The Missed Opportunity of the Longines HydroConquest GMT

[@ID-Guy]

What are your thoughts on the HydroConquest GMT? Did you, like me, feel like something was missing on its dial at first? 🥃

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

The 6 and 9 markers screamed out at me right away. And I do love big triangles 😎.

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

Love it, really filling in the lineup with this release so everyone who walks into a Longines AD could leave with a great watch fitting their style.

[@actionarslan]

On this one, o really like your proposed chgs, but I am a sucker for big numbers (not because I have vision issues)

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I like it 👍

[@jeremypitotti6654]

Yep. Those changes would make one hell of a difference. Those circular plots have no rhyme or reason even with my untrained eye. I’ve always had high regard for Longines.

[@jcarter7501]

Disagree. The new Hydro Conquest is perfection.

[@alecleamus3280]

Genius work on your part. Absolutely genius. I know how much you love the ‘Peter Blake’ Seamaster, so to see an oversized triangle on the Longines is a joy. Definitely a missed opportunity, and it’s sounds as if you’re truly frustrated about it. 😤 I’d have bought your design in a heartbeat, as I’m currently in the market for such a watch. Keep up the great work, maestro!

[@ID-Guy]

Ah it gets frustrating seeing these almost obvious hitches that make a watch feel like a diluted version of itself. But hey, a model like the Spirit Zulu Time was lightening in a bottle. Refined, elegant, so much detail (that would 100% be my recommendation 😉) Thank you for this though brother, think it was a combination of flu meds and rest that made me see the light with this dial haha!

[@deltropico7]

I enjoy the simplicity in your redesign. Elegant!

[@ID-Guy]

Some would say too sterile BUT thank you brother 😉

[@martinkaplan1805]

Wonderful redesign. Love your analyses. Thank you.

[@tuerkischermeister]

Your re-design is so bang on that I will always look at this watch with your perspective and feel it could have been better!

[@ID-Guy]

It's frustrating to see a watch missing that final 5% but hey 😉 Thank you for this brother... maybe, just maybe Longines will take this suggestion forward for their next generation piece 🥃

[@JimmieJohn]

Why a watch company hasn’t offered you a job yet is beyond me. Your design ideas are always a home run in my book!

[@ID-Guy]

It would be a dream to have that sort of consulting gig on the side where a brand would send their final idea across for approval. BUT that's why these makers have their own in-house teams... whether they do a good job or not all the time is subject to opinion 😉 Thank you for this Jimmie. Maybe it's because there aren't any "constraints" that hold the ideas back on my end - which makes life waaay easier 🥃

[@JimmieJohn]

Thanks for all your videos. I watch several watch channels and yours is by far the best! Love your content. I’ve been binge watching your old videos for over a month!

[@AndreiLucaa]

Trust me, the Longines designers had this version on the table as well. But they chose against it. They had a reason to do it whether we think it’s looking better or not.

[@m.e.p.r]

I prefer the Longines version. More of a classic approach, increasing the size of the 3, 6, 9 with a large triangle pushes it into Explorer/Field watch territory...which then feels muddled. It also has the effect of making the dial look cluttered.

[@jasont4783]

I can't unsee those two lume plots at the quarters now 😂. Great content and designs as usual.

[@ID-Guy]

You and me both Jason 😉 Thank you brother! 🥃

[@CircassianRider]

I think your suggestions are very valid . The design you came up with is amazing

[@Valera_Scotland]

It never fails to amaze me how well you're able to "jazz up" and improve a watch with your re-designs... very clever man....a slow clap that speeds up into a frenzy

[@ID-Guy]

Ah Valera, you're a legend. Also saw your email not 30 minutes ago! Love your choice with going for the OG SM300. Tritium dial... and when you see them with faded bezels with the T dials... they are astounding! My 2 cents, if you're looking for another bargain, look at the original Ceramic SMP's from 2017 and earlier - look at the gloss black dial with the ceramic bezel, think they are quite the bargain basement find today 😉

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@ID-Guy thanks man. The one I'm getting will be the full size and it's from 1998 - 2541.80, so super luminova. But a beauty....I like the ceramic dial ones too, but the subtle wave dial of the Brosnan era is awesome

[@RahHumbug]

Great mock up. I do wish more watches leaned into hour markers with square and rectangular shapes. They tend to look more masculine and better directed. So many watches are flirting with perfection but never seal the deal. Thank you!

