LONGINES | Conquest Ceramic

LONGINES

Conquest Ceramic

Text by OPENERS

Launched in 1955, Longines' "Conquest" series, beloved by numerous renowned adventurers, celebrates the spirit of challenge. Now, the "Conquest Ceramic" makes its debut, marking the first time ceramic material has been adopted for this line.

Ceramic is highly resistant to scratches and impervious to discoloration and degradation. This means its unique luster can be maintained semi-permanently, making it an ideal material for watches, offering both beauty and high functionality. Furthermore, its hypoallergenic properties make it gentle on the skin. For "Conquest," which has championed "sporty elegance" since its inception in 1955, ceramic is truly one of the most suitable materials.

This ceramic is not only used for the bezel, the most scratch-prone part of the watch, but also for the cabochon on the tip of the crown and the center links of the bracelet. Available in two colors, black and gray, the dial matches the case. The combination with the matte stainless steel case accentuates a sophisticated image.

Despite its elegant appearance, the watch houses a reliable automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA 7750, capable of measuring hours, minutes, and seconds. It also boasts a diver's specification with 300m water resistance. It is astonishing that such a capable timepiece can be purchased for just over 300,000 yen, highlighting its exceptional cost performance.

Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 42-hour power reserve. Case diameter 41mm. Stainless steel x ceramic case & bracelet. 300m water resistance. ¥304,500.

BRAND HISTORY

In 1832, Auguste Agassiz opened a watch assembly workshop in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Later, his nephew, Ernest Francillon, established a modern, integrated manufacturing system in the village of Les Longines in 1866, laying the foundation for the prestigious Swiss watch brand, Longines.

The first key-wound pocket watch manufactured at the factory built by Ernest Francillon won a bronze medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition. Subsequently, Longines' products, combining high precision and quality, garnered ten Grand Prix awards and 28 gold medals at successive expositions. The brand also succeeded in developing a chronograph movement early on in 1879 and served as the official timekeeper for the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, thus expanding its presence into the realm of sports.

In the field of wristwatches, Longines accompanied numerous adventurous expeditions, starting with R. Amundsen's Arctic Ocean exploration in 1926. In 1927, it was also carried on Charles Lindbergh's non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic, earning the brand global recognition for manufacturing aviation watches capable of withstanding harsh conditions.

With such a distinguished history, Longines continues to offer a remarkably diverse lineup in both sports and dress watch categories. At the 2007 Basel Fair in April, the "Longines Sport Collection" was unveiled. This collection presents compelling timepieces with reliable quality and excellent cost performance.

Founding Year: 1832
Place of Founding: Saint-Imier, Switzerland
Main Series Names: Evidenza, Master Collection, Sport Collection
Inquiries: Swatch Group Japan Longines Division 03-6254-7351

Official Website: http://www.longines.com/