When faced with the task of selecting a new timepiece, it is not uncommon to find ourselves momentarily caught between two final contenders. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Longines HydroConquest. By delving into their shared characteristics and, more importantly, highlighting their distinguishing features, we aim to provide you with valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision.
*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Longines HydroConquest Comparison
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: H-10
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: $995
Longines HydroConquest
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: L888
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: $1,775
Dial
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
The dial of the Khaki Navy Scuba watch showcases a vibrant contrast in its color scheme. The center of the dial boasts a brighter blue hue, while the outer edge displays a darker shade, resulting in a visually appealing contrast that adds depth to the overall design. The white hour indices are prominent and ensure excellent visibility. Moreover, towards the center of the dial, the hours are elegantly presented in military time format, enhancing its functionality. Adding to the dynamic and serious aesthetic, the second hand features a distinctive red tip, complemented by hour and minute sword hands. Collectively, these design elements imbue the Khaki Navy Scuba with an energetic and purposeful character.
Longines HydroConquest
The sunray blue dial on the Longines gives an interesting depth to the watch. The silver-tone secondary color plays well with the stainless steel case and bracelet. Round shapes are used for the hour indices, however, unlike Hamilton, Longines is using large Arab numerals for the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, making these the center of our attention. The date window is located at 3 o’clock to visually balance the dial.
It’s interesting to point out that Longines decided to use a diamond hour hand design (which is somewhat similar to the snowflake hour hand, Tudor’s trademark option for their sports watches). Additionally, the pencil minute hand provides a lot of angles, counterbalancing the large Arab numerals curves. The lollipop second hand connects these elements.
Bezel
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
The unidirectional bezel on the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba exhibits a classic design commonly seen on dive watches, known as the count-up bezel. This bezel is engraved with a 60-minute scale, traditionally utilized by divers to track their time underwater.
Longines HydroConquest
The Longines HydroConquest’s bezel is very similar to the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba: uni-directional count-up ceramic bezel, with a 60-minute scale engraved. The Arab numerals on the bezel are slightly bigger – wider to be exact – to better match the numbers on the dial.
Case
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
The brushed stainless steel case of the Khaki Navy Scuba has a case width of 43 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 52 mm, and a lug width of 22 mm. The thickness of the watch is 12.53 mm. It offers an impressive water resistance of up to 300 meters (30 bars), which is supported by the screw-down crown.
Longines HydroConquest
Longines HydroConquest has the same dimensions as the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba. A small difference is the 21 mm lug width (Hamilton is 22 mm), and the Longines is a thinner case overall, measuring at 11.9 mm as opposed to Hamilton’s 12.53 mm.
Movement
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
The H-10 movement is a reliable three-hand automatic movement that is based on the ETA C07.611 caliber, and provides an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. This is a 25-jewel movement.
Longines HydroConquest
Longines automatic movement, the L888 caliber is based on the ETA A31.L11. This 21-jewel movement has a 72-hour power reserve, and provides a bi-directional winding direction.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
The bracelet of the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is crafted from brushed stainless steel and adopts the iconic oyster bracelet design, lending it a timeless appeal associated with dive watches. This bracelet design has more of a sporty appearance.
Longines HydroConquest
The Longines HydroConquest also comes with a stainless steel oyster bracelet, however, it uses a combination of brushed and satin finishes. While an all brushed stainless steel bracelet is very sporty, Longines have the center links with a satin finish that provides an interesting touch of elegance.
Summary
Overall, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Longines HydroConquest are very similar with a few small differences. They’re both 43 mm wide, however, the crown guards have different designs: Hamilton has smoother curves, while Longines is using angles for a more robust appearance.
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba doesn’t have a date complication, while the Longines HydroConquest’s date window is at the 3 o’clock position.
The movements provide similar power reserves: Hamilton’s 80 hours, and the Longines’ 72 hours will be equally comfortable for everyday life. What we’re missing from both is the exhibition case back.
The oyster bracelet has the same butterfly clasp, however the design of the links is different as Hamilton has an all brushed stainless steel bracelet, while Longines is using a brushed and polish finish combination.
Verdict: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Longines HydroConquest
Choose the Hamilton if:
- Budget is a deciding factor, as the Hamilton comes in below $1,000.
- You’re looking for a watch that can be dressed up or down easily.
Choose the Longines HydroConquest if:
- Brand power and heritage are important factors. Longines has high-end, entry-level luxury timepieces, and having a timepiece from a brand like that could be a factor.
- If you already have a more elegant watch you can wear for more formal occasions. The Longines HydroConquest definitely has a sporty appearance.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: H-10
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: $995
Tissot Seastar 1000
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: L888
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 300 m
- Retail Price: $1,775
Other Comparisons:
Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Tag Heuer Aquaracer
We created a comprehensive comparison between two such popular options, the Longines HydroConquest and the Tag Heuer Aquaracer.
Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Mido Ocean Star 200
In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Longines HydroConquest and the Mido Ocean Star 200.
Comparison: Longines HydroConquest vs Tissot Seastar 1000
In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Longines HydroConquest and the Tissot Seastar 1000.
Comparison: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Mido Ocean Star 200
In this article, we will undertake a thorough comparison between the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Mido Ocean Star 200.
Comparison: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Longines HydroConquest
In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive comparison between the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Longines HydroConquest.
Comparison: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba vs Tissot Seastar 1000
We compares the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba and the Tissot Seastar 1000 to have a better understanding of their similarities and perhaps more importantly the differences, to help you make your decision.