Longines Conquest

Overall Condition: Very good condition overall. Case shows light wear for age. Dial and matching handset show even patination.

The Longines Conquest was introduced in 1954 and, according to Longines, represented a "stepping-stone to progress." While the collection has evolved over the decades, its earliest references remain some of the finest expressions of mid-century Swiss watchmaking—elegant, technically advanced, and rich with thoughtful details.

Longines, of course, was already known for producing refined dress watches, but the Conquest was something more. Automatic winding, water resistance, a screw-down caseback, and a date complication were all considered premium features at the time. Wrapped in a clean, versatile design, the Conquest quickly became one of the manufacture's most important collections, appearing in everything from practical stainless-steel references to luxurious solid-gold models like the one offered here.

This particular Reference 9045 is a wonderful example of the collection at its most refined. Housed in a beautifully proportioned 18K yellow gold case measuring 35mm across, it combines classic dress-watch elegance with a surprising amount of visual depth. The champagne-gold dial features one of the model's most distinctive characteristics: a faceted and stepped chapter ring that catches light from every angle, creating a layered effect rarely seen on watches of the era. Applied gold markers, matching hands, and elongated lugs complete a design that feels both understated and unmistakably sophisticated.

And then there's the caseback.

A hallmark of the Conquest collection was its beautifully executed enamel medallion set into the center of the screw-down caseback. While some early Conquests featured Longines' famous fish emblem, this example depicts rolling ocean waves beneath a deep blue night sky. It's the sort of detail most owners would rarely see, yet Longines lavished it with the same care and craftsmanship as the dial itself. No detail too small.

Inside beats a reliable automatic Longines movement, continuing the brand's tradition of blending technical excellence with timeless design.

The Conquest may not receive the same attention as some of Longines' more famous vintage references, but watches like this make a compelling case that it should.