Longines HydroConquest GMT Owner Review : Sporty, smart and astute

I didn't have a GMT watch in my collection, and I must admit I'd been thinking about it for a while. With a limited budget of between €3,000 and €3,500 maximum, my options were limited. I initially considered the 39mm Longines Spirit Zulu. However, I asked my authorized dealer to let me try on the HydroConquest GMT and a Seiko GMT. As a fan of dive watches, the HydroConquest GMT immediately appealed to me. First, its 41mm diameter sits well on my wrist, which is only 16.5cm, and its bracelet, with its tool-free fine adjustment, is incredibly easy to adjust, especially since it features half links, making it very simple to find the right fit for comfortable wear. Its sunburst olive dial catches the light beautifully, allowing for varying shades of light and dark. The gold hour markers complement the dial perfectly. Incidentally, I noticed that the date disc matches the dial color, and the date numerals match the hour markers—a very pleasing detail. Its ceramic bezel ensures scratch resistance. The case is entirely brushed, reinforcing the watch's tool-like appearance. The GMT function is indicated on a disc outside the dial, as the bezel is graduated for dive time counting. Speaking of which, its movement is a true GMT. This means that only the local time can be adjusted without affecting the minute hand. Water-resistant to 300 meters, with a GMT function and a mesmerizing dial that exudes elegance, this watch is capable of shining in the evening, at the beach, while traveling, and is even suitable for diving. This Longines is truly versatile...