There’s something to be said for limited-edition releases and the exclusivity that comes with them.
Like an invite to the Met Gala or becoming privy to a secret, limited edition pieces can feel like a rare commodity to be cherished, an exclusive club only few are in on.
In some cases, like that of Longines’ HydroConquest XXII, these unique pieces also capture a moment in time.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker has been partnering with the Commonwealth Games since 1962, making this year the 60th anniversary of their union, and as the official Timekeeper for the Games has released a limited-edition timepiece in commemoration.
To mark the 2022 Games, which are being held in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8, Longines designed a watch that expresses the “performance, tradition and precision” of both the Games and the brand.
The limited-edition timepiece’s luxurious design, loved by Sarah Ellen, is “distinguished by its daring design, taking up the codes of diving and aimed at demanding athletes”, Matthieu Baumgartner, Marketing Vice-President of Longines tells marie claire Australia.
But, beyond that lies another lure—it’s exclusivity and ode to this one-in-every-four-year event.
“The HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games watch is produced in a limited-edition of 2022 pieces,” Baumgartner explains, before adding: “It will definitely catch the attention of the brand’s aficionados.”
Any admirer of the brand would be familiar with Longines’ tagline, “Elegance is an attitude”, a motto that has become part of the luxury brand’s DNA and every watch they create, including of course the HydroConquest XXII.
“Our team was inspired by the vivid colours of the event logo that the HydroConquest XXII Commonwealth Games watch proudly displays on its black ceramic bezel, as well as on the minute-track of its black sunray dial,” Baumgartner details.
“To accentuate the uniqueness of this model, the case back is engraved with the Birmingham 2022 logo and ‘Limited Edition—1 out of 2022’,” he explains, making it the perfect, touch to capture not only its exclusivity but the special moment in time the Games’ were held.
Longines’ HydroConquest XXII is available to shop here.
