Longines Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake

In anticipation of the Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake in 2025, the esteemed Swiss watchmaker Longines has unveiled a captivating special edition of its Conquest Heritage model. This unique timepiece, dubbed the Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake, is a collaboration with renowned Chinese artist Wu Jian'an and pays homage to the rich symbolism of the snake in East Asian culture. It will be limited to 2025 units, one for every year until the next year of the snake, adding to the desirability.

The snake, a creature often associated with transformation, wisdom, and vitality, holds a revered position in East Asian traditions. Wu Jian'an's design for this limited edition captures this essence beautifully. The case back of the watch is engraved with a striking image titled "Divine Snake Presents Treasure." This intricate artwork depicts a mystical snake, not merely slithering but dynamically coiled, holding a Lingzhi mushroom in its mouth. The Lingzhi mushroom, often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality," further reinforces the themes of longevity, rebirth, and good fortune associated with the snake.



Wu Jian'an, a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, is known for his artistic vision that bridges Chinese and Western cultural traditions. His work often explores enduring themes of human civilization through a unique blend of traditional techniques and contemporary expression. In this collaboration with Longines, Wu Jian'an reinterprets the classic Chinese tale "The Legend of the White Snake," specifically the episode "Stealing the Immortal Herb." The spiraling form of the snake in his design evokes ripples, symbolizing the passage of time and the continuity of life. This artistic representation beautifully complements Longines' own commitment to blending tradition with innovation.

The Conquest collection itself has a storied history within the Longines lineage. First trademarked in 1954, it represents the brand's adventurous spirit and commitment to both design and technical excellence. The Conquest Heritage line, of which this special edition is a part, pays homage to the original Conquest models of the 1950s. These watches were designed with a classic aesthetic in mind. They remain sought after to this day for that exact reason. The Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake continues this tradition by seamlessly blending the vintage charm of the 1950s with modern watchmaking technology.

Visually, the Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake is a stunning piece. The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case with an angled, screwed-down case back that houses the unique snake engraving. This case size strikes a balance between presence and wearability, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The case is also water-resistant to 5 bar, ensuring it can withstand the occasional splash or exposure to the elements. The dimensions of the watch are well-proportioned, with a lug distance of 20mm, a lug-to-lug measurement of 48.10mm, and a thickness of 10.80mm. These dimensions contribute to the watch's comfortable fit on the wrist.



The focal point of the watch, however, is undoubtedly the dial. A vibrant sunray gradient red domed dial immediately catches the eye. The red color is a strong symbol of luck and prosperity. This bold hue is complemented by gilt hands and applied indexes, creating a dazzling display that is both festive and sophisticated. The use of gold-toned accents against the red background evokes a sense of luxury and celebration, perfectly aligning with the spirit of the Lunar New Year. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, with several layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensuring optimal legibility in various lighting conditions. The applied indexes are treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

From a watch collector's perspective, the dial is a feast for the eyes. The sunray finish creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, giving the red dial a depth and richness that is truly captivating. The gilt hands and indexes are meticulously crafted, with a level of detail that speaks to Longines' commitment to quality. The overall effect is one of refined opulence, a watch that is both eye-catching and understatedly cool. This would definitely be a watch a collector would be proud to have in their collection.



Powering this exceptional timepiece is the exclusive Longines L888.5 caliber. This self-winding mechanical movement is a testament to Longines' technical prowess. It beats at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and boasts a power reserve of up to 72 hours. The movement is also equipped with a monocrystalline silicon balance spring, a feature that enhances the watch's precision and longevity. Silicon is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and unaffected by normal temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields. These qualities make it an ideal material for a balance spring, as it contributes to the watch's accuracy and durability. Furthermore, the L888.5 caliber offers a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard, ensuring the watch's accuracy even in the presence of magnetic fields.

Longines' dedication to innovation is evident in their choice of movement and materials. The use of a silicon balance spring in the L888.5 caliber showcases their commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance the performance of their timepieces. This focus on technical excellence is a hallmark of Longines' watchmaking philosophy. They are always pushing the boundaries to get the best performance possible.

Completing the look of the watch is a black alligator leather strap. The choice of black leather provides a classic and sophisticated contrast to the vibrant red dial and the gleam of the stainless-steel case. The strap is secured with a buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The strap adds a touch of refinement to the watch. Alligator straps are known for their comfort and durability, as well as their luxurious look and feel. This material choice would be a win for any watch collector.



The Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake is more than just a beautiful timepiece; it is a symbol of cultural heritage and artistic expression. It is a piece of art for your wrist. It represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, a celebration of the past and a nod to the future. This limited edition watch is a testament to Longines' enduring commitment to craftsmanship and their ability to create timepieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically impressive.

Longines, with its rich heritage dating back to 1832, has consistently demonstrated a strong devotion to tradition and performance. Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the brand has a long-standing association with the world of sports, serving as a timekeeper for numerous world championships and partnering with international sports federations. This legacy of precision and reliability is reflected in every Longines timepiece.

The brand's emblem, the winged hourglass, symbolizes the passage of time and the enduring nature of their creations. Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the world's leading manufacturer of horological products, further solidifying its position as a major player in the watchmaking industry.



The exclusivity of this limited edition, with only 2,025 pieces available worldwide, makes it even more desirable for collectors. Owning this watch means owning a piece of horological history, a unique collaboration between a renowned watchmaker and a celebrated artist. It's a watch that will be cherished for generations to come.

The pricing and availability of the Longines Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake are as follows: the watch is priced at $3,150.00 and is currently available for purchase. With only 2,025 pieces available worldwide, interested buyers are encouraged to act swiftly to secure this exceptional timepiece. The limited availability adds to the watch's exclusivity and desirability, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Case: Round, stainless steel. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with multi-layered anti-reflective coating on both sides. Screw-down case back. 40.00 mm diameter. 20 mm lug distance, 48.10 mm lug-to-lug, 10.80 mm thickness. Water-resistant to 5 bar, 71.1 g weight.

Movement: Automatic, L888 caliber. Self-winding mechanical movement, 25,200 vibrations per hour. Monocrystalline silicon balance spring. Power reserve up to 72 hours.

Dial: Red. Applied indexes, gilt hands. Swiss Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Black alligator leather strap. Buckle.

Price: $3,150.00

Notes: Special edition for the Year of the Snake, limited to 2,025 pieces. Features a unique design by Chinese artist Wu Jian'an engraved on the case back, depicting a snake holding a Lingzhi mushroom.