An Iconic Brand Tapped Its Archive for a Stunning Daily Dress Watch
Hot off updating and expanding the Conquest line, Longines adds a stunning daily dress watch modeled after the original 1954 design.
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In 2023, Longines gave its signature Conquest line a sweeping update , added a 38mm case size in 2024 and expanded it further earlier this year with new straps .
Almost exactly a year after introducing the much-anticipated 38mm Conquest, Longines is filling out the line with a dressy alternative styled after the original 1954 design.
The Heritage is the dressed-up older brother to the sporty standard Conquest. - Credit: Longines
You can think of the Conquest Heritage as the older brother to the standard Conquest, who looks great with a suit and elevates casual everyday dress.
The dial is almost a mirror image of the original Conquest, which was the first Longines design to receive a Swiss trademark in 1954. The main aesthetic difference is the size, as the original had a 35mm case and the new one is offered in 38mm and 40mm.
Excluding the blue dial, the dial logo, hands and hour markers are coated in 18-karat gold. - Credit: Longines
In another nod to the original Conquest, which featured gold dial details, the dial logo, hands and hour markers are coated in 18-karat gold. The lone exception is the blue dial, which has silver-toned markings.
On the flip side, the case back features an 18-karat gold and hand-enameled medallion identical to that found on the 1954 references.
The ultimate daily dress watch
This is not the first appearance of the Conquest Heritage. In 2014, Longines created a limited edition direct replica of the original 1954 Conquest for its 60th anniversary. It came in two different steel and gold references with slightly different dial layouts and a faithful 35mm size.
The green dial Conquest Heritage comes with a black embossed leather pin-buckle strap. - Credit: Longines
The 2025 reissue mirrors one of those 2014 limited edition references, but sized up to 38mm and 40mm, and with a steel case and colored dials. Thankfully, it is also a regular production that will be readily available for the foreseeable future.
Differences in the dials on the Conquest and Conquest Heritage are subtle, but they add up to a sleeker and more sophisticated look on the latter.
The case back features an 18-karat gold and hand-enameled medallion. - Credit: Longines
To start with, the hands are dauphine-style with narrow lume inlays. The applied hour markers are more pointed with a grooved center, and the minute track is moved inside the hour track.
Finally, the dial is conspicuously missing a date window, creating a sleeker finish. With this dropped complication, the Conquest Heritage is powered by a different movement from the rest of the line. The in-house L888.5 has a 72-hour power reserve.
The burgundy dial only comes on an oxblood alligator leather strap. - Credit: Longines
Where the Conquest has an exhibition case back, the Heritage features a gold and hand-enameled medallion identical to the one found on the 1954 design.
Robust from the start
Longines's Conquest line was already expansive, but the Heritage adds 17 more references to the family of mid-tier daily watches. At launch, there are two size options and five dial color options.
The Conquest Heritage is available with a steel bracelet for the first time. - Credit: Longines
Notably, the Conquest Heritage is also available with a steel bracelet, which was not offered in the 1950s or 2014. The H-link style bracelet blends polished center links with brushed edge links and has a three-piece folding clasp with micro-adjustment.
A few standouts from the collection are the burgundy dial, which only comes on an oxblood alligator leather strap, and the steel dial, which most closely resembles vintage references.
The black-on-black accentuates the gold dial detailing. - Credit: Longines
My personal favorite option, however, is the black dial in 38mm, which has by far the most formal appearance on the black leather strap. It may just be the best dress watch that $2,850 can buy.
Availability and pricing
The Longines Conquest Heritage line is available now from Longines and authorized dealers in both 38mm and 40mm.
Prices range from $2,850 with a cow leather strap to $3,150 with a steel bracelet. Both case sizes are the same price.
Longines Conquest Heritage
Specs
| Case Size 38mm or 40mm |
|---|
| Movement Longines caliber L888.5 automatic |
| Water Resistance 50m |
About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men's Health. Now, he's on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.
