Swiss watch company Longines, who last year re-released their VHP (Very High Precision) series of Conquest sports models powered by thermo-compensated quartz movements, has recently announced the expansion of the VHP collection to include several updated chronograph models. Improved with the advent of a perpetual calendar function and extended battery life, the new Longines Conquest VHP Chronograph collection is accurate to ±5 seconds per year and available in two case sizes as well as in a plethora of dial and case finishes.

The most prominent feature of the new models and the entire VHP collection is of course the accuracy of ±5 seconds per year, owing to a thermo-compensated quartz L289.2 (ETA E57.211) caliber, which was developed exclusively for Longines. In addition to the highly accurate timekeeping, the L289.2 sports a twelve hour chronograph with a central seconds hand, thirty minute counter at three o’clock, and a twelve hour counter at nine. The date window, now complimented by a perpetual function, is located at four o’clock. A new battery is also fitted, promising longer battery life. Finally, the Longines Conquest VHP Chronograph movement is equipped with “Gear Position Detection (GPD)” that allows the hands to be reset after a hard impact or exposure to a magnetic field.

The decorative patterns on the bearing components and rotor are implemented, and also the polishing on the chronograph’s lever can also be satisfactory. The A08.L11 does not possess beveled and polished edges. Longines has retained from the ETA foundation the rocking pinion which serves as the chronograph’s coupling mechanism. This rocker device is inarguably reliable and robust, and is acceptable for Longines, which is known for affordable yet high quality watches. But it is not likely to inspire oohs and aahs from aficionados of mechanical timekeeping.The see had acceptable speed outcome, gaining six seconds every day over the timing machine and seven to eight minutes on the wrist. The results were better when the chronograph was switched on, and the amplitude diminished by an average of only 11 degrees.This see is fine, distinctive in style, simple to operate, comfortable to wear, and outfitted with an interesting motion. And at $3,500, it is attractively priced.We have a few caveats to get a potential buyer, though. To begin with, he should know that the only button in the crown will not let him restart the chronograph from the stopped position: pushing the button triggers the chronograph’s three purposes (start, stop and return to zero) in unchangeable succession. Secondly, the bezel’s bearing is not business — in fact, the slightest touch will proceed it, or so the wearer should rely on it for time intervals, and rather utilize the chronograph.Finally, the night legibility isn’t as great as we would have anticipated. The luminous substance glows quite brightly in the dark, but the somewhat small luminous fields on the hour and minutes hands seem almost indistinguishable at night.In daylight, though, the timing and chronograph are simple to read. Overall, the watch provides far more advantages than drawbacks, and hence received a fantastic score.

Cosmetically, the chronograph is very similar to its predecessor, and is now available with either a black, silver, blue, or carbon dial, each with applied Arabic numerals and applied bar indexes with Super-Luminova. As is Longines’ custom, the options don’t stop with dial color, and the watch is also produced in either a stainless steel or black PVD coated case and in your choice 42mm or 44mm case widths. Given the volume of choices, the Longines Watches Vs Raymond Weil Replica Conquest VHP Chronograph likely has an option for every interested buyer.

Adding to the list of selections are the strap and bracelet options. The Conquest VHP Chronograph can be had either with a stainless steel or PVD coated bracelet with a folding safety clasp or a rubber strap in black or blue with a deployant clasp.

While not everyone needs or wants a quartz watch capable of such accurate timekeeping, the new Longines Conquest VHP Chronograph offers an interesting tech-driven quartz option for those who want a more upscale grab and go option. Previously offered at a reasonable $1,650 on the bracelet, the newer models fitted with a rubber strap will most likely retail for less – and we’ll be sure to share updated pricing as soon as we hear from the brand. Ultimately, the Conquest VHP series also presents an argument for a more modern quartz watch in a market currently saturated with mechanical watches with vintage styling. longines.com