The HydroConquest Boutique Edition with a stainless steel bracelet and matching green rubber strap

Browsing through the collections of Longines, one may find oneself singling out the HydroConquest family. It stands out conspicuously amidst its elegant and refined siblings; its masculinity exerts an indomitable presence on them. Even so, Longines ensures a touch of discernment and grace in the execution of the diver; the brand’s slogan reads “Elegance is an attitude” after all.

The HydroConquest is currently available in three colours and two sizes — 41mm and 43mm in black, blue and grey. This year, two new colours are introduced — khaki green and forest green, the latter being the Boutique Edition.

Left to right: The HydroConquest Boutique Edition in forest green and the HydroConquest in khaki green

The Boutique Edition differs ever so slightly from its khaki green counterpart but as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. ZrO2 is printed discreetly just beneath the hands highlighting the matte ceramic dial of the timepiece. The vertical-brushing becomes apparent when the light hits at certain angles. Instead of printed hour indexes, the St. Imier manufacture opted for 10 subtle SuperLuminova cabochon hour indexes; each glows a bright shade of blue along with the Arabic numerals. The default attachment is a stainless steel bracelet but a green rubber strap is packaged along. Both feature an easy change system for seamless interchangeability, reducing fears of damaging the watch case during changes.

Housed within the 41mm stainless steel case is the calibre L888.5 exclusive to Longines, an upgrade to the calibre L888.3, also produced for the brand by ETA. Longterm reliability is the name of the game as Longines opted for a silicon balance spring and slight reduction of the beat rate to 25,200 vibrations per hour. Completing the look is a ceramic bezel in the same shade of green.

Longines HydroConquest Boutique Edition Specs and Price

MOVEMENT Automatic Calibre L888.5; 64-hour power reserve

CASE 41mm in stainless steel case; water-resistant to 300m

STRAP Stainless steel bracelet and green rubber strap, both with easy change system

PRICE $3,580