Small watches with mechanical movements are surprisingly rare, which makes the Longines Conquest Classic L2.285.4.58.6 worth a close look. At 29.5mm, it is a petite, polished steel automatic with a black dial. It has the presence of a sports watch, in a size that sits neatly on a slim wrist.

The Conquest name has been part of Longines since 1954, and the Conquest Classic line was its dressier, more polished branch. This model runs on a small self-winding Longines caliber with central seconds and a date. Depending on production year, that is the L592 or L595. You can watch it work through the sapphire caseback, a nice touch on a watch this size. Wearing it keeps it wound, with no battery to replace.

The black dial gives contrast against the polished steel and works equally well with daywear and evening outfits. The integrated bracelet drapes comfortably, and the 50-meter water resistance covers hand-washing and the occasional splash.

Conquest Classic 29.5mm black: reference L2.285.4.58.6

• Case: 29.5mm stainless steel
• Dial: black, with date
• Movement: Longines self-winding caliber (L592 or L595 depending on year)
• Crystal: sapphire
• Caseback: transparent, showing the movement
• Water resistance: 50 meters
• Bracelet: stainless steel, deployant clasp

A refined Swiss automatic in a size that is getting harder to find. It is worth keeping for years.