This Longines has a very special place in my collection. After having the "heritage" version from 2014, I couldn't help but think of the original version from 1954. So I sold the first one while waiting to find a good example of a vintage Conquest. Finally, in 2022, I found exactly what I was looking for with this watch in superb condition, with the 19.AS movement, which represents for me the embodiment of Longines' know-how and attention to detail of the case, dial and movement, without compromise. So here we have a watch resistant to water, magnetism, shocks, designed to meet the challenges of exploring the modern world that the second half of the 20th century was destined for. A robust and sophisticated watch, with a degree of finishing equal to the finest watchmaking productions of the time. Yes, the main rubies of the movement are set in gold chatons, the indices are solid gold, and the back of the case features a deep blue enamel motif (the steel and gold-plated versions have a green enamel medallion). A watch that evokes all the attributes of modern watchmaking and Swiss watchmaking tradition simultaneously. For me it is an extraordinary watch, a distillation of history that transports me into its universe and makes the flame of passion burn within me.

I present to you my Longines Conquest Automatic in 41mm. This is a watch that arrived in my collection at a time when I no longer had a watch collection, having been burgled. So I was looking for an extremely versatile watch, ready to accompany me everywhere without flinching, to work, on an adventure or in the evening. The Longines Conquest remains an enigma in my watchmaking journey: it is a watch that I first discovered in images, via different photos and videos, and systematically, I wondered what people could find in it: it is not particularly beautiful (I would go so far as to say that I found it rather ugly), not particularly original, nothing crazy... then I saw it in real life in London, and I can't really explain why, but it caught my eye. Then a few months later, passing by an AD, it was love at first sight (especially with a discount of 400chf!). Coming to the watch itself: it's a big watch, with 41mm in diameter and 50mm from lug to lug. On the other hand, where many people seem to find that it's a bit larger than it says, I don't quite agree. It's a thin watch (11.7mm), with plunging lugs, which allows it to fit a lot of wrists (and I have a very small wrist of 15.5~16cm). 300m of water resistance for this piece, which is absurd, but nevertheless very cool! The finishes are excellent considering its price, with many very well-made polished surfaces, a crown with an original design. The deep black lacquered dial brings very pretty reflections and plays of light, it's probably my favorite detail. The set of hands is very pretty, with two facets, and even prettier in the version with painted indexes and luminescent paint on the hands. The bracelet is very nicely made with an elegant butterfly clasp. Downside, it will be difficult for you to adjust it perfectly to your liking, given that there is no kind of micro-adjustment. You will have to deal with half links, but in my case it is either slightly tight or too wide... The movement is a Longines L888, derived from an ETA 2892: excellent reliability and more than proven movement, crazy precision (my copy runs at -2sec/day). Completely satisfied on this side! On the downsides: - It is a heavy watch on its steel bracelet (188 grams all the same), we do not forget it! - Enjoy the moment when you see it immaculate in the store, because it will be scratched the next second! It is a scratch magnet, it is terrible! For my part, I like objects that live so it does not bother me at all, but if you are maniacs, run away! - The original bracelet and its lack of micro-adjustments which can make it uncomfortable to wear for some wrists, inherent to the butterfly buckle... - If you like it to be bright, it's the same, run away because it's sincerely crap aha! But I forget all that and forgive it because beyond the fact that I love it enormously, it has a real emotional dimension which means that whatever happens, I would never part with it! For 1250chf/1400e, you will have a real Swiss watch from one of the most important manufacturers in the history of watchmaking, a reliable, robust and precise movement, excellent finishes and a look so cool and versatile!

The Longines Conquest GMT is the first Swiss watch I bought. It was this one, along with the first watches of my adolescence (Seiko, Casio) that got me started in watchmaking. I was looking for a Swiss watch, with a recognized watchmaking history, automatic and with, if possible, a complication that was a bit nice and different from what we see, like dates or days. All that in a "content" budget, namely under the 1500€ mark. I found all that in this Longines. Its blue sunray dial is magnificent and the red hand of the second time zone contrasts with the dial and gives it a sporty side. You should know that this watch is quite thick and quite heavy to wear. Despite these two small flaws (as well as a slightly noisy oscillating weight but hey...), it remains quite pleasant to wear and remains a special piece in my eyes. It is water-resistant to 5 Bars, remains relatively precise over the hours and days, which makes it a perfect "daily". She is and will remain the one who made me put my finger in the Watchmaking gears.

41mm quartz watch. Watch purchased with a chocolate brown leather strap. This is my first beautiful watch that I had for my 20th birthday, since then I can't do without it. 8 years later, I gave it a real youthful look with a metal strap and my watch is alive again, it has nothing to do with it. It is sporty and robust. I wear it every day, whether it's to go to work, play sports or whatever. The only small problem is its size, I would have loved it in 39mm given my small wrist.