Starting this summer, the 2022 Commonwealth Games will see athletes from over 70 Commonwealth nations and territories compete against each other in sports such as volleyball, cycling, judo, weightlifting and diving. For Longines, the latter is an area in which they have already built a solid reputation, demonstrated largely by their water-resistant HydroConquest collection. To mark their status as the Official Partner and Timekeeper of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Swiss watch manufacturer refresh the design with a new colourful bezel and dial and a limited edition status of 2,022 pieces. Meet the Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth watch…
The Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Limited Edition doesn’t mark the first, or last, collaboration between the luxury watch brand and the Commonwealth Games. Their relationship first began back in 1962 when Longines became partner of the Perth 1962 Commonwealth Games and then again later for the 2014 edition in Glasgow and the 2018 edition in the Gold Coast, Australia. In 2020, the pair then announced a historic multi-Commonwealth Games partnership with the reveal of a Longines Birmingham 2022 Countdown Clock. As such, Longines will continue to use its timekeeping expertise in the 2022, 2026 and 2030 Games. Whether that means there will be further CWG-inspired limited edition, we don’t know, but for now, let’s take a look at the 2022 Longines HydroConquest Commonwealth watch.
Ultimately, the Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth watch revives the base of the classic 41mm HydroConquest Automatic but for a clever twist, adds a new vibrant colour scheme to the dial and bezel. The rainbow decorated 60 minute scale on the black ceramic bezel and the matching multi-coloured accented minutes track on the dial take inspiration from the colourful logo of the Commonwealth Games. There are also touches of yellow for the seconds hand and date window at 3 o’clock and white Superluminova is used on the hours, minutes and large Arabic numerals.
The rest of the design is what you’d expect from a Longines HydroConquest. The stainless steel case sits on the wrist at 41mm with brushed and polished surfaces, a screw in crown at 3 o’clock and a water resistance of 300 metres. The Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth watch also impresses with anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass on top while the black polished ceramic insert bezel is finished with unidirectional functionality. The architecture is finalised by a three-row link stainless steel bracelet closed by a double security folding clasp with an integrated diving extension.
Powering the Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Limited Edition is the L888.5 automatic winding calibre based on the ETA A31.L11. Alongside the hours, minutes, seconds and date complication, it delivers a frequency of 3.5Hz, 21 jewels and an impressive 72 hour power reserve. The movement is also equipped with a silicon balance spring for improved performance and resistance to magnetic and temperature-based variation. Keeping the movement from view is a closed stainless steel case back engraved with the Birmingham 2022 logo and “Limited Edition – 1 out of 2022”.
If you’d like to learn more about the Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth watch and get your hands on one of the 2,022 limited edition pieces, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Longines HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth (L3.781.4.59.6)
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Black ceramic insert, multi-coloured 60 minute scale, unidirectional
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Closed with special engraving
- Water Resistance: 300 metres
- Movement: Calibre L888.5 automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Jewels: 21
- Frequency: 25,200vph
- Dial: Black with multi-coloured minute track, Superluminova hands and markers
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
- Buckle: Folding with diving extension
- RRP: £1,600
- Limited Edition: 2,022 pieces
