Mario C 
While not known for their haute horlogerie artistic flair, that doesn’t mean Longines can’t also celebrate the Chinese New Year! This watch invites talented Chinese artist Wu Jian’an to help the Swiss brand bring the Year of the Snake to your wrist.
Longines seems to be developing a theme of making timepieces and their accessories in collaboration with esteemed artists. Before this, it was Australian artist Otis Hope Carey who took the time to design some unique NATO straps for the Swatch Group brand to great success. Now for 2025, it seems that the reins of Longines’ creative control have been passed onto Chinese visual artist Wu Jian’an to help appropriately commemorate the upcoming Year of the Snake.
Born in Beijing in 1980, Wu established himself as a major player in China’s contemporary art scene in 2006, where he exhibited his works at the Chambers Fine Art gallery in New York City. His paper-cut approach to art often permits him to use multiple layers to create works of remarkable complexity, but over the years he has also enhanced his skills in painting and sculpture work. In 2023, he garnered his first major museum exhibition, A Bridge Between Two Worlds, showcasing the skills he had learned and developed over many years and countless hours of practice.
Both his innate talent and recent acclaim have drawn Longines to his side, presenting an offer he couldn’t possibly refuse: Utilising his artistic knowledge to express Chinese culture alongside Swiss-Made elegance. Thus, the creation of the Longines Conquest Heritage Year of The Snake Edition came to fruition – a symbol of Longines’ history incorporating traditional Eastern heritage.
At 40mm wide, 48.1mm long and just 10.7mm thick, the new Conquest Heritage Year of The Snake Edition is an elegant watch that can be worn by just about anyone. In line with the Year of The Dragon Edition that Longines release last year, the convex dial is a red fumé, appearing scarlet in the centre and fading to black at the edges. The dial, contrasted by gilded hands and indexes, also omits the moonphase complication that the Year of The Dragon Edition came with. Furthermore, the dial is clean thanks in part to the absence of a date window, allowing the user to view every detail without obstruction. Inside remains the ever-reliable L888.5 movement, automatic with a promising 72-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring that enhances anti-magnetism.
A tribute to the original Conquest lineup registered in 1954, the case back of the Conquest Heritage Year of The Snake Edition similarly remains closed. However, this limited edition of 2025 forgoes the addition of the traditional gold and enamel medallion, making way for artwork courtesy of Wu Jian’an. Instead, his newest artwork makes an appearance, titled Divine Snake Presents Treasure. Carefully engraved on the case back, Wu has depicted the year’s Zodiac animal in his signature contemporary style, with the snake’s body spiralling into concentric circles symbolising rebirth and reflection. In its mouth, the snake clutches a Lingzhi (divine) mushroom, representing the reverence that the snake holds in Chinese culture.
My Thoughts
The Conquest Heritage is one of the best picks for a middle-market dress watch. It’s hardly surprising, given that it comes from Longines – arguably the most consistent watch brand to ever do it. However, one big flaw in the collection has always been the lack of colour options available, so to see a no-date Conquest Heritage with a brand-new dial option is a promising addition to an underrated line of the Longines roster.
Through the case back engraving, Wu and Longines successfully partners his contemporary art style and Chinese culture in a way that encourages both harmony and prosperity. Collaborating with Wu Jian’an, whose artworks have always been completed to an exceptional level, was yet another smart move by the Saint-Imier brand. Once again, however, Longines has a history of making smart moves, so it’s hardly surprising that they have remained consistent to the highest standard once again.
Reference: L16514092
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 40mm case diameter x 48.1mm lug-to-lug x 10.7mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Red fumé, gilt accents
- Movement: Automatic L888.5
- Power Reserve: 72h
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Black alligator with stainless steel pin buckle
Australian RRP: AU$4,995
Availability: Limited to 2025 pieces. Visit Longines.com to find out more.