[@ID-Guy]

And I'd argue they look more "timeless" if that is even a good enough word. Squares and rectangles contrasting with a round case and dial really lets them jump off the page! Nicely said Scott 🥃

[@RahHumbug]

@@ID-Guy I believe you did that same sort of mockup on the Rolex Air King, and it worked the same way. If you don't mind me asking, do you think there is at all a missed opportunity with a rectangular case shape in the modern age from more major manufacturers? I absolutely love the Reverso but it does lean a smidge too dressy. I do know JLC had a Gran Sport which isn't quite timeless as it still looks dated in the nineties, but it is so close. Curious to get your feelings.

[@jag1099]

Spot. On. Excellent change to the dial. It’s a real shame that Longines cannot listen and make a change such as your proposal. For me, the micro adjustment feature coming to this new bracelet really is a great addition. It is frustrating, though, to own a Zulu Time and NOT have this same feature! All said, Longines should bring these feature TOGETHER (I.e. t-fit?) and deploy across all their sport watches.

[@ID-Guy]

I had the same thought about the adjustment and it not being on the ZT. I'm sure it will be implemented soon enough as a part of the collection (it has to be) and like with omega, you'll be able to grab a spare clasp from a dealer pretty easily. Also thank you for this brother. Here's hoping Longines takes both our requests to heart 😉

[@rhgrabowski3855]

Brilliant re-design! Hope you are feeling much better now. Have an awesome week.

[@itsgarrick4910]

You must make all these watch brands regret their designs 😂. Good work!

[@ID-Guy]

I have no idea what word around the office must be like... "oh boy, here we go again" 😆 Genuinely don't even know if these are ever seen by the brands themselves, but there is hope! 🥃

[@singlendhot8628]

Great video Brother! Fact is, early iterations of the HydroConquest were a bargain basement offering, available for around £500 in the late 2000s. It's clear they're pushing upmarket but, without a cohesive brand strategy that involves more than digging into their vaults, Longines has been relegated to the "Beneath Omega" category indefinitely. Ironic given their superior history!

[@ID-Guy]

Said brilliantly, the older HC's were that "go to" for so many and now with this upscaling they've comfortably found their place... but man, the Zulu Time was lightening in a bottle compared to these. And with their historic lineup... I so wish they'd dig deeper and give us more classically inspired pieces for the modern day. Alas 😉

[@ref6122]

When Swatch group assigned them their "beneath" status it was possibly because they didnt have a star watch like the Bond Seamaster and Moonwatch.I would have loved it if they could have remained a movement manufacture.

[@singlendhot8628]

@@ID-Guy The issue with going further back is the unknown answer to the question they're all asking themselves: Will people buy it? They're already discounting the 40's and 50's era reissues so who knows? Hope you feel better. The GT6 awaits....!

[@bullnose01]

Agree 100% plus putting the date window at the 6 position would have given it more balance.

[@ID-Guy]

I really like this idea of a 6 pos. date on these models! Might even balance out those round plots on either side! 🥃

[@EatDrinkRide]

@@ID-Guy Date at 6 and I would most likely prefer this to the Spirit Zulu. Would maybe even elevate this to THE gmt watch for me.

[@LegalEagle0007]

Agreed. Longer rectangular batons make more sense than circular on this watch. Or maybe even a Day complication at 9 o'clock to balance out the Date complication at 3 o'clock.

[@clarencebenjaminlim]

What's the Zenith box in the background?

[@ID-Guy]

I was very lucky to find an El Primero earlier this year for a bargain. I'll be sure to do a full review of it in the autumn months (got a lot to say about it 😉)

[@clarencebenjaminlim]

@@ID-Guy Totally looking forward for that video to drop.

