The BEST Attainable Swiss Dive Watches In 2024?

Here's why Longines will crush 2024! Today I showcase 2 of their recent releases in the Hydroconquest range! The 39mm and the new GMT! What do you think of Longines and are you planning on buying one this year?
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[@austinrhubarb]

Russ, please take what I'm about to say as a compliment. I used to watch other wristwatch channels, and would occasionally see your videos come up in the feed and instantly dismiss them as "look at this plank, trying to be all whacky"... but how wrong I was. After a specific model forcing me to watch one of your videos, I think you are great. The character's, the wife, the humour, but all with great production values and genuine short and sweet good knowledge about the watches without turning it into a pretentious half hour monologue...well, I truly look forward to every one of your videos. I really appreciate what you do buddy 👍

[@robertj9978]

Had exactly the same, also with The Time Teller. Now both are my goto watch content creators 😇

[@michaelmartinez5365]

I think his observations on the watches is spot on!! Good job Russ 👍

[@BuddyStromboliDrums]

​@@robertj9978 Don't compare the time teller to this guy. That dude is straight trash content

[@vokso11]

I own a green gold Longines hydroconquest 43mm on a rubber strap, I wear it all the time! I love it,!I don't even see the point of buying a sub. Longines is just perfect for me, great value!

[@jimcampton]

I got a blue 43mm. Being 6'5 a bigger watch wears better and I prefer it over my tudor

[@SmurfPerfect]

You could see those 12, 6, 9 numerals on the standard model from space.

[@rnapol3266]

So this makes it ugly in your opinion or nice ?

[@SmurfPerfect]

@@rnapol3266 Hideous tbh

[@user-wh8mb7tm2g]

Nah it's what makes the watch

[@rnapol3266]

@@user-wh8mb7tm2g agreed. I love the big numerals on it

[@Dialandhands]

I own the GMT in blue and it’s amazing. The bezel isn’t great and the fact that they have AR coating on the outside is a little irritating but everything else about it is fantastic!! It kicks the crap out of any other watch in its price range and mine has been running at +2 to +3 seconds a day even tho it’s not Cosc certified.

[@antyvirusuk8056]

longines was the rabbit hole watch for me. family member had one and then when i could afford a good entry level lux watch, it was my pick too

[@blackduncan9812]

I'm probably a bit childish but I love the wbf and the design house 😂😂😂

[@robertwoodaudio]

I have the Hydroconquest GMT (blue dial). It's the best watch I have and could definitely be a one and done for me.

[@emrekrmzer4552]

Hydronquest,hydroconquest gmt.spirit,spirit zulu timer,ultra chron,new legend diver 39mm ,majetek,new silver arrow,flagship moonphase...etc...Longines new models are very beautiful

[@conbay1986]

Emre ne yapıyon buralarda:))) modeller güzel gerçekten de

[@kennethchia4517]

In particular the heritage skin diver and the ultra chron are fire 🔥 ❤

[@paul301]

I’ve just bought the 41mm hydro conquest in green with a matching rubber strap was £1700 however Goldsmiths price matched the watch from another company that was having a sale for £1275. For the money the watch knocks all others out of the park. The 41mm hydro conquest is the way to go and such an amazing watch for the money. Nice one Longines.

I have the same one. Great watch!

[@simongarey8575]

I just bought mine yesterday. Can't stop admiring it. Beautiful looking and quality feeling for £1100

[@adk7962]

Very thorough and entertaining as usual. I really know nothing about Longines, but it feels you really have to be a fan to pay the money they are asking for. They are very nice looking watches though. That clasp is almost unacceptable for the money this day and age. Thanks!

[@ryanthomas9306]

I would 100 percent do the Zulu timer if it had an adjustable bracelet Since it doesn’t I’m just going for the tudor

[@styleemusic]

I have the olive green ceramic bezel 41mm bought in 2020. Solid watch, the 72 hr power reserve is a bonus if you don’t wear it everyday . A bit on the heavy side, so it’s not a watch I prefer to wear everyday.

[@richardtomlinson2063]

I prefer, and like, the GMT but in my opinion, it really needs a GMT hand that contrasts from the other 3 hands. I also prefer a 4hz movement (at the expense of power reserve). I think any 'luxury' watch should be 4 hz as a minimum. They're still not on my shopping list...

[@andrewd7586]

I bought a sunburst blue quartz Hydro Conquest last year & I love it Russ! Fits so well on my 18.5cm wrist, it accurate as you’d expect & 100% legible for my failing eyesight!😵‍💫🤪🤣

[@dire67]

I love the GMT and the green is fire. I'm gonna get one.

