Remember those sneakers you had as a kid with the tiny little bulbs in the heels that would light up whenever you walked, and would run out of juice the day you got them. Well, maybe some things should stay in the past, but at least LED watches are suddenly swanky again… Hamilton re-released the Pulsar model first introduced in the 1970s and the new one retails for just over a thousand dollars, and looks just like the original, although the display technology has moved on a few decades or so. Five, to be exact.
We’re not intentionally going for digital watches, it’s just that in the 1970s and ‘80s everyone was at it, so the reissues of today are responding to the nostalgic trends. One of the oldest Swiss manufacturers in operation, Girard-Perregaux, is no stranger to complicated mechanical movements, however this revival of the Digital Casquette from 1976 is a stunning piece of design in a titanium-ceramic case with matching bracelet. The reissue isn’t entirely faithful to the original but who cares when it looks this good?
Swiss watch brand Mido might not be a household name but the company has more than 100 years of history behind it, with one of the highlights being a multicoloured diving watch first released in 1961. Mido brought back the Ocean Star Decompression Timer design with an automatic movement in a 40mm case, and water resistance of up to 200m. You’ll certainly fit in with your surroundings down by the reef.
Another classic watchmaker embracing colour is Breitling, with the reissue of the Superocean Heritage Capsule Collection paying tribute to the original launched in 1957. Retailing for $5,200, the watch is limited to 1,000 examples worldwide, with a 42mm case made of stainless steel and a ceramic bezel, paired with a mesh bracelet or leather strap.
Legendary watchmaker Zenith makes a near-perfect homage to the Chronomaster Original from 1969, yours for $9,500 in a 38mm case and the famous El Primero movement. The classic piece can complement any collection with its traditional triple-coloured dial and steel bracelet. With a power reserve of up to 60 hours, the Chronomaster Original can be a very dependable and practical daily, too…