[@ericb8888]

Excellent, detailed critique.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you boet 😉

[@Jtjustintimberlake]

I totally agree. Such a subtle change has a dramatic effect

[@ID-Guy]

Crazy how that last 5% can make all the difference... still blows me away every time how these small tweaks can make or break designs 🥃

[@davixavier3261]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@ID-Guy]

And its a pleasure to share them Davi, really humbling to know that you look forward to hearing my thoughts on these 🥃

[@mrszisz1]

I've seen black in person. Imho it's a fantastic watch and a great update to a hydroconquest line. I'm saying that as an owner of a conquest and a non-ceramic hydroconquest

[@ID-Guy]

Absolutely a great improvement over the previous gens. I think they really have a winner with the use of batons on the dials (and that universal 41mm size) 🥃

[@mrszisz1]

@@ID-GuyI'd mive those 24 hours markers over to the bezel, but on the other hand I torally understand why they did it the way it is at the moment. And finally an update to the crown itself! Overall a great watch. I'm cinsidering buying it

[@AbdulRWatches]

Great video brother, definitely agree. A missed opportunity indeed. I love Longines and how they offer great value for money.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Thanks Always enjoy your thoughts 🙏

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you as always Junior! And I hope you have an excellent weekend sir! 🥃

[@ianmarshall3633]

I completely agree. The dot plots unbalance the dial. Also, moving the date to the six o'clock position would create a more harmonious look. As usual, a wonderfully inciteful video. Take care and stay safe my friend.

[@ID-Guy]

One bonus is they've framed the date window so nicely on the dial and it's colour matched! ;) But man, I felt something was off on this dial at first... took a bit of playing around with it to see how simple the answer was. Thank you for this Ian, slowly getting back to feeling human again after a week 🥃

[@kareemmansur5512]

Love the commentary. Your videos are by far the best in the space.

[@chrishine8699]

Great take on this. With the Hydroconquest being my own introduction to the world of real and true mechanical watches, I definitely enjoyed your take on this. Cheers. Long time fan. You once had a shoutout to me on my submission of my titanium bigeye on a live feed a few years back. Thanks for all you do and I wish you continued success and growing fandom.

[@ID-Guy]

My pleasure to share this Chris and thank you brother! Those livestreams feel like eons ago (and I'lll be kickstarting them again one day) 😉 Hope you had an excellent weekend!

[@marcgirard7551]

Great critique as always. Really happy to see you over the flu. We missed you last week! This Longines GMT feels like a real shot across the bow for Tudor. Great work from Longines on this one!

[@Griffin1994]

You’re absolutely right once again! Love the case design and dimensions (especially the thickness. The bracelet is awesome. Great dial colors as well! What made me still stick with the Zulu time 39mm though, is that more cohesively designed dial with the lumed Arabic numerals. I can see what they were going for here: they didn’t want to keep the Arabic numerals to distinguish the piece from the Zulu time enough. They also wanted to keep the connection of where the Arabic numerals were for the fans. I think it will still kill BUT only actual enthusiast will respect the nods to the OG model

[@tiffer67]

I am close to 30 watches in my collection & during the buying & selling process over the years I have never considered a Longines watch despite their heritage. I have also never bought a watch with gold in it. Two weeks ago I broke my duck on both fronts when I bought the rose gold, grey dial Hydro Conquest. I think it's a gorgeous watch & I'm really pleased to have added it to my collection. What it's also done is open my eyes further to Longines watches & now admire the Flagship Heritage & the Spirit Zulu Time as well.

[@ID-Guy]

That Grey Gold piece is something else! Great find! Also reminds me of a Glashutte SeaQ with the same colourway which is quite handsome. Longines today still is that one brand that offers THE best value for money proposition when it comes to movements, build and finishing. I'd highly recommend looking into their heritage pieces. And the Zulu Time was a real lightening in the bottle moment for them, hard to fault 😉

[@ryan2vs]

I was very excited when I saw the Longines HydroConquest GMT. There aren't enough GMT watches out there with dive bezels and reasonable dimensions. But I immediately noticed the dotted six and nine indices amount the sea of batons. And just can't unsee it. Great vid as usual. @id-guy. home you are feeling better.

