The Longines range is constantly being revamped and updated and the latest HydroConquest dive watch is a classic example. It now boasts 300m of water resistance, up from the old 200m benchmark. Plus there’s a GMT hand, which makes this more of an all-rounder wristwatch, not just a diver. The new colours also include a nice bottle green which we think is the collectors choice, although the black dial will probably hold its resale value better long term. The bronzey/brown is kinda growing us too.

The movement now has 72 hours of reserve and is more resistant to everyday magnetic fields emitted by electronic gadgets like smartphones, wifi hubs, spy cameras and probably traffic wardens’ e-scooters too.

The watch gets a bit of extra adjustment in its steel clasp too, which should make it a more bespoke fit.

The main visible change with the new trio is the more mainstream dial, which does away with the big 3, 6 and 9 numbers. Does it look more like a Tudor or Rolex Sub with its lumed blobs and triangle at 12 noon? Yes and that is a good thing. The watch is 41mm wide which is the ideal compromise we reckon Prices start at £2450 and £2550 for the steel bracelet models. That’s up a fair jump from the £1250 retail on the existing base model automatic HydroConquest model in the UK – as in DOUBLE the price.

Basically the Longines Hydro has gone from being entry level Swiss watch to a luxury Tudor level timekeeper overnight. The tough UK watch market will decide if that’s a step too far by Christmas.

Here’s the word;

“Longines is expanding its HydroConquest line with new variations featuring a GMT complication, a first for this emblematic collection launched in 2007. This function allows the time to be displayed simultaneously in two time zones. This complication is linked to a rich heritage: Longines introduced the concept on a wristwatch as early as 1925.

The HydroConquest GMT combines this function, useful to all travellers, with the underwater sports codes that personify it. It’s aimed at modern-day adventurers who love discovery, and at demanding sportsmen and women, and will accompany them wherever they go.

For this new generation of watches, Longines has fused retro-inspired design with the latest technological advances. The 41 mm diameter screw-down stainless-steel case back has been redesigned. It features the exclusive new Longines GMT calibre equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components in non-magnetic materials. This movement is ten times more resistant to magnetic fields than the ISO 764 benchmark standard. It is extremely precise and has a power reserve of up to 72 hours.”