Buy the longines on a rubber strap problem solved .

[@nextonthewrist]

Yes - but you shouldn't have to at the price point.

[@rafaelacosta304]

Wrong 1000 times, Longines Hydroconquest has been the best selling diver watch for the bracket $1000-$2000 for years now. Hamilton lose value a lot

[@nextonthewrist]

I didn't make any comment on resale value and I don't also claim to have sales figures for either watch 😆

[@lplp1546]

I’ve looked at Longines AD and always left without a purchase and underwhelmed.