When it comes to the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve model, three dates are important: 1954, 1959, and 2024. 1954 marks the birth of the Conquest collection, 1959 the debut of the first Conquest model with a central power reserve indicator, and 2024 the 70th anniversary of the Conquest collection.
In this year, Longines once again presented watches with a central power reserve indicator. The 2024 version of the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve made its debut with a light blue dial. It comes paired with a dark gray leather strap and a new three-link steel bracelet. What catches the eye the most: the central power reserve indicator, the dial color, or the new bracelet? Let's take a closer look and try to understand if 2026 will become another significant milestone in the history of the Conquest collection.
The Significance of the Conquest Collection in Longines' History
The Conquest collection is important for several reasons. Since its launch in 1954, watches from this line have always been at the forefront of Longines' technical capabilities. This collection was the first whose name was officially protected by the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property in Bern, Switzerland. This was a landmark moment in the brand's history, which can be considered the beginning of modern watch marketing strategy, where name-building and storytelling are important. The latest version of the Conquest is a history-inspired watch, celebrating an anniversary, executed in a bright, vibrant color scheme, and for the first time equipped with a three-link steel bracelet. The ice-blue dial combined with the steel bracelet gives the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve a refreshed and modern look, worthy of close attention.
Hands-On with the Updated Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve
When this model first appeared, it was undoubtedly something new and fresh. Although in 1959 such terms were unlikely to be applied to the Longines Conquest ref. 9028 with a central power reserve indicator. Nevertheless, the system based on two rotating discs located at the center of the dial was and remains a rarity. Moreover, these 35-millimeter watches with the automatic Longines caliber 292 and central power reserve indicator on a rotating disc were the first in the world with such a feature. The modern version still occupies a unique place in the market.
The power source of the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is the caliber L896.5. This is an automatic movement produced by ETA, exclusive to Longines, with a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour. Like the original model, the new watch shows the date at the '12 o'clock' position and has a central power reserve indicator on a smoothly rotating disc.
Reading the power reserve is intuitive - the technique aids functionality. At the center of the dial is a fixed disc with an indicator in the form of a stick with an expanded top. It shows the power reserve level, pointing to an outer disc with alternating dots and numbers at 8-hour intervals, which rotates, displaying the remaining 72-hour power reserve of the caliber. When winding the mechanism, the disc with the indicator rotates, and if the watch is left without movement, the outer disc will continue to rotate to zero, after which the mechanism will stop. This original and smart system remains relevant in 2026, as it was in 1959.
Style and Design: Restrained Elegance
With more than 70 years of history, the Conquest collection deservedly holds the status of 'classic'. All watches in the line fit this definition, including the three versions of the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve presented in 2024. The new model with a light blue opal dial stands out with its restraint. This color gives the watch a special attraction, characteristic only of light blue dials - a promise of exclusivity, although sometimes this may be an illusion. However, the world of luxury watches is largely based on such subtle nuances.
The latest version of the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve features a light blue dial, as well as a colored date disc at the '12 o'clock' position. The trapezoidal date window emphasizes the model's classic origin, as do the 12 applied, faceted hour markers on the domed dial. Other traditional details include a box-shaped sapphire crystal with multi-layer anti-reflective coating on both sides, creating the distinctive look of the 1950s, and a crown with the brand's winged hourglass logo.
The hands also deserve attention. The polished hour and minute hands in the 'skyscraper' style look powerful and expressive. They are filled with Super-LumiNova luminescent material, making it easier to read the time in the dark, unlike the thin second hand.
Wearing and Comfort: Size and Materials
The original model had a diameter of 35 mm, and though some might regret that Longines did not return to this size, the modern case measuring 38 × 12.3 mm with a lug-to-lug length of 45.6 mm is a traditional choice. This size allows the Conquest to be used as an elegant wristwatch. They look particularly good on a gray leather strap with a 19 mm attachment width. The three-link steel bracelet gives the model a modern accent, enhancing its presence on the wrist, yet without making the watch overly bulky.
There is nothing excessive in these Conquest watches. The case combines matte and polished surfaces, the crown is adorned with the brand's winged hourglass logo, the box-shaped sapphire crystal has anti-reflective coating on both sides, and the case back is screw-down sapphire glass. The transparent back allows observation of the mechanism's operation and simultaneously guarantees water resistance up to 50 meters.
Besides the size and color, the automatic movement and water resistance make these watches convenient for everyday wear. The reliable caliber L896.5 with a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour is equipped with a silicon balance spring, enhancing resistance to magnetic fields.
Nothing special happens when you wear the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, but the watch sits comfortably on the wrist and pleases the eye. The light blue dial paired with blue accessories always looks winning and adds completeness to the image. The original power reserve indicator adds extra depth and interest from a watchmaking perspective. It's not just the color that makes these watches attractive, but also the way one of the functions is displayed.
Conclusion: Choosing a Version and Prospects for the Collection
Which version of the light blue Conquest to prefer? I note that Longines' choice of a dark gray leather strap is justified - it pairs well with the cool shade of the dial. However, I prefer the version on the bracelet - it looks more cohesive and harmonious. On the strap, three elements stand out visually, whereas the fully steel model with polished and matte surfaces and a light blue dial appears more solid. The bracelet, like the case, is executed with alternating polished and matte elements, equipped with a double folding clasp with a button mechanism for security and a micro-adjustment system for convenience.
To clarify: reference L1.648.4.92.6 is the version on the new bracelet, and L1.648.4.92.2 is on the gray alligator strap. The cost of the model on the bracelet is 4450 euros, on the leather strap - 4250 euros. The version on the bracelet is my favorite. This Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve looks more powerful, the irony is not accidental. However, both new versions make 2026 significant for the Conquest collection.
What are your impressions of the latest interpretations of the central power reserve indicator from Longines? Share your thoughts in the comments.