Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Reference L3.883.4.96.6 - Sporty Diver, A Review (plus Video)

I finally got a Longines watch for my collection.

I was on a trip to the UK to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony. It has been my tradition to buy myself a watch to commemorate such events. A few days before the ceremony, I visited the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to see what watch shops were there and what brands and models they carried.

The only interesting shop I found was Hour Passion, which carries a number of Swiss brands. The Longines section was prominent, but it did not carry the most recent models. I later found out that by accepting this limitation, the shop is free to offer deep discounts that other Authorized Dealers (ADs) may not be allowed to give. For this shop, the standard discount is 30% off the MSRP.

My eyes fell on the blue HydroConquest Chronograph on a bracelet. I knew this model had been phased out in 2023. After further negotiation with the dealer, I received an additional 10% off the already discounted price.

Before making the purchase, I contacted a dealer friend in Malaysia to find out if it was a good deal. While the MSRP would be cheaper in Malaysia due to different tax structures, the discounts offered in the UK were so deep that the deal was very palatable. Sweet!

 

 

Longines Watch Company

Longines' history began in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The company was founded by Auguste Agassiz as a watchmaking shop. This shop was later mechanized by his visionary nephew, Ernest Francillon, who built the first factory in 1867. It then adopted the "Longines" name (meaning "long meadows") and its winged hourglass logo. Known for precision, Longines became a sports timekeeper and aviation pioneer, creating iconic timepieces like the 1936 Calibre 13ZN flyback chronograph and navigational watches for aviators like Charles Lindbergh. Eventually, it became part of the Swatch Group, continuing its legacy of elegant, precise timekeeping (see https://www.longines.com/en-gb/universe/history/).

 

 

Longines has used the winged hourglass logo since 1867, and it is the oldest unchanged, active trademark registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization.

While the core winged hourglass symbol has remained consistent, its presentation and accompanying text have varied slightly throughout history: 

• Earliest Versions (c. 1860–1889): The initial winged hourglass had more pronounced curves on the wings. In 1889, Ernest Francillon registered a specific factory mark which included the winged hourglass inside a double circle, containing the signature EFCo (Ernest Francillon & Compagnie) and the name Longines.
• Wordmark Usage (c. 1900–1941): For a period, the company primarily used only a wordmark emblem (the name "Longines" in a specific font) without the pictorial winged hourglass symbol.
• Mid-to-Late 20th Century: The winged hourglass and the name were used together, with minor adjustments to the font and spacing over the decades. The general structure, however, has largely endured, contributing to its status as the world's oldest active trademark. 

The Series

The L3.883 series was first launched in 2011 and it was phased out in 2023. There are three colorways; grey, black and blue. 

Here are the specific model references for the 43 mm automatic chronograph watches in the Longines HydroConquest series:

• L3.883.4.96.6: Blue sunray dial with a blue ceramic bezel on a stainless steel bracelet.
• L3.883.4.96.9: Blue sunray dial with a blue ceramic bezel on a blue rubber strap.
• L3.883.4.56.6: Black sunray dial with a black ceramic bezel on a stainless steel bracelet.
• L3.883.4.56.9: Black sunray dial with a black ceramic bezel on a black rubber strap.
• L3.883.4.76.6: Grey sunray dial with a grey ceramic bezel on a stainless steel bracelet.
• L3.883.4.76.9: Grey sunray dial with a grey ceramic bezel on a grey rubber strap. 

 

L3.883.4.76.6	L3.883.4.56.6	L3.883.4.96.6
L3.883.4.76.9	L3.883.4.56.9	L3.883.4.96.9

 

It is a pity that Longines decided to phase out the series from the HydroConquest line. I was made to understand from someone close to the brand that the lack of demand was the reason behind this decision. Chronograph functions are now focused on the other series, keeping just GMT as the additional complication available for the HydroConquest line.

 

The Watch

Made out of 316L stainless steel, the Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic is a chunky timepiece. Although having a case diameter of 43 mm, it has a lug-to-lug length of 52.7 mm and a height of 15.9 mm. Coupled with the bracelet, this watch weighs in approximately 211.6 gm. 

The watch is a high-performance, robust dive watch that offers excellent value with its exclusive column-wheel movement and professional-grade specifications. Its blend of sporty aesthetics and reliable Swiss engineering makes it a strong contender in the entry-level luxury dive watch segment. It is designed for both functionality and style, offering a bold wrist presence. The case finishing is predominantly a satin brush, which is practical for a tool watch, but polished accents on the crown guards and inner links of the bracelet add a touch of sophistication.

The dial features a blue sunray finish and a clean, balanced layout despite the chronograph sub-dials. It has a straight wall polished chapter ring. 

 

The sub-seconds timing scale in white can be found at the edge of the dial. There are three sub-dials. All the sub-dials have fine concentric circle texturing and framed with a silver band with different markings and scaling. The sub-second sub-dial is at 9:00 and consist of a seconds timing scale in black on its silver band. There are four Arabic numerals on the sub-dial (60, 15, 30, 45). The hand on the sub-dial has a lollipop design, polished and lumed on the lollipop section. The hour chronograph timer sub-dial is at 6:00 and consist of a hours timing scale in black on its silver band. There are also four Arabic numerals on the sub-dial (12, 3, 6, 9). The hand on the sub-dial is baton design and fully painted in red. The minute chronograph timer sub-dial is at 3:00 and consist of a 30-minute timing scale in black on its silver band. There are also three Arabic numerals on the sub-dial (10, 20, 30). The hand on the sub-dial is similar to the other chronograph sub-dial.

