Watch brands have consistently looked back at their historical models to create new timepieces. Here’s a round-up of the 10 best retro-inspired watches out there:
Omega Seamaster 300
Unveiled at Baselworld last year, the original Seamaster 300 (ref. 2913-4) from 1957 is still a much sought-after watch in the vintage market today. Omega’s updated version has a ceramic bezel, a faux-vintage patina and retains that distinctive broad-arrow hour hand seen on the original.
Dh21,200
Tissot Visodate
It would be hard to find a better automatic Swiss watch for this price range. The Visodate is elegantly simple, timeless and the sapphire crystal caseback allows you to see the movement. A bargain.
Dh2,000 (approx.)
Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Inspired by the early Submariner diving watches the brand made, the Heritage Black Bay incorporates elements from vintage Tudor models to create a modern watch with retro looks. Massively popular with collectors, the Black Bay is a modern classic.
Dh12,100
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 18 chronograph
The original TAG Heuer Carrera watches became a sixties icon and this retro revival released this year pays tribute to the original. The bi-compax panda dial, 39mm size, and piston pushers seen on the new Carrera Calibre 18 are all design codes from sixties chronograph watches.
Price TBA
IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound 75th Anniversary
IWC turned to a lesser-known watch from the forties when it needed inspiration to create a 75th anniversary edition of their venerable Portugieser line. This one has all the hallmarks that have defined the Portugieser line to this day including the Arabic numerals and slim feuille hands.
Price on request
Longines Legend Diver
A no-frills dive watch from an affordable brand with an illustrious heritage. Originally released in the 1960s, it’s been reissued as part of Longines’ Heritage series, which hasn’t put a foot wrong so far.
Dh7,500
Alpina 130 Heritage Pilot Automatic Chronograph
To celebrate the brand’s 130th anniversary, Alpina referenced a pilot’s chronograph from the early 20th century. The result is the gorgeous 130 Heritage Pilot Automatic Chronograph, a classic bi-compax chronograph with tachymeter and telemeter scales.
Dh13,000
Hamilton Pan Europ
Watch abominations were rife in the 1970s (no wonder it was known as ‘the decade that style forgot’), but the Pan Europ looks as cool today as it did then. Its Nato strap and cushion case emphasise its retro charm.
Dh4,000 (approx.)
Piaget Black Tie ‘Vintage Inspiration’
A slim dress watch that can only ever be worn with formal wear, this Piaget was launched this year but is inspired by the sixties. The bezel’s grooves are redolent of a vinyl record and that inky black onyx dial oozes class.
Dh118,000 (approx.)
Vacheron Harmony Chrono
Napoleon Bonaparte owned a Vacheron Constantin watch, which shows how long this revered company has been around for. The Harmony Chronograph takes inspiration from a 1928 Vacheron model and is an exceptional timepiece — with price to match!
Dh276,600 (approx.)
*Prices are subject to change
WATCHTIME MIDDLE EAST TO HOLD FIRST EVENT
WatchTime Middle East, the regional edition of America’s biggest watch magazine, will hold its first Collectors’ Night on May 20 in association with vintage watch boutique Momentum. The theme for the first event is Vintage Appreciation and will feature talks by two prominent Dubai-based collectors. The event is invite-only. For more information about the event, email watchtime@gulfnews.com.
