Longines HydroConquest Cerachrom Two-Tone Ref. L3.781.3.96.9 (Grey/Gold)
Dive Watch / Luxury Tool Watch · Longines (Swatch Group). Positioned in the 'High Range' tier, known for exceptional value and athletic elegance heritage.
Period: Modern Luxury (2018-present). It features the 2018 redesign indicators including the flat ceramic bezel and simplified dial layout.
Type
Dive Watch / Luxury Tool Watch
Brand
Longines (Swatch Group). Positioned in the 'High Range' tier, known for exceptional value and athletic elegance heritage.
Movement
Automatic, Calibre L888 (ETA A31.L01 base). High-frequency 25,200 vph, approx. 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, featuring a monocrystalline silicon balance spring.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 41.0 mm; Thickness: 11.9 mm; Lug-to-lug: 51.0 mm; Lug width: 21.0 mm.
Description
The HydroConquest is the flagship of Longines' sporting line, blending high-end dive specs with a sophisticated two-tone aesthetic. Its grey sunray dial interacts beautifully with light, while the ceramic bezel provides modern scratch resistance. It maintains a slim profile for a 30bar diver, allowing it to transition from casual wear to professional environments easily.
Key Features
High-tech ceramic bezel insert, sunray metallic dial finish, two-tone gold/steel colorway, and the L888 high-performance movement with silicon hairspring.
Dial Description
Sunray grey dial with applied '12, 6, 9' Arabic numerals and dot indices. Gold-plated polished 'Snowflake-style' hour/minute hands and lollipop seconds hand. Date aperture at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel (316L) with yellow Gold PVD coating on the bezel edge and crown. The case features vertically brushed lugs and polished flanks.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with several layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel with a grey ceramic (ZrO2) insert, gold-plated notched edges, and 60-minute diving scale markings.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown with gold PVD coating, embossed with the Longines winged hourglass logo; protected by integrated steel crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Black alligator-style embossed leather strap with a grey/contrast stitching and a double-security folding clasp with integrated diving extension.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback featuring the embossed Longines winged hourglass centerpiece and circular brushed finish.
Movement Type
Automatic, Calibre L888 (ETA A31.L01 base). High-frequency 25,200 vph, approx. 72-hour power reserve, 21 jewels, featuring a monocrystalline silicon balance spring.
Water Resistance
30 bar (300 meters / 1000 feet). Suitable for professional diving and high-pressure water sports.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Uses an exclusive movement based on ETA architecture.
Age Estimate
Circa 2019-2023. The ceramic bezel and L888 movement confirm it as the current-generation HydroConquest.
Cultural Significance
A staple in the 'entry-level luxury' category, the HydroConquest is widely considered the best alternative to the Rolex Submariner for those seeking Swiss heritage at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible wear includes slight horizontal surface scratches on the polished lugs; the ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal appear mint and graze-free.
Value Estimate
MSRP approx. $2,100; Secondary market value $1,200 - $1,500 depending on box/papers and strap condition.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-8 years. Rinse with fresh water after salt exposure. Ensure crown is fully tightened before water immersion to maintain seal integrity.
Similar Watches
Tudor Pelagos (Titanium/Matte), Oris Aquis Date (Integrated Lugs), Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300.
Interesting Facts
Longines was the first to use the 'Lollipop' and 'Snowflake' hand combination to optimize diver legibility. The winged hourglass logo is the oldest unchanged active trademark in the world.