 

There are five lines of text and logo on the dial. The brand, logo and the word "AUTOMATIC" can be found on the upper quadrant. The words "30bar (300 meter)" are printed around the sub-dial at 6:00 while the famous "SWISS MADE" is located at the bottom of the main dial.

 

It uses a mix of large applied Arabic numeral (at 12:00) and circular indices (except for 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00). There is also a date aperture cut through the dial and framed with a white line.The date wheel has a white background. Personally, I would use a blue background so that it reduces the 'colour disruption' caused by the addition of the date aperture.

 

The hands on the HydroConquest Chronograph is a combination of an index-style hand for the minutes, a snowflake-style hand for the hours and arrow-style hand for the chronograph seconds. The hands and markers are generously coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova paint, which glows green in the dark, ensuring readability in low-light environments. The chronograph hands feature red tips (for the chronograph sub-dials, the hands are fully painted red) to differentiate them from the main time functions, aiding clarity.

 

 

The watch is topped with a scratch-resistant flat sapphire crystal that features multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides, minimizing glare in various lighting conditions. The crystal is perfectly flushed to the top of the bezel.

A major highlight is the unidirectional rotating bezel with a glossy, scratch-resistant ceramic insert, a feature often found on much more expensive watches. The crisp white markings on the bezel contrast well with the deep dial color, ensuring excellent legibility. As required for a professional dive watch, a luminous pip is provided on the bezel at 12:00.

The screw-down signed crown and pushers are located on the right of the watch. Longines has incorporated the pushers as part of the crown protection extension. What is fascinating is the lack of need for the pushers to have a screw-down system in place, similar to the crown. This makes it, visually, less cluttered than a typical chronograph diver. Also from a far, it would appear that the watch does not come with pushers. Brilliantly done I must admit.

On the opposite side of the watch, at 10:00, is a small dimple that allows one to adjust the date. Using a small instrument (any pointy thing can be used actually) provided, one can adjust the date by pressing the dimple. Unlike other movements, the Longines Caliber L688 cannot adjust the date using the crown.

The case-back of the watch is a solid, screw-down plate made from stainless steel, featuring a brushed finish and engraved with the brand logo, name and the initials EFCo (Ernest Francillon & Compagnie). This design is fundamentally practical, as the solid construction provides a robust seal that directly contributes to the watch's 300-meter water resistance, prioritizing durability and tool-watch authenticity over showcasing the movement. By forgoing a transparent exhibition window, it protects the internal Longines Caliber L688 chronograph movement, ensuring the focus remains on the watch's rugged capability as a professional dive instrument.

 

Powering the watch is the Longines Caliber L688, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement that brings traditional, high-quality engineering to the timepiece. It is based on the robust ETA A08.L01 calibre, which itself is a modern evolution of the legendary Valjoux 7750 architecture, developed specifically for Longines. The movement's most distinguished feature is its column-wheel mechanism, which is often found in more expensive chronographs and provides a smoother, more precise feel when operating the start, stop, and reset pushers compared to more common cam-lever systems. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 BPH (or 4 Hz) and offering a power reserve of approximately 54 hours, it is a reliable workhorse. 
 

At the end of the 21 mm wide curved lugs is a high quality stainless steel bracelet featuring solid links with brushed outer and polished inner sections. It is equipped with a double-safety folding clasp and an integrated diving extension. For minor length adjustments, the clasp is equipped with three micro-adjustment points. The bridge between the bracelet ends are machined from solid steel blanks.



The clasp is decorated with the logo as well as the words "30bar(300meter)". It uses a friction lock which I feel is not suitable for a watch of this caliber. Having a button release mechanism would more preferable.

The Wearing Experience

 

The wearing experience of the Longines HydroConquest Chronograph Automatic is defined by a substantial, robust feel that balances its technical capabilities with everyday comfort. Its dimensions creates a confident, sporty presence on the wrist, and while the design is praised for its sleek angles and polished details.

 

Unfortunately, the overall heft means it will be best suited to medium to larger wrists. Despite its size, the watch is engineered for versatility, with a secure screw-down crown and 300-meter water resistance making it as suitable for active use and swimming as it is for casual wear. Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.

 

 

The Purchasing Experience

I bought the watch at a brand outlet, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet near Manchester, UK. The shop, called Hour Passion had a number of Swiss brands. Served by one of their friendly staff, Grieg, I had a good experience. 

 


Specifications

Brand: Longines
Series: HydroConquest Automatic Chronograph
Model Number: L3.883.4.96.6
Case Material: Stainless steel case
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Height: 15.9 mm
Case Length: 52.7 mm
Lug Width: 21 mm
Weight: 211.6 gm
Case Color: Stainless steel
Case Finish: Brushed & polished
Dial Color: Blue sunray
Dial Markers: Applied Arabic numeral at 12:00 & applied hour markers except for 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 .
Illumination: Superluminova paint on hands & indices
Screwdown Crown: Yes
Bezel: Uni-directional with blue ceramic insert
Window: Sapphire crystal with AR coating
Strap Material: Stainless steel bracelet with safety latch
Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Movement: Longines Caliber L688 column-wheel chronograph automatic movement
Jewels: 27
Frequency: 28,800 BPH
Power Reserve: 54 hours
Water Rating: 300 meters
Vendor: Hour Passion, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, UK
Purchase Date: 3 January 2026
MSRP: GBP2,600
Purchase Price: GBP1,638 
Warranty: Five (5) years
Serial Number: 51452286

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