On Holden’s list, Absolute Favorites
Longines HydroConquest (third generation)
The Longines HydroConquest (third generation) is a dive watch from Longines: a 39 mm stainless steel case, 11.7 mm thick and 48.1 mm lug to lug, with an automatic L888.5 movement and 300 m water resistance.
Going by its 48.1 mm lug to lug, it should sit within the flat top of a wrist of about 6.5 inches (16.6 cm) or larger.
Research found it at $2,200 list in the US (checked August 2026).
It's a real step up into Longines quality with serious manufacturer backing. The catch is that dive watches are the most crowded category there is, so it has to beat a lot of good options.
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3][4] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Longines |
| Reference | Unknown |
| Category | Diver |
| Production | Current (introduced 2026) |
| Case and size [1][2][3] | |
| Case diameter | 39 mm |
| Lug to lug | 48.1 mm |
| Thickness | 11.7 mm |
| Lug width | Unknown |
| Case material | Stainless steel, brushed |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment |
| Water resistance | 300 m (30 bar) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [1][2][3] | |
| Movement | L888.5, automatic |
| Power reserve | 72 h |
| Accuracy | No chronometer certification stated for the diver line |
| Bracelet [1][2][3] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Choice of H-link steel bracelet or new tapered Milanese mesh with polished sides (first mesh in the line) |
| Clasp | Double-folding clasp (both bracelet styles) |
| Price and warranty (US) [1][2][3] | |
| List price (US) | $2,200 on H-link bracelet, $2,400 on mesh (Teddy Baldassarre, 2026) |
| Street price (US) | ≈MSRP — too new for meaningful discounting (August 2026) |
| Used price (US) | Unknown |
| Warranty | Unknown |
Will it fit?
A watch wears comfortably when its lugs stay on the flat top of the wrist. Here is the 48.1 mm lug to lug against the flat top estimated for common wrist sizes.
| Wrist | Flat top | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in 15.2 cm | 47 mm | Likely overhangs |
| 6.5 in 16.5 cm | 51 mm | At the edge |
| 7 in 17.8 cm | 55 mm | Comfortable |
| 7.5 in 19.1 cm | 59 mm | Comfortable |
| 8 in 20.3 cm | 63 mm | Comfortable |
Check it against your own wrist An estimate, not a guarantee; how the method works is on the tool page.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- 300 m diver at 11.7 mm thick — exceptional slimness for the rating [2][3]
- Ceramic bezel with Ultra-Chron-derived mechanism, five insert colors [2]
- L888.5 silicon / 72 h / ~600 gauss at ~$2,200 [1][2]
- Micro-adjust double-folding clasp on both bracelet styles, plus first Milanese option [3]
- Cleaner applied-index dial answers the old generation's polarizing numerals [1]
Weaknesses
- Crowded category
- Exact references per size/color not yet resolved from citable sources (only two Singapore refs seen)
- No chronometer certification at a price nearing the COSC Spirit's used market
- Design, while improved, remains a conventional modern diver silhouette vs the Spirit/Legend Diver identities
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 7.6 |
| Value at a realistic price | 8.6 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.8 |
| Movement and engineering | 8.0 |
| Wearability and proportions | 8.7 |
| Versatility and durability | 8.8 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 7.4 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other diver watches on his list.
- Traser P67 Diver Blue 109375
- Squale 1545 Grey 1545GG.AC
- Glycine Combat Sub 42 GL0533
- Tudor Pelagos LHD 25610TNL-0001
- Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver SLGB023
Sources
- Longines Hydroconquest Gets a High-End Revamp for 2026 teddybaldassarre.com · read August 26, 2026
- First Look: The All-New 2026 Longines HydroConquest Collection monochrome-watches.com · read August 26, 2026
- New: Longines HydroConquest deployant.com · read August 26, 2026
- Hands-On: The New Third-Gen Longines Hydroconquest fratellowatches.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.