Don't Get That, Get This Instead: Rolex Submariner vs. Longines HydroConquest

The Main Draw: Rolex vs. Longines

In today’s version of versus we have the Rolex Submariner and the Longines HydroConquest going head-to-head. This may seem like a mismatch at first glance, but “Be Patience Young Grasshopper” you may be surprised by the outcome.

Both the Longines HydroConquest and the Rolex Submariners are formidable dive watches. While we’ll compare their strengths and weaknesses, this is a debate that transcends the specifications. At the end of the day the decision is yours, we just hope to make it an easy one.

Heritage, Design, and Perceived Status

When it comes to iconic status, the Rolex Submariner is in a league of its own. The Submariner (sometimes simply referred to as “The Sub” because “Submariner” is too long) is one of the most important watches ever. Originally unveiled in 1954, it was the first watch to withstand depths of 300 meters (that’s almost as deep as the Submersible). It’s also graced the wrist of pop-culture icons such as Steve McQueen, Robert Reford, and Sean Connery’s James Bond. The design of the Submariner is straight forward. The watch has a black bezel, black dial, large markers, and the distinctive Oyster bracelet. This design has remained relatively unchanged for almost 70 years.

Bold, Functional, and Competitively Priced

The Longines HydroConquest, on the other hand, was introduced much later. The collection debuted in 2007 as a sporty offering from Longines. While it doesn’t have the pop culture history of the submariner. It has carved out its niche by offering a contemporary design and impressive functionality at a far more accessible price point. Longines is a part of the Swatch Group, and the HydroConquest is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the higher priced brands like Omega. Despite its affordability, the HydroConquest often draws comparisons to the Submariner because of it’s bold and robust design.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Both watches offer a water resistance rating of 300 meters, making them perfectly engineered for professional diving. The Submariner enhances this with its Triplock winding crown, which is a triple waterproof system. While the HydroConquest relies on a typical screw-down crown.

The bezels of both watches are unidirectional for dive time tracking. Newer Submariner models feature a Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, which is virtually scratchproof, corrosion-resistant, and UV stable. The HydroConquest also offers ceramic bezels on its modern iterations, with clear markings and a luminous pearl.

The movement is where these two watches differ the most.

The Rolex Submariner houses the brand's in-house Caliber 3230/3235. These movements feature Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement and paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, ensuring high precision and resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. It has 70-hours of power reserve and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer. Guaranteeing accuracy within -2/+2 seconds per day.

The Longines HydroConquest uses Longines-exclusive Caliber L888 movement ETA A31.L11). It offers a 72-hour power reserve with a typical accuracy within -5 to +15 seconds per day. In addition, Longines offers a more affordable quartz versions of the watch.

Value Proposition and The Investment Question

I will scream this as long as I have the ability to scream; WATCHES ARE NOT AN INVESTMENT! If you’re looking for a watch that’s going to increase in value, wait for the Paul Newman Daytona to go back up for auction. Now when it comes to value, there is a conversation to be had there.

The Rolex Submariner, historically, has shown strong value retention, making them a great buy. Conversely the Longines HydroConquest delivers incredible value for the money. These watches can be acquired for under $2000. When you think about all that the HydroConquest offers and its comparable functionality to luxury watches, this versus is a no-brainer. The Longines HydroConquest is the winner.

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