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks for this Ryan. You're absolutely right, a "Diver GMT" is a vacant area that hasn't been explored much and there should be options in this category... how Longines tripped up at the last 5% is beyond me 😆

[@mrlong6267]

I totally agree with your assessment IDGuy. You nailed it! I still believe a good GMT should be a full GMT with a proper bezel like my Tudor pepsi BB GMT in order to track multiple time zones 😊

[@Nachovalenti899]

Totally agree. I love my BB GMT after 2 years and a half wearing it.

[@Vox-Populi]

Great Saturday morning coffee video. I'd give it a 7/10. Good start, but room for improvement. Cheers from America!

[@ID-Guy]

Lucky to catch you on a Saturday morning! And agreed, there is room for them to spice up these dials some more (maybe, just maybe they'll take this suggestion forward in the future) 🥃

[@LauraKnotek]

Excellent video. That element of balance missing from the Hydroconquest GMT is the main reason why I chose the Spirit Zulu Time GMT.

[@Nuclear__HS]

It may have been said already, but I haven't trawled through all 200 comments as of writing to check. The 6 and 9 circle markers are a throwback to their Admiral Divers, which pre-date the Hydroconquest model range. They've essentially updated and re-released their 90's Admiral Divers with a GMT function and a pair of Hydroconquest-style hands and Model Name. Personally, I'm a fan of the markers as is.

[@craiglibby1224]

At first, I was thrilled to see their new GMT building off the Hydroconquest foundation. However, to your point, it lacks symmetry that your suggestion would simply fix. I was also disappointed they did not keep the applied Arabic’s. I think slightly smaller Arabic’s would give it some space, yet bring forward the original essence of the Hydro.

[@z06cowboy72]

Agree 100%. This one tripped at the finish line.

[@ID-Guy]

Couldn't have said it better! and thank you brother 🥃

[@kimchiwasabee]

Team LONGINES all day,everyday. As much as i dislike tud0r-hands,i like Longines hands. AND THEYFINALLY REDUCED THE (FORMERLY)GIGANTIC TRIANGULAR CROWN GUARDS!! THEY WERE RIDICULOUSLY HIDEOUS.

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

So many watch designs with Arabic numerals at the quarters and then they destroy the look by putting a date window at 3! Sometimes a 4:30 date can work wonderfully.

[@ID-Guy]

Absolutely Underachieving. There are some who hate that 4.30 position, but I feel the same that they can set the dial off nicely (and disappear when done right - ahem, el primero) 😉 Have a great weekend brother! 🥃

[@snupi2001]

Your redesign looks just right. Hope the next version of the watch looks like that 👌🏻🍻

[@alma175w]

I definitely do not understand design language the way you do, but this take is so spot on. When the watch was first announced I mostly dismissed it as a “stretch” and not simply a “reach” purchase. Then after closer inspection I was relieved that it would be a stretch as there was just something off. The two round plots - you’re absolutely correct. Longines should have utilized rectangular markers - really a brilliant take on it. Another fantastic insight - always enjoy your thoughts and production value.

[@markcopeman3552]

You're absolutely spot on as usual. So we've got batons, round indices, a triangular plot at twelve and a squashed snowflake on a hand! Oh and lose the date or move to six. What were they thinking or drinking! Love my big eye and the zulu is killer. Just needed you to show them had good it could have looked. Hope you're feeling better.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you for this Mark (feeling much better) and you're right, some of their pieces are hands-down some of the best. That Zulu was lightening in a bottle and hard to fault, this new HC? Just feels like it was rushed out of the door or something. Have an excellent weekend sir! 🥃

[@shamonmj]

Wow, your re-design does look better!!!