[@nizarmurar]

Many thanks, Russell It's a professional, unbiased episode. You are so honest . Great appreciation and love Nizar

[@dadmodswatches]

The green dial with the gold accents is stunning! I love that color combination. I`ve seen them use it a few times now and it is always so nice. I have to wonder if they copied Seikos SRPD75 😂The color is almost spot on. Even the lume on the indices is creamy, not white. Love it!

[@szabolcsbalazs5508]

I love how the sharp crown guards and the crown resembles the Longines logo on the black Hydroconquest! Also, I prefer the metal caseback. That way it is not a glass sandwich and makes it more durable and thinner. The slower movement is a good choice because it makes it more lasting. My favourite watch of all time for sure! 🎉

[@mitchmatic8029]

Great, thorough, review. GMT is one of the best watches of 2023, I thought-until I watched your review. So now thinking now, maybe the Zulu GMT and/or the new Conquest.

[@zibel5007]

I like the green version better, even though it still comes with some cons. Good to see how Longines is going in the right direction.

[@zaygezunt]

Mr Pagani, Kurt and Mrs MWC - Mr ambassador you are spoiling us. I was considering the GMT until I saw the price 😯

[@matthewpasqua4804]

Thank you MWC. I usually watch your videos but never really told you that your format is quite good. The content is extremely helpful and I usually get a good laugh here and there. Mr. pagani always gets me into a good mood!!! So just please keep up your way. It’s been a gift ;)

[@everythingandanything6405]

On my to-do list to pick up a Longines, not a diver though, one of the more classic design like the spirit. Have more divers than I can shake a stick at!

[@Twinpot1962]

Love my Hydro in blue. A great addition to any collection.

[@aliafff]

I own the Blue Hydroconquest on the rubber strap for one year and really enjoy it. Its very accurate when I wear it every day or every other day, but when I leave it for 2 days its going to be slow down for around 15 seconds. The lume is not the best in the world specially compare to my Omega SMP300.

[@ChrisNF]

I don’t need anymore watches, but each time I watch your videos I want another watch 😮. How many is too many…

[@Adam-7_7_7]

Its like, how big is the universe ??? Somethings man will never know.

[@augustinf]

I got a few years ago a 39mm conquest which is pretty much the same with no bezel as a gada watch. It’s really a good all rounder

[@augustinf]

Oh and you’re talking guarantee.. I got the wifey a prima luna and she knocked it for our wedding and broke the crown stem and the crown fell under a wood floor.. sent it to Longines and they replaced it and repaired it for free

[@gg.komorebi]

Thanks for the great review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For the price of the HYDROCONQUEST GMT, I would rather buy two Seiko's, namely the SPB381 and an SPB377. And for the 350 euros I'll have left over, I'll buy something nice for my wife 😉

[@e28forever30]

And as a bonus, the Seiko’s look better too..

[@gg.komorebi]

I totally agree with you 👍

[@alexspink4325]

Not sure if someone said it, but 3.5 hz is supposedly swatch group regulation for their antimagnetic movements. Don’t think it’s ISO mandated and feels totally unnecessary. Omega do it too. But swatch are big on slowing down their movements. Like the powermatic 80. Would 100% prefer to see a smoother sweep than a longer power reserve every time

[@jasonpierce-newmodelbarmy3394]

I've owned a blue Hydroconquest for around 8 years, it's the original one with a sunburst blue dial and the aluminium bezel insert. I love it and I actually like the large numbers which seem to put many off. The real shame here is how much Longines have increased their prices. I paid less than half of the current RRP for mine, not online, it came from an authorised dealer, with the full 'buying from a showroom' experience. The beautiful deeply engraved caseback on my model seems nicer quality than the current ceramic bezel version and also makes the new GMT etched job look very cheap indeed! Still love the brand though and pricey though they may have become they're not quite as overpriced as some other manufacturers with less heritage.

[@SampleTracks2224]

What kind of bezel was that on the GMT again? Something-down? Begins with a C. I should watch this again, see if I can find a clue. Clint-down, cont-down, something like that...

[@zevongrie1402]

I have the Zulu Time with black face and green bezel. It is a stunner. And I will say that of all of my mechanical watches, it keeps the best time of all of them. The finish on it is very nice. The Hydroconquest is a good looking watch, but I like the looks of other divers more. But that green color is quite nice. Longines has a lot of really nice designs and they will not break the bank compared to a lot of other Swiss brands.

