Why This Watch Matters Here is a great variant of the Longines Conquest, a model that was designed and sold to be a "stepping-stone to progress." 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 enamel 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. The example we have here is in like new old stock condition with an unpolished case and little signs of wear over the years. Although good for condition today, it is a shame this Longines has not seen much use, let's change that soon. We paired it with our Connor in Cigar to match the classy vibe this Longines gives off. The Fine Print Maker: LonginesModel: Conquest Calendar AutomaticReference: 9005Year: 1950sCase No: 659Movement No: 10122246Material: 18k Yellow GoldDimensions: 35mm diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Longines, self-winding, caliber 19 ASDBracelet/Strap: The Connor Watch Strap In CigarLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Applied hour markers- Like new old stock condition- Unpolished 18k yellow gold case- Blue enamel caseback detailing Things To Know: - Light scratches on case- Patina in center of the dial This Longines is in overall excellent condition. The case is strong and shows some scratches throughout with a few light nicks. The edges on the faceted lugs are crisp. The case appears to be unpolished. The caseback has a few scratches but the medallion is crisp with little to no paint loss. There is a crisp hallmark behind the four o'clock lug. The multi-layered and finished dial has a nice, soft patina. There is a bit of concentrated patina near the center of the dial, likely from the hands sitting for a long period of time. The hands have developed patina. 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. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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