Why This Watch Matters An iconic iteration of the most well-known Longines dress watch ever produced, this Conquest is checking all the boxes. The Full Story The Longines Conquest line was introduced in 1954 and, according to Longines, represented a "stepping-stone to progress". Today, vintage examples of the Conquest serve as excellent representations of classic mid-century dress watch design. The clean, straightforward look led to the success of this line, which allowed the brand to create various iterations of the model. From stainless steel to solid gold, Longines watches under the name Conquest held down the catalog for decades offering customers variety under the same clean aesthetic. A throughline with Longines Conquests of any shape, size, metal, or complication is, in most cases, a screw-down caseback with a medallion in its center. While some Conquests from the 1950s featured a little green fish, the example we have today depicts an ocean's wave under the deep blue of a starry night's sky. Beyond the beautifully finished dial and carved 18k case, this little caseback detail speaks volumes about Longines in this era. No expense was spared, no detail too small. Sure, the fancy medallion would sit against a wearer's wrist 99 percent of the time but, when the watch is taken off to show a friend, this medallion will stun. It is always great to see attention to detail at this level in a vintage watch. The solid 18k yellow gold Conquest we have here is truly a classic representation of the line. In 2014, Longines celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Conquest with a trio of heritage releases that are very reminiscent of our vintage watch. From the applied, faceted, and arrowhead-esque shaped hour markers to the cursive dial fonts, it looks like a vintage example similar to ours was the exact model for this new watch. This is for good reason, the design is outstanding in the metal. The dial finishing and long lugs of the case go a long way in making the watch wear larger on the wrist as well. We paired this Longines Conquest with our Barrett strap in red to give it a little pop of color. The strap is not red but rather muted and presents near burgundy for a look on the wrist that is sophisticated rather than flashy. Plus the yellow stitching matches the gold tone of the watch very nicely - making for a great and unexpected pairing. The Fine Print Maker: LonginesModel: ConquestReference: 9001 21 Year: Circa early 1960s Case No: N/A Movement No: 9767429Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 35mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Longines, self-winding, caliber 19 AS Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The Barrett Watch Strap In RedLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Applied hour markers- Multi-layered dial finish- 18k yellow gold case Things To Know: - Scratches on case This Longines is in overall very nice condition. The case is strong and shows some scratches throughout with a few light nicks. The edges on the faceted lugs are visible. The caseback has a few deeper scratches but the medallion is crisp with little to no paint loss. There is a crisp hallmark behind the four o'clock lug. There are some scratches on the rear of the lugs from strap removal and placement. The rear of the lugs and around the edge of the caseback has developed some patina. The multi-layered and finished dial has a nice, soft patina with very faint scratching in some areas. The hands have developed patina especially towards the base. The hour markers have also developed patina. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The case, crown, dial, and movement are all signed by Longines. The crown shows a little wear. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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