The Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve marks the 70th anniversary of the iconic collection with throwback finesse
Any watch collector can attest to the allure of a vintage timepiece. But try courting any of these elusive collectables, and you’ll quickly find yourself mired in a labyrinth as you attempt to determine a potential purchase’s authenticity, condition, and accuracy. That’s where modern vintage-inspired watches come in. They offer the pleasures of horological time travel minus the laborious hunt.
Launched to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Conquest collection, the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is a dressy and dapper throwback beauty. Immediately, the eye is drawn to the watch’s central power reserve indicator, which, as the name suggests, displays the remaining levels of energy in the watch. Typically depicted as a tiny, fuel gauge-like design at a corner or at the back of a watch, the power reserve display on this model is positioned smack dab in the middle of the dial.
It works. Rather than distract, the larger-than-life display adds intrigue. A unique feature invented and used exclusively by Longines, the watch’s power reserve is indicated through the interplay between two rotating discs, which isn’t just practical but also accents the dial with a different look throughout the day.
The outer disc is marked with printed numbers and dots that indicate the power reserve. The inner disc bears the marking of a baton-shaped hand with a wide tip. When one winds the watch—whether via the crown or the movement of the wrist—the outer disc rotates clockwise until the number ‘64’ aligns with the wide tip of the baton hand on the inner disc. As one continues to wind the watch, both discs start to rotate. When the mainspring unwinds, only the inner disc rotates—clockwise—until the hand hits ‘0’, indicating that the watch has run out of energy. (You can discover the winding sequence in detail here.)
Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case, the timepiece is endowed with more modern proportions when compared to the original 35mm model. The rest of the watch’s design, however, remains faithful to the 1959 model.
Like the original, the Longines Heritage Central Power Reserve features gilt, skyscraper-like hands. Its raised and faceted indices contrast with the recessed tracks that run alongside printed minute markers, adding depth to the dial marked by the ‘Conquest’ name in retro script. Available in three colours – champagne, anthracite, and black – the dial is further accentuated by a 50s-style trapezoid-shaped appliqué at 12 o’clock that frames the date window. The watch’s nostalgic allure is completed by a domed sapphire crystal.
Turn the watch over, however, and one sees a thoroughly modern engine. The transparent caseback showcases Longines’ L896.5 automatic movement, developed exclusively by ETA. In addition to its impressive 72-hour power reserve, the movement houses a balance spring made of silicon. Constructed from a state-of-the-art synthetic material, the silicon balance spring is impervious to magnetic resistance and wear and tear, which enhances timekeeping precision.
Longines has mastered the art of crafting retro-inspired creations that evoke the past while elevating them with qualities vital to modern timepieces such as robustness, precision, and reliability. The Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve is yet another example that demonstrates the brand’s flair for celebrating the past with an eye on the future.
