Longines Conquest Automatic TV Case Wristwatch with Date, circa 1969

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Longines Conquest Automatic TV Case Wristwatch with Date - Model Reference 1526-1. 6651 - Calibre 431 with 17 jewels The Longines Conquest launched in 1954 as the brand's answer to a more demanding wristwatch buyer. Automatic winding, a date window and a screw-down caseback were the premium features of the day, and the Conquest offered all three. By the late 60s to early 70s, the line had moved with the times, opting for bolder colours and, in this instance, a square "TV" case, aptly named for the cathode-ray screens it resembled. What's On Offer We are delighted to offer this Longines Conquest Automatic in a stainless-steel TV case, dating from circa 1969. At 37mm across, the square case has a pleasing presence on the wrist. Its brushed surfaces flow into its original stainless-steel bracelet, which displays very minor scratches and surface marks consistent with age. The saturated blue dial is overlaid with fine radial lines marking the minutes, and a framed date window sits at three o'clock. The silver baton hour markers catch the light against the dial, and the winged Longines signature sits above "Conquest Automatic" at six o'clock. The thin black hands have a pale luminous centre and a touch of orange at the tip. A slimmer black seconds hand sweeps the dial. The base of the dial carries the "T Swiss Made T" marking, indicating the use of tritium lume. Inside is the Longines Calibre 431, a 17-jewel automatic movement with date. It is a high-beat calibre, running at 36,000 vibrations per hour, well above the norm for its day. This example is running relatively well, with a power reserve of 40 hours. Rated at 8.5/10 condition, this is a confident, colourful Longines, that would make a stylish addition to any collection.