[@george88pizza43]

How large is your wrist? I’ve been put off the 39 Zulu time due to the male end links

[@zevongrie1402]

@@george88pizza43 my wrist is about 7.5”. I got the leather strap. It has lots of adjustability. And I got the 42mm variation. I think it is a good size for my wrist.

[@Andy5kp]

Great comparison. It would be the GMT for me. I can’t stand the massive 12, 6 and 9 on the 39mm

[@leegill2427]

Thanks Mr Pagani for making me spit my drink out 'Oh me nuttttsss' 🤣😂🤣 GMT for me, that dial is gorgeous!

[@karlsenula9495]

Since they are the same lug width Longines should offer different bracelet styles for their watches - that would be a nice bonus/service.

[@peakrider4886]

Longines like many Swiss brands have been creeping up in price and whilst these watches have kept the value for money against other Swiss watches that have also been going up, there’s so much choice out there now. For example, the Lorier Hydra, a divers, true GMT, or the Hydra Zulu which is more military looking. And who needs 300m water resistance anyway? The deepest scuba dive ever was 332m down, and only a handful of people have ever dived below 200m. It’s bravado codswallop!

[@karlsenula9495]

Never fear Mr. Pagani ... you can always add a display caseback on your version. ... to the photocopier Brutus!

[@gerrytemple5044]

Love that green too. But I'd put it on a green & barley strap. Why haven't you tried to use a 22mm strap? Maybe F&G don't allow you to take off the bracelets? I believe one mm more should work fine. Cheers!

[@binkyb6832]

The 39 is ……..ALL OVER THE PLACE…….spot on. The GMT is trying too hard. Longines have some beauts in their collection, but these two ain’t hitting the mark. Also £2.7K for the GMT is waaayyyy too much. Great show. 😁👍

[@songoku-jx3cb]

I guess its all opinions . I love the gmt i think it makes the perfect toll watch that can pretty much do anything . It looks stunning , is versatile and for 2.7k represents amazing value .

[@JohnCannonBand]

I got a padi diver and I’ve noticed sometimes it’s hard to twist and sometimes it’s really easy depending on if it’s room temperature or it’s been on my hand and matches the temperature of my wrist. Very strange. I might try them after they’ve been on your hand for 3045 minutes

[@searchandsave142]

I like the mossy coke one and having and day / night delineation but shouldn’t it run from the 24 mark to the 12 with a lighter color ? Would really love day / night markers that adjust to the actual sunrise and sunset throughout the year.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Great show MWC! I’m personally not into the style of the Hydroconquest particularly but they’re solid watches from a very well respected brand under the mighty Swatch Group umbrella 💪

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Thanks Gareth!

[@paulhopkins1905]

My Mido Ocean Star 200C has the best on the fly adjustable clasp I have ever experienced. I think it's the most underrated watch on the market. Definitely a better bracelet than either of these. I would love to hear your opinions on them.

[@jeffd3802]

I second this. The mido should've sold for the price of longines and longines the price of the mido. If only rhe mido used larger hour markers though.

[@jeffwaters5633]

In the past people watched B&W TV and had the bare minimum in power reserve. Now we watch in color and have longer power reserves, which I prefer.

[@WonderWusel]

As someone not burdened by the small wrist curse, I prefer the Tudor BB GMT. When you are spending over 3k for a watch the bit extra for the tudor is not that big of a deal. The diver on the other hand is rather lovely for the price, but a bit small at 39mm. If it has to be longines for some reason, the zulu time would be the much better watch for me, instead of either of the two.

[@paulhopkins1905]

That 2023 Conquest is the most impressive watch of last year. I was really impressed with them

[@CocoKoi321]

I hate how long jeans brand had a missed opportunity Lawn cheese could've made the date window circular and also included a circular date magnifier so it would all look symmetrical with the 6 and 9 hour markers

[@paulhiggins8774]

I’m of the same opinion but for the price they are not bad watches, haven’t found one yet I would buy

[@MaroMarenio]

Mr Pagani? Still alive and kicking!!!

[@glenrichmond6260]

bought my first Longines Diving Hydroconquest 41mm, the one with the green bezel and cream numerals and pips last year.. i love it! so comfortable, I wear it more than any other of my watches.. even the more expensive ones!

[@LS1007]

They’re ok but my socks are still on. 😅 Great video. Have a great afternoon! 🙏🏼

[@khalilbasma264]

Do you think the gmt bracelts would fit on the same sized diver models?

[@rogerpha1398]

If they can fit the Zulu Chrono Flyback in the 39mm case with flat top crystal to reduce height as much as possible would be a market shaker. The Spirit line has such an amazing dial lay out.