[@ID-Guy]

It's all subject to opinion but thank you brother 😉🥃

[@borassictime918]

Your reimagining of the dials is definitely the better design; better balanced, better thought out, truer to the GMT aesthetic and more attractive! I wish too that Longines watches were just that bit less ‘shiny’ (I’m not a magpie) and that their overall design language made use of shorter lugs (they really don’t need to be that long). Thanks for all the time you put into the redesigns and videos 👍

[@jameshoward9700]

Glad you're back and fighting fit! Yep, can't argue with that... AKA, how to deal with a 3 o'clock date window! Longines must have committed 100% to the 'hateful date' at 3 for conventional market requirements (these will be massive selling watches, substantially more so than Tudors). As with the awkward 1/4 arabics on the previous models, the round plots clash with the square date window. Your rectangles are better for sure, but a date at 6 or 4.30 would be the next step and tie the watch to the stable's SMP and 50F. But a very good watch and I quite like the eccentricity. Worth noting the quality of these too. More bang per buck than Tudor - better movement and bracelet from the look of it.

[@michaeladams9744]

Is that chronomaster sport box in the background

[@ID-Guy]

Something I've been toying with but it's actually an El Primero "Revival" model 😉 Managed to find an A384 at the start of the year for a ridiculous price and it's been my go-to. I'll be getting a full review up in the next month or two 🥃

[@michaeladams9744]

@@ID-Guy nice... thinking to get the shadow safari version. Would be interesting to hear your opinion. Enjoy it.

[@ID-Guy]

Call me nuts, but if I won the lottery... I'd dedicate a watchbox solely for these A3*** models. A3817, Shadow, Cover Girl... my answer is absolutely go after one 😉 And just to add, the size of these pieces, so versatile. Fantastic for daily wearing, great presence. They really are hidden gems@@michaeladams9744

[@alwayspooh1588]

I have the green HydroConquest, which is great and I love it (bought it in November) so I thought hmm, a GMT version - then I saw the price increase! Think I will stick with my non-GMT one. Great video as always.

[@ID-Guy]

Prices keep climbing up and up but the designs don't match them 😉 Have a super weekend Pooh! 🥃

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Great points. They need to pay you $30k and put out your version in 2 years!!!!

[@barrettwbenton]

It's always amazing how the average person (that's me) looks at something like this with the vague sense of "something's not exactly righr here", but can't quite suss it until someone versed in industrial design (that's you) deftly parses it. Now, I can't unsee it. Good work. 😮

[@W.Edwardovich]

Honestly, with the changes you suggested, I’d buy one right now

[@tersono]

I've never wanted a HydroConquest but I would love the HydroConquest GMT with your changes. Explorer II is the perfect place to draw from here. You're exactly right.

[@Pentonavalsolutions]

Longines: great value 4 money!!!! Missed your upload last week.

[@ID-Guy]

One of if not THE best value for money pieces out there... still overlooked by the enthusiasts but man, one of my best pickups years ago 🥃 And thank you for this, I was unconscious all of last weekend 😆

[@Pentonavalsolutions]

@@ID-Guy I ve owned an Hidroconquest for 8 years. It s a great affordable piece. I d buy it again anytime.

[@leoncaine3900]

Sh*t - Longines need to watch this

[@ID-Guy]

Maybe, just maybe they'll incorporate these suggestions into the next generation 😉

[@14eight]

As a designer myself I agree that your redesign aesthetically looks much better. However, in a world of 24-hour controversial debating on the internet, the design they chose will certainly draw more eyes to the watch and more conversation around it; and when it comes to bottom lines, I think thats what sometimes matters. (I think) haha, nice review

[@ID-Guy]

Well said brother 🥃

[@andrewd7586]

I have the previous HydroConquest with Arabics & the very reason I loved it & bought it was the numerals. Having said that, I liked this new version straight off the bat…until you reimagined the batons. WOW!😍 Just brilliant. 👏🏼 So now I’ll wait until Longines takes up your redesign!😂

[@JackBoeau]

Much respect. Redesign does look better. 💪👍

[@JackMiles-fl9zn]

Believe it or not, I would have kept the Arabic numerals or even spicing it up with Roman numerals. Your idea is simply BRILLIANT as usual. Keep up the great work!

[@mrnoisy4883]

I like the Longine design and your design too ❤

[@lukasuz]

date window at 6 and the dots at 3 9 positions and it will be way more balanced Your design is very handsome!

