In professional sports timekeeping, few brands command the respect and recognition that
Longines does. With a legacy intertwined with the thrill of athletic competition, Longines has consistently delivered timepieces that capture the essence of precision and performance. The Conquest collection, a cornerstone of the Longines brand, embodies this spirit, seamlessly blending sporty functionality with refined aesthetics. Now, Longines introduces a new chapter in the Conquest saga with the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition, a limited-edition chronograph crafted to commemorate the 48th FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria.
The Conquest collection holds a distinguished place in Longines' storied history. First introduced in 1954, it was the brand's inaugural watch line to receive trademark protection from the Swiss Federal Intellectual Property Office. This pioneering collection has consistently epitomized the fusion of sporty dynamism and classic elegance, mirroring the very essence of alpine skiing and the athletes who conquer the slopes.
Courtesy of Longines
The Conquest Chrono Ski Edition is a watch that exudes a sense of purpose and athleticism. Its robust 42mm stainless steel case is a study in contrasts, with alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces that interplay with the light. The black ceramic insert of the tachymeter bezel adds a touch of understated sophistication while underscoring the watch's sporting pedigree. A sapphire crystal, treated with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, protects the intricate dial beneath.
The anthracite dial is a canvas for a symphony of contrasting elements. The black small seconds subdial at 3 o'clock and the black counters at 6 and 9 o'clock provide a striking counterpoint to the anthracite backdrop. The dial's snailed external finish, a hallmark of the Conquest collection, adds a subtle texture that catches the eye. Polished rhodium-plated hour and minute hands, along with applied hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, ensure legibility in any condition, their Super-LumiNova® coating providing a luminous glow in low-light environments.
A splash of color enlivens the dial, with the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand and the hands of the 12-hour and 30-minute counters mirroring the red of the tachymeter scale on the bezel. This vibrant accent adds a dynamic touch, hinting at the watch's ability to track time with split-second precision.
Turning the watch over reveals a screw-down case back that proudly displays the emblem of the 48th FIS World Championships 2025 – a skier in action, forever frozen in a moment of dynamic prowess. Engravings around the edge proclaim the watch's limited-edition status and its connection to this prestigious sporting event: "SAALBACH 2025 - FIS ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS" and "LIMITED EDITION - ONE OF 2025."
Courtesy of Longines
Beneath the surface, the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition beats with the rhythm of the exclusive Longines L898.5 caliber. This self-winding mechanical movement is a marvel of micro-engineering, equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components that provide exceptional magnetic resistance – ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. With a power reserve of up to 59 hours, this movement ensures that the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition keeps pace with even the most demanding schedules.
Completing the watch's versatile character are two strap options. A stainless steel bracelet with a triple-security folding clasp offers a classic and robust choice, while a black rubber strap with a double-security folding clasp and a micro-adjustment system provides comfort and adaptability. The Conquest Chrono Ski Edition is presented in a special black box, a fitting home for this exceptional timepiece.
The Conquest Chrono Ski Edition is more than just a commemorative watch; it's a testament to Longines' enduring passion for alpine skiing. The brand's association with this exhilarating sport dates back to the early 20th century, beginning in 1924 when Longines first provided timing equipment for a ski race near its Saint-Imier factory in Switzerland. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship, with Longines playing a pivotal role in the evolution of timekeeping for alpine skiing.
In 1937, at the Alpine World Ski Championships in Chamonix, Longines introduced photoelectric cells to the world of ski racing, revolutionizing the accuracy of timekeeping at the finish line. This pioneering spirit continued to drive Longines' innovations, leading to the development of increasingly sophisticated timekeeping systems. The latest breakthrough, Longines Live Alpine Data, measures and transmits real-time, high-precision data on skiers during their races, pushing the boundaries of sports timekeeping.
Courtesy of Longines
Longines' unwavering commitment to alpine skiing has earned it the title of Official Partner of the International Ski Federation (FIS). The brand's presence is deeply ingrained in winter sports, serving as the Official Timekeeper of the men's and women's FIS Alpine Ski World Cups and the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships.
At the core of this timepiece lies the Longines L898.5 caliber, an exclusive self-winding mechanical movement that sets the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition apart. This movement isn't just about keeping time; it's about doing so with exceptional accuracy and reliability. The inclusion of a silicon balance-spring is a testament to Longines' commitment to innovation. Silicon, with its unique properties, offers superior resistance to temperature variations and magnetic fields, ensuring that the watch maintains its precision even in challenging environments.
This resistance to magnetism is further enhanced by innovative components within the movement, resulting in a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard. In a world increasingly filled with electronic devices and magnetic fields, this level of protection is crucial for maintaining the watch's accuracy over the long term.
The L898.5 caliber also boasts an impressive power reserve of up to 59 hours, allowing the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition to keep ticking reliably even after being taken off the wrist for an extended period. This extended power reserve is a testament to the movement's efficiency and a testament to Longines' dedication to crafting timepieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.
Courtesy of Longines
Encasing this exceptional movement is a 42mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a perfect balance between wrist presence and everyday wearability. The case design is a study in contrasts, with alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces that catch the light in a dynamic interplay. This interplay of finishes adds a sense of depth and sophistication to the watch, elevating it beyond a mere tool for telling time.
The black ceramic insert of the tachymeter bezel not only adds a sporty touch but also serves a practical purpose. The tachymeter scale allows the wearer to measure speed based on travel time over a fixed distance, a function that speaks to the watch's connection to the world of competitive skiing. Protecting the intricate dial is a sapphire crystal with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. This coating minimizes glare and reflections, ensuring optimal legibility in any lighting condition. Whether you're on the slopes or in a boardroom, the Conquest Chrono Ski Edition's dial remains clear and easy to read.
Speaking of the dial, its anthracite color provides a sophisticated backdrop for the contrasting black subdials and counters. The snailed external finish, a signature element of the Conquest collection, adds a subtle texture that catches the eye without being overly ostentatious. The applied hour markers and polished rhodium-plated hands, all treated with Super-LumiNova®, ensure excellent legibility even in low-light conditions. The vibrant red accents on the chronograph hands and tachymeter scale add a dynamic touch, injecting a sense of energy into the watch's design. These pops of color not only enhance legibility but also serve as a subtle reminder of the watch's connection to the high-speed world of alpine skiing.
Turning the watch over, the screw-down case back proudly displays the emblem of the 48th FIS World Championships 2025, a skier captured mid-action, symbolizing the dynamism and precision that define both the sport and the watch itself. The engravings around the edge of the case back further emphasize the watch's limited-edition status and its connection to this prestigious sporting event.
Courtesy of Longines
The Conquest Chrono Ski Edition is offered with two strap options, each catering to different preferences and occasions. The stainless steel bracelet, with its triple-security folding clasp, provides a classic and robust option for everyday wear. The black rubber strap, featuring a double-security folding clasp with a micro-adjustment system, offers comfort and adaptability, making it ideal for active pursuits.
This limited-edition timepiece is presented in a special black box, a fitting home for a watch that embodies the spirit of precision, performance, and sporty sophistication. While the retail price has not yet been officially announced, it's expected to be in line with other limited-edition Conquest chronographs, reflecting the watch's exceptional quality and craftsmanship.