[@rsaenderdin]

I have a 41mm Black ceramic, bought 2021. Love it! Bezel is good and grippy. 21mm lug width is annoying though 😂

[@DiogoBondeSousa]

Assuming same size (i.e., 41mm case) can you use the GMT steel bracelet on the ceramic (non GMT) version of the Hydroconquest?

[@sterlingarcher857]

Never looked at longines.... I like the GMT more of the two

[@watchchimp3102]

I agree Longines is killing it. But, I think they are pushing their pricing up a little too aggressively. If they're competing head to head with Tudor on quality and price; I'm not sure it won't hurt sales. Just to be clear I have 2 Longines Spirits and 3 Tudors and I love them all equally. As it stands the Longines resale on the secondary market is not as strong as Tudor and elevated MSRP will only mean a bit more pain on the secondary market. 😢

[@jimmykingskicks7777]

I may be wrong, but the crown guard and crown on the hydroconquest is suppose to resemble the Longines emblem

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

That’s great my friend!

[@jimmykingskicks7777]

I think that’s the reason for the extra tip on the crown. I bought the blue 41 version of the 3 hander last year and haven’t taken it off since. Totally agree with your review, the negatives are pretty obvious, but to me it had a certain charm that other watches in a similar price range didn’t have

[@fubaralakbar6800]

They are both beautiful, and both way out of my price range.

[@karlsenula9495]

Never fear ... Just wait for the Pagani versions.

[@gabrielvillagomez2109]

Guys, check the Hydroconquest 41mm with black dial, blue bezel and beige markers, imo it’s the sweet spot for these models

[@dean9722]

My wife not particularly interested in watches, showed her a picture of the hydroconquest then a kamasu and she preferred the look of the orient and said she thought they both looked the same price, 200-300 pounds

[@anthonyw7237]

Longines invented the rotating bezel in 1935 and used steel for those that think longine copied Tudor BB on a watch recently

[@nex.ph90s]

Nice video. Im just wondering what would be the looks of the normal Hydroconquest if the bracelet used is for Hydroconquest GMT.

[@jdhazan]

ISO certification requires a fully graduated bezel, which the 39mm does not

[@dunderhay9169]

Odd lug widths are a deal breaker, good review 👍

[@michaelgreenhalgh3369]

The best looking part is the back and tag are better looking 😊

[@paulpowis5914]

Good to see the whole gang back together again. 😊

[@markharrison2484]

If I were going to have a Longines diver it’d be the new legend diver or a smaller ultrachron.

[@paulscott689]

Fantasic , but I'd have to sell body parts to ever afford one , thought you said something about your casio collection... post that go on post it

[@spencemiller9301]

Loves me a Longines! Provenance aplenty. And love the shows - well done, Russ!

[@MichaelAguila]

Great video. That 39 is a no-go for me, and I was digging the green one until you mentioned all the 🤬 shapes on the dial! 😂 I agree 100 percent and would not buy either of these. Longines diver hands are the most boring to me as well, so that’s something of a dealbreaker too. Thanks for the video. 💪

[@TommyRibs]

That GMT is sweet.

[@kennethchia4517]

Not gonna lie. What the wifey says is the best segment of all your reviews. 😂

[@stickles791]

Great vid! The watch…the 19mm/21mm spec is more than just annoying at the price point. Having fun with swapping straps is a good part of the fun I have with my collection. I’m too “invested” in 20mm (and 22mm) straps for the keeper watches I already love to really consider shelling out to maintain multiple sets. Maybe I’ll get the cash or patience to get over that someday, but for now that particular dimension carries a lot of weight for me.

[@bookofmillions]

Longines 😂 has something (crazy) with: lug distance and the lug-to-lug distance 😂 Overall fantastic watches! I have 2 and love them as much as my Tudor... because they can take daily hard work and are... basically tools

[@simonwright6882]

In the search to add something new to the collection i tend to compare all divers to my bb58 as a benchmark. I sometimes wonder if I'm looking for something i already have. I am considering the planet ocean 39.5 and submariner to Finnish off the collection. But will it end there??

[@markc1925]

That green GMT is beautiful!

[@thomasgregory1918]

Mido makes a 300m GMT diver, maybe called an "ocean star"...I think it's quite similarly priced as this Longines. Not sure if the Mido is traveler GMT or office GMT, but I'm guessing the latter.

[@thomasgregory1918]

The Mido is bigger than the Longines (boo!), but the Mido's crown doesn't have a weird cap/lip (yay!).

[@daleyfamily2179]

For the price of Longines, I'm still on the fence. There are some great watches at this price point that just seem a little nicer. Just my thought.