[@nilxnull]

Interesting redesign on your part, I wish the date was moved to 6 as well. I'm deciding between the Zulu time and this, I always prefered dive watches but the Zulu is just a flawless watch in 39mm. I also feel like the dial needs more work, my attempt at fixing it would be to change the date into a circle to match the other quarter indices.

[@ID-Guy]

I'd say go for the Zulu Time 8 days of the week. Unique, heritage inspired, excellent proportions at 39mm and the details keep on rolling! Agree with you too on the dial, it does need more tweaking, like playing with the size of the text and other bits and pieces 🥃

[@lion5352-z1s]

Out of the Longines collection I’m drawn to the moon phase （master collection) The is really the bees knees if you ask me ❤

[@wescobts]

As always a great video. Yes I agree, I miss the numerals. I believe i'll pass

[@richardtomlinson2063]

At first, I really thought that ypu were nit-picking about the indices markers, but your side-by-side graphic won me over. None the less, I still really want one....great video.

[@Nachovalenti899]

I love Longines as a brand, but I don't like their GMT'S, doesn't matter if they are 39 or 41mm. Many thanks for another great video.

[@nikolastojadinovic2534]

I agree with you, I would just add that I would change the edge of the bazel, maybe coin edge or something like that, that is just mi opinion...

[@916ricklopez]

I’m indifferent with the baton design. Looks great both ways

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks for this! It's nice to know that I'm one of the few insane ones 😉

[@rodsalvador3608]

Would have looked much like the Monta Oceanking. Watcha think about that brand in general?

[@ID-Guy]

Monta continue to make such killer pieces! Particularly a fan of their bracelets and clasps (way ahead of far more established brands) 🥃

[@johnseeger9083]

Mate, As always, an excellent discussion and one that will make me consider Longines as a rival to Christopher Ward for my cheapskate funds. At some point I would like you to consider the various N. American watches out now. I am an established Vaer and Tornek-Rayville fan, but there are many more out there as the US and Canada revive their industries. Cheers JR

[@alvinmick218]

Perhaps it’s just me, but imagine how much cleaner and more symmetric the hydro conquest could have been by losing the date complication and the GMT hand altogether and incorporating your redesign of the quarter batons and triangle. A date complication on a dive watch makes about as much sense as windshield wipers on a dive mask, but that’s just me lol! Great video and presentation as always! Well done 🥃

[@ID-Guy]

Dive watches with date windows... we'll never understand them 😆 What I kinda like is that the Dive watch takes precedence over the GMT (which is sort of tucked into the background) - thank you for your insights as always Alvin. Have an excellent weekend brother! 🥃

[@alwayspooh1588]

Not just you, I think losing the date would be a good move. If I were to buy a Rolex Submariner, I would go for the no date one. Who needs a date on a watch these days (ignore that watches are not even needed anymore).

[@sensible202]

Hi guys! It's a "dive" style watch. For daily life.

[@K.J.H_]

You date your dives when you log them. When you run dives, you date the boats manifest as well. My dive computers all have the date and will date stamp stored dives. So to my mind, having the date on your dive watch can still fit into the fantasy that it may one day be able to go diving 😂

[@K.J.H_]

Imo it really just comes down to the same preference thing that splits people on date complications in daily life too

[@j.burgess4459]

Mmm....for me there is something a little counterintuitive about adding a GMT (or indeed any complication) to an aquatic or dive capable watch. (I've just got a Marine Nationale FXD; the dial is literally one of the best I've seen in a modern watch - there is such an astounding aesthetic clarity and simplicity to it.)

[@ID-Guy]

You don't need to tell me about the subtle awesomeness of the FXD 😉 How cool is it? I'm fortunate enough to be taking it away with me for a bit of a diving recce in Greece next weekend... could not think of a better watch for the job. You must experience your FXD underwater to appreciate the clarity of the dial! No crystal distortion... it's just unreal! Keep enjoying it Jay! 🔥

[@WestCoastAce27]

Very true - a GMT on a diver is almost an admission that it’s not really being sold to divers. Congrats on the FXD - Tudor is doing so well. If Longines is trying to compete with them, good luck, they will need it.

