Ordinarily a faithful vintage remake with an old-school aesthetic, the Conquest Heritage gets a makeover for the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake stands out with a striking red gradient dial featuring gold-plated hands and indices. And for the occasion, the back bears an engraved snake motif penned by Chinese contemporary artist Wu Jian’an, who drew inspiration from the ancient Chinese fable, “Legend of the White Snake”.

Initial thoughts

The Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake offers something more modern and striking, instead of the conservative look of the standard model that has a silver or black dial. I particularly like the fact that the snake motif is limited to an engraving on the case back, as having it on the dial would have been overly ornate.

It’s priced at US$3,150, almost exactly the same as the regular production model, which makes it a decent value proposition. It has a workmanlike quality appropriate for the price, while the high-spec ETA movement inside is one of its strengths.

And like other zodiac-theme watches, this would have resonance for those born in the Year of the Snake a meaningful way to commemorate the occasion, not unlike wearing a birthstone.

Vintage inspired

The snake edition is identical to the standard model save for the dial and case back engraving. Water resistant to 50 m, the stainless steel case is 40 mm in diameter, 10.7 mm in thickness, and entirely polished. It’s slightly larger than the original dating from the 1950s that inspired the design, but is compact enough to capture the vintage feel.

Unlike the plain silver or black dials on the regular production version, this has a gradient red dial transitions from bright red in the centre to black on the periphery. All finished in yellow gold gilt, the applied indices, dauphine hands, and winged hourglass logo contrast with the red surface and give it a vintage tint.

The screw-down case back is engraved with a snake motif designed by Wu Jian’an that depicts a serpent clutching a lingzhi mushroom. In East Asian culture, the snake is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, renewal, and boundless vitality, while the mushroom represents long life.

Underneath the case back lies the L888.5 that’s fitted with a silicon balance spring, giving it high levels of magnetism. The movement beats at 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz) and has a usefully long 72 hours of power reserve.

Key facts and price

Longines Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake
Ref. L1.651.4.09.2

Case diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.7 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. L888.5
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Black alligator leather strap

Limited edition: 2,025 pieces 
Availability: Now at Longines retailers and boutiques
Price: US$3,150

For more, visit Longines.com.