[@fhaquuu]

Name one…?

[@dado380]

That unusual crown with the crown guards represent the hourglass logo,only Longines diehards like me know this!!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

It’s quality! But sharp!!!

[@dado380]

You were right ,till now manny Longines models looked just so bland, now we have amazing looking 39’ Legend diver,smaller Zulu and perfect hydro. Btw. please consider to review a new Citizen series 8 Batman,I feel Like this model flew under the radar considering it’s true 1200 euro flyer GMT with zaratsu finish, outstanding fit and finish and one od the kind movement purposely crafted just for this watch.

[@stu632]

Great vid, I see you getting a lovely Longines very soon. What about a 39mm Spirit Zulu? Green bezel on bracelet or strap is beautiful 🌍👍

[@johnmonachelli5256]

As is important as the hydro is to longines lineup im sure the new model will be equipped with all the new bells and whistles

[@TheDinosaurSociety]

Now this review screams honesty! Thank you. Subscribed 👌

[@Ian-dd5dm]

They are both lovely watches, I'm not sure some of Russell's negatives hold that much weight, he loves those 58's too much. I feel the difference between Omega and Longine price wise is quite a bit but is there actually that much difference between them as watches, compare that GMT to say a Seamaster 300m. Would it be fair to say Longines is Omega's Tudor.

[@Smartzenegger]

I like the Quartz one... oh wait, they're both not Quartz... :P

[@GrumblingForesight]

The ETA based movement is the reason why the GMT is able to be as thin as it is. ETAs are awesome!

[@Nite-owl]

I like the "heritage" of Longines, but cant help but feel that for the money they're asking there are better finished watches with solid cosc movements that will still be able to be serviced even if the company goes breasts vertical. Formex Reef. £1701.26 with cosc certified Sellita SW300-1, BGW9 Super-LumiNova, and 300m water resistance, oh and it's 11mm thick. Christopher Ward C60 Tide, 600m water resistance, Cosc certified Sellita SW200 £1150. CW C60 pro 300, cosc sellita sw200 £1070, plus I'm sure there are many others from various microbrands that have a reputation for their finishing. Can't accept sharp edges on a bracelet at anything North of £1000.

[@jeffreyromain7336]

Mr Pagani, hurrah 😅

[@eggsII]

Would be curious to know if the movement is the Powermatic 80 with the plastic escapement…

[@binkyb6832]

If so, avoid.

[@resjon7981]

It's definitely not.

[@eggsII]

@@resjon7981 Just did a quick search. Based on the ETA 2892-A2. Good movement. Slowing the beat rate down to extend the power reserve…

[@rinnychor]

@@eggsII Powermatic 80 is worthless anyway. If you care about good movement Ultrachron has a 5Hz movement in it that is rated to go +/-1 sec per day. 43mm is a bit too big for me though....

[@mell3109]

Your right 19+21mm just suck! Grand Seiko are the same. I have loads of 20+22 mm straps. I love to swap my straps and I shy away from daft sizes

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

When my jeans are too long I have them hemmed.

[@lawhitey]

Looking forward to them releasing the new non GMT version.

[@watchmitch3699]

If I were going for a “Mossy” green sunburst dial I would still rather have the Sherwood Commander than the Longiness, call me unsophisticated if you must.

[@nedflanders3769]

Plus one for Sherwood Commander. Got one, great watch!😊

[@AvroBellow]

As much as I love these Longines divers, my Tissot Seastar 2000 out-specs both of them by quite a margin, well, as a dive watch anyway. It doesn't have a GMT function but since I don't ever use the GMT function, I just don't care...LOL

[@karlsenula9495]

I've always like the LOOK of the Conquest and Hydroconquest (especially the teal dial they had years ago). The newer GMT style looks more "standard" and boring to me (without a name on it I might think it is a Kamasu) - at first glance you don't know it is a Longines.

[@TheChaz5504]

What other uses can Kurt put his fingers to??? lololol. Great, balanced review as always. Love the GMT, never really loved the HC regular diver design. Thank you for covering this amazing brand. My 39mm legend diver I purchased recently is incredible and one of my favorite watches I have EVER owned- and that's saying something :) Not quite sure about your hot take on the swatch hierarchy though... blasphemy lol. CHEERS RUSS!!

[@derekwalter4238]

Seiko SKX!

[@Seffsqautch]

Thank you for teaching us Americans how to say the name of this brand. We tend to say, “Long Jeans” 👖

[@clintonshiells3095]

Do the movements have any plastic parts?

[@michaelgreenhalgh3369]

The best looking parts the back.