[@FlyingBrickADV]

What do you think of the new Seiko Alpinist GMT?

[@arniac6920]

i think the plots at 6 and 9 work just fine, the date does not bother me one bit either . 41 mm 12.9 thick (could be thinner) for 2700 bucks and most likely some discounts...a win in my book

[@DavidDatura]

I’m a bit of a Longines fanboy. Especially their Heritage and Spirit lines. But I’ve never liked the HydroConquest, mainly because of those oversized Arabic numerals. The latest HydroConquest GMT though, I really do like! (If not quite as much as the Zulu Time, but it’s close) the brown and green sunburst dial variations in particular. Which I believe is helped a lot by getting rid of those Arabic’s. Just a classier looking watch now IMHO.

[@JackMiles-fl9zn]

I’m still BAFFLED as to why haven’t watch companies reached out and hire you as a consultant on their final products, as I’ve been saying here and elsewhere IDGUY, you are the most talented and most BRILLIANT watch DESIGNER person ever. One example I would be your “What’s next in the evolution of the Tudor BB 58” episode, BRILLIANT!

[@Vess_Iossifov]

After a year I like the round markers far more than your suggestion! There is only one suggestion from my side: Make 39mm variant with date at 6 o'clock. Put the round markers at 3 and 9 and potentially then make the date opening round as well, where all round elements - the date and the markers - are the same size. And make the distance between the lugs 20mm 🙂

[@setter55]

Agreed regarding the quarter markers. I do however like the smaller crown guards, I ownba full numeral early version of the hydroconquest but never liked the angular guards much. Or the bracelet which I've found to be very hard to get a hood fit with.

[@AlbeeBarrett]

I had the exact same thought when I saw this release, however when put up against your concept, the actual design looks better.

[@Supercruze]

Five years ago I would not have given Longines a second glance. I now own an Avigation Big Eye in steel and the newer releases just look fantastic. If Longines can continue to hone their craft and slime their watches a bit I think they are going to make big end roads into the watch enthusiast market. I noticed the Zenith box in the background. I would love to see you do more content on the brand. Where are they going from a design aesthetic and how is the brand positioned in today's market?

[@ID-Guy]

Absolutely going to expand more on Zenith in the future! They are a brand I'll be eagerly following (especially after the experience I've had with the El Primero) Thanks for this brother! Agreed on Longines wholeheartedly too 🥃

[@snowCat168]

I agree. Replace the 6 & 9 out-of-place circles with batons and enlarge the triangle would make it a home run. Also a more wearable 39mm version would make it a complete home run.

[@Sodium361]

Don’t agree with your quarter batons proposition, I think the round ones make it more unique and more readable. Sort of an inverted Tudor black bay. Rectangle quarter batons would make it fade away and drown in the sameness soup. The fact that is your one real gripe demonstrates it.

[@structurescience]

Excellent!

[@bogarbill6331]

Nice Martin D-28!

[@Sicarius888]

It would look much better without that round hour makers and numbers on dial. I would also add 24H bezel. It doesn't look GMT enough with 60m.

[@musabmohammed5423]

I like Longines and currently looking to purchase my first but I have to agree with you. I love the green/gold dial but something feels missing. The spirit zulu is above my budget so the hydro conquest was the next best option but it’s still hard to decide and I agree with you on this video

[@watcheswithabdullah]

On point! The large numerals on the previous gen Hydroconquest became a visual anchor that held the overall design together. But there seems to be no strong visual anchor on the new dial. Just a whole lot of small and different shapes that don't seem to form any visual design language.

[@JohnSmith-jj2yd]

100% agree! Circle plots and snowflake hands are just so incongruous; the biggest reason I can't get into the Tudor Blackbay line. I'm surprised you didn't change the lollipop seconds hand in your improved version though. Any particular reason there?

[@WigsLtd]

I feel changing the quarter battons longer as you suggest makes it less symmetrical. I personally love it as it is

[@christopherhoglund4962]

100% correct! I really, really want this watch but those two quarter dots….argh!!

