Advice pls. Oris Diver Date vs. Longines HydroConquest

[Grumpy Typewriter]

Hi All,
Long time lurker first time poster here.

For my next watch I'm after an everyday watch. While there is limited diving at the moment there is at least plenty of swimming for exercise 3-4 days a week. This watch has to go from the pool to work (in a suit) and be able to travel a couple of times a year.

I'm deciding between an Oris Diver Date (steel bezel) and Longines HydroConquest – pics straight off the website. Any obvious advantages for instance over one movement from the other? My other watches are an eclectic bunch, a Maurice Lacroix dress watch, Oris Great Barrier Reef LE (I wear my watch on my right wrist) and a Citizen Eco Drive. Each one I bought for various reasons which made sense at the time. Now, I'd like something both robust and a little nicer in some cases, which will take a bit of a beating long term. Hoping to pick up something in an end of financial year sale and I'm going overseas soon so that will help with the GST.

Pros and Cons - your thoughts please. Other suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Paul
[Melbourne, Aust.]

Oris - Oris Divers Date - 01 733 7533 4154-07 8 24 01PEB - Oris Divers - Oris - Purely mechanical Swiss watches.
Longines - L3.642.4.56.6 - HydroConquest - Sport - Watches - Longines Swiss Watchmakers since 1832

[seoulseeker]

I like the dial on the Oris, but I find that the watch has a very strange and particularly thick case shape, which sits very odd on the wrist. Haven't seen a wrist shot of it yet where it didn't just look odd or uncomfortable. The watch itsself is nicely made, but the movement choice (appears to be an un-decorated Selita) also bugs me a bit.

I'd take the Hydro personally, I picked one up a few months ago and it's really held up to my expectations. If you open up the watch, you will find that the movement is nicely finished too. Great value.

Between the two, from a purely quality standpoint, you can't really go wrong.

[Grumpy Typewriter]

Thanks for that.
Another option is to forego the bezel and get a plain Conquest. Still unfussy functionality (ie. no chronograph) and WR to 300 metres. I could then use my Oris GBR for just diving. What is important to me is I find something which can go from the pool to work.

Longer term I'm wondering:
How would the bezel go for showing signs of wear on the Hydro?
The Oris could be fun to experiment with finishing brushed steel, albeit after a fair number of years of wear first.

[seoulseeker]

After 4 months with my hydro I've put a few slight marks in the bezel, but not enough to notice unless I look for it - since it's a painted aluminium bezel, it will be easier to mark up than the ceramic one on the conquest. I almost picked up a conquest actually, but I really enjoy spinning bezels... I would have regretted it. Also, I much prefer the blue, which the conquest isn't available in.

You may also look at the Longines Legend Diver if you need something so versatile - it's among the easiest divers watches to dress up or down.

I think the Oris may also have stronger lume. The lume on my Hydro isn't strong, but it also isn't weak - I can see easily all night, but it's no torch.

[Nolander]

Well, I just got a new Oris diver (my first Oris) and those integrated lugs make it very comfortable in my opinion. I was also considering the Hydroconquest. The Longines is a sweet watch, as I was able to try it on at a store, and almost bought it. In the end I went with the Oris because I thought it was a little less dressy. I also decided on titanium, which made a huge difference in weight. Obviously they are both good watches and it all boils down to which one you like the looks of better.

[vokotin]

Oris would be my choice, never liked the Hydro.

[Grumpy Typewriter]

I've had the Oris GBR for a year and really like it - see pic below with packaging. This is most of the reason I'm considering going back for another one. Being my first limited edition and after having it while I now want to try and be a little more careful about it - only one small mark on the bezel, thus this purchase. I'm happy to still take it out but not as my everyday piece. As a collection goes, the GBR ticks the box for blue dial diver.

This started out as trying to find an automatic watch with reliable WR which would also work in the office but without spending big $$$. I've recently found the Oris for <$1k in Melbourne so price could be a deciding factor. I looked briefly at other brands and I can't say why exactly but things like Tags haven't really entered the equation.

Hey, it's a nice problem to have...

[dnslater]

Both watches are good for the price. Keep in mind the Longines is a little smaller/thinner than the Oris. Less chunky/tool like but easier to slip under a dress shirt sleeve.

[SHANE 1000]

Personally i like the Oris, but the Long jeans would probably be more versatile as a dressier and diver, also bracelet changes for straps would be there in the Long jeans favor.

[sea0bass]

Why not the Oris Aquis ?