Longines has been engaged in the battery-powered department, and their V.H.P. calibers carry with them some amazing specifications. The Longines integrated a unique functionality to these calibers that allows for internal correction for magnetism or shock via a “gear position sensor” that effectively can tell if things are out of whack and adjust the caliber as needed.
With the GMT Flash Setting model, the brand pushed a step further and have basically created the most idiot-proof and user-friendly GMT watch out there right now – without resorting to Bluetooth or other connected functionality, but more on that in a minute.
Let’s give the cheap replica watch a quick “walk-around” before we get to that fun part. Apart from its polished bezel, the case design of the V.H.P. Flash setting definitely has airs of tool watch to it. Measuring 43mm across, the stated curve to its lugs keeps it from being overbearing on the wrist. Its crown has a nicely designed lip to it, whereas the more I look at them the more I find the crown guards to be a bit too aggressive for my tastes. The version tested came on a steel bracelet with a butterfly-style deployant clasp that seems reasonable for the price, though I did find it a bit noisy, and was disappointed by its lack of micro-adjustment, and use of hammer pins instead of screwed links. However, these are minor gripes given its price of entry, mind you.
From a bird’s-eye view this rolex replica dial is quite well executed, and it simply gets better the closer and more detailed the examination gets. Faint circular pattern – not quite guillochage, I suppose, but more like staring at an old record – is a nice change of pace from the countless brushed sunburst dials out there, all while catching the same levels of reflection in the sunlight. A clear and easy-to-read 24h scale on its rehaut makes spotting the second time zone painless.
On your phone, you’ve now downloaded the fake Longines “flash setting” app. Both home and travel time are displayed and can quickly be switched by searching for your home city.
Wearing this guy around for a while, I saw the size and heft to be reasonable, but I just couldn’t quite get down with its bracelet at the end of the day, personally. The case size is nice and comfortable overall, and I’d be quick to lean towards the blue rubber strap variant for something a bit more casual-wearing. I’d probably also level down to the 41mm variant to better fit under a cuff on my 6¾-inch wrist, but relying on your preference in the wrist presence department, the 43 still wasn’t an overbearing watch by any means.
As you’d probably expect if you keep up with me, I did try it out for a hot minute on a NATO strap, and it worked pretty darned well. It’s only got 50m of water resistance, and plus being a non screw-down crown with pusher functionality, I’d save any swimming and diving for one of the Longines HydroConquest replica watches out there.