[@vincent67239]

I assumed they went with round plots for the 6 and 9 o’clock markers because they basically wanted the inverse of a Submariner dial.

[@mdo5121]

Love Arabic’s or Roman numerals myself as I just picked up the new Air King and ❤️ it

[@ID-Guy]

Massive congrats! Genuinely one of the best bargains to be found today under Rolex's professional line. May have also pulled the trigger on a Rolex for my 30th... and it has numerals on its dial... so not very hard to guess what I ended up getting 😉 Enjoy that gem of a watch sir! 🥃

[@mdo5121]

@@ID-Guy Have a happy birthday with your new watch as well.

[@gwapogreg5837]

Great video I keep coming back and watching this one as i'm looking for a GMT.The comment on the baton's is so true the first time I say it they looked like 2 balls dropped into a pinball machine.They just don't belong.I might not buy a GMT .I like the regular Hydro conquest better but I don't like the clasp.I like the Zulu time but it has a few small things wrong with it.I think I will decide between the Tudor black bay 58 blue and the Longines regular or gmt hydro conquest. I really like the face of the regular hydro conquest.I looked at Omega but enough with the helium escape valve it looks like a wart on the watch.I like the Tudor over the Longines because both have history but the Tudor has more brand equity.The thing to think about when buying watches is buy what you want and sometimes its worth paying a little extra for a watch if that watch holds it value much better because if it does its actually costing you the same price as the cheaper watch because if the cheaper watch loses its value the same as the difference between it and the more expensive watch then they really are the same price.

[@bigmantingz5127]

Personally I think this is a great improvement on the previous iterations. The design looks well balanced compared to the previous models. We'll done Longines , I can see this being a success

[@K.J.H_]

When i saw it my thought was that id have kept the same battons all the way around (exept the 12 of course). Or stuck to the arabic numerals at 6, 9,12. Do you think this watch is different enough that they should have named it something else and left the hydroconquest out of it?

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

I have no idea who would buy this instead of the spirit gmt. This variant looks bad imo, the dial is unbalanced and the color options are either bad or boring. A huge miss from Longines

[@ID-Guy]

I feel the same honestly, a night and day difference between the two. But then I'm insanely biased when it comes to arabics on dials ;) The HC GMT does have a "safety" to its design - but then the earlier ones were also in that ballpark too. Gotta say, the Zulu Time is lightening in a bottle 🥃

[@tapirdeaalex7104]

@@ID-Guy I agree. I hope Longines will release more colors for Zulu, I got to try the blue/black and green and neither really looked good enough for my preference. I would love a white dial with some gold accents and red ceramic bezel

[@WestCoastAce27]

I do favor your tweaks; in fact I have the Steinhart homage to that Rolex reference. My biggest issue with Longines (besides being part of the Swatch group) is the presentation of the GMT hand. Tudor clearly has them beat in this regard, adding color to the entire hand making it much easier to quickly locate (function), and the added color (form). Well done as always; glad you’re back on your feet. PS - to to hijack the thread but Tudor will have an announcement on 14 Sept - a new variant of one of their existing watches.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you for all of this brother! AND for the update on Tudor! To think I'll be away that week (diving in Greece)... in typical fashion... going to have to come back and get right on it 😉

[@alecjarnagin9041]

The monochrome coloring of all hands and time scales would make this difficult to read I'd imagine. I recently bought my fourth Lorier - the new Hydra 3. A Flyer GMT with dive bezel. Sure, it is a Miyota 9075 movement, but as usual Loren & Lorenzo (Lorier owners) have hit it out of the park producing a beautiful watch that punches far above her class.

[@williamrizzo1285]

I do love this new design. My OCD prefers stick indices over arabics. 😊

[@ID-Guy]

My OCD went a bit wild with those round plots at the quarters (not gonna lie 😉) Hope you're well Will!

[@craig2100]

You're spot on... now it can't be unseen. If but this piece in a heart beat if they'd change to your suggested design, it's classically beautiful.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you for this Craig 🥃

[@Dctrue76]

Very nice!