Longines watch Conquest 1504-1 Vintage 1974 Cal 6942

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Longines 1504-1
Movement :  cal 6942
Age : circa 1974
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 18mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Used Longines watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In wonderful preowned condition, with light signs of wear from use
• Case and bezel have some minor scratches and marks
• Case back has original sticker, a few bruised and scratches
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Signed Longines crown
  
• Paired with an unworn brown leather strap
  

The Longines Conquest was first introduced in 1954, marking the beginning of Longines' "Prestige" line—a series aimed at combining technical excellence with stylish aesthetics. It was the first model to carry a distinct collection name, signaling Longines' shift toward branded lines within its catalog. The name "Conquest" evoked themes of exploration, durability, and triumph, aligning the watch with the spirit of post-war modernity and adventure.

Early Longines Conquest models were offered in stainless steel or gold-plated cases and featured screw-down case backs, often adorned with an enamel or gold medallion depicting a fish or star motif—symbols of water resistance and prestige. They housed high-grade automatic or manual-wind movements, all developed in-house by Longines, reflecting the brand’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship. Designed with a strong emphasis on durability, accuracy, and understated luxury, these watches often included applied markers, dauphine hands, and clean, minimalist dials—timeless design elements that have aged beautifully and remain highly desirable among collectors today.

Inside the Longines Calibre 6942 is a manual-wind mechanical movement introduced in the early 1970s, notable for its high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and 17-jewel construction. It features a unique hacking mechanism where the seconds hand continues to move until it reaches the 12 o’clock position before stopping—allowing for precise time-setting. This movement was used in models like the Admiral HF Ref. 2301-1 and the Conquest Ref. 1504-1, and it came equipped with a Kif shock protection system and approximately 40 hours of power reserve. Appreciated for its reliability, precision, and distinctive design, the Calibre 6942 remains a collectible piece of Longines' mechanical watchmaking legacy, especially given its innovative approach during the rise of quartz technology.

A BIT OF TRIVA

Longines was founded in Saint-Imier in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker and brother of biologist Louis. Auguste had two partners, lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel, the company's original name was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. Several years later, Agassiz brought in his bright, enterprising nephew, trained economist Ernest Francillon into the business. Francillon was the mastermind behind several impressive innovations that would distinguish the company from its competitors. Under Francillon, the company began to move towards more modern production methods. Francillon solidified his firm's progression to mass production in 1867 by establishing his first factory,  Its location, an area in southern St. Imier known locally as Les Longines (long meadows), which gave rise to the Longines name. It is also where they still produce their watches from today.

Longines is the oldest watch brand trademark in the international registry, spanning more than 130 years, the Winged hour glass Longines logo has changed through out the years with 15 different logo, even moving away from the winging hourglass from a period in the early 1900s, but it came back in 1942 and is still there today.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Longines Conquest 1504-1 is a quietly impressive piece that blends understated 1970s design with real mechanical charm. I really appreciate its balanced proportions—at 35mm, it wears elegantly without feeling too small, and the slim 9.9mm case slides effortlessly under a cuff. What really stands out to me is the Calibre 6942 inside, especially that unusual hacking feature where the seconds hand resets to 12—subtle, but clever. It’s a watch that doesn’t shout for attention, but the more time you spend with it, the more you appreciate its thoughtful details and quality.