The vintage watch trend that has dominated the fashion world in recent years shows no signs of slowing down. Modern, reconditioned classic and luxury watches continue to emerge from some of the oldest watch brands. What we're talking about here are modern models that are explicitly designed to commemorate a specific model from a brand's past. With increasing popularity, contemporary watchmakers want to capture the lightning a second time and build new collections on their former stars. When done right, the results can be incredible. Although everyone tries this strategy, there are a lot of models you can use to sort it out. So here are some notable examples that have been introduced in recent years.
Modern vintage watches in retro style
It's one thing to start collecting vintage movements and another to know what to buy new, when to buy it, and how much to pay. For this reason, in this article we try to answer the following question: Which vintage watches are currently trendy and how can you start collecting them? Luckily, there are some useful tips and information about it. These watches offer affordable options that will not only make you a savvy collector, but will also make you look really good with them.
So it's not always easy navigating the realm of watch sales and we will always advocate that you do your due diligence. Ask as many questions as possible about the piece you are interested in and always do your resale research before purchasing.
You never want to hear from a watchmaker that your new watch actually requires expensive service or, even worse, is made of improper and non-original parts. Each month we will also be scouring the internet to find some of our favorite vintage watches of all sizes and shapes that are available for sale now. Just read on below to discover our finds for yourself.
Omega Speedmaster
Although the technology had existed since the late 19th century, Omega did not introduce its first chronograph until 1957. The wait was worth it. The Omega Speedmaster was presented as a sporty model and takes its name from the model's innovative tachymeter. Since then, many notable chronographs have been produced under the Speedmaster name, including one worn during the first moonwalk during the Apollo 11 mission. A vintage Speedmaster is an unbeatable choice for collectors. Despite its iconic status, the Speedmaster is still affordable and has maintained its value over the years. Definitely one of our favorite vintage watches.
Heuer Autavia
The Heuer Autavia began life as a dashboard watch from 1933 to 1958. In 1962, the Autavia was redesigned and worn as a wristwatch until 1986. The name “Autavia” indicates that the chronograph was originally developed for timing automobiles and aviation. During its lifespan the model has seen many uses.
No other Heuer model offers such a wide variety of styles and designs, so there's probably an Autavia somewhere for you, regardless of your tastes. While there are expensive versions, more common models are also affordable and perhaps even undervalued.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915
The Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915 celebrates the 100th anniversary of a significant innovation in design that we too often take for granted on contemporary chronographs. At the beginning of the 20th century, all chronographs were monopushers, with controls for starting, stopping and resetting the timer to zero located in the crown. In 1915, Gaston Breitling, son of founder Léon Breitling, designed a timepiece with a separate button to control the start, stop and reset functions. He placed it on the side of the case at 2 o'clock, just above the crown.
The 2 o'clock positioning soon became standard as it was easy to reach and control on the wrist. This limited edition plays on these roots and updates them in keeping with the Transocean collection for a dial and case design. An angled button sits above the fluted crown at 2 o'clock. The silver-plated dial has a bicompax display: a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock. The watch is equipped with a new in-house caliber B14 movement, which is hand-wound and chronometer-certified by COSC.
Longines Pulsometer Chronograph
A watch from the 1920s provided the template for the Longines Pulse Oximeter Chronograph. It is a watch whose main function was intended for medical professionals. The so-called “doctor’s watch” has a red printed scale around the circumference of the lacquered white dial. In conjunction with the curved pointer, the scale allows the wearer to measure the heartbeat in a simple and reliable way.
The 40mm steel case has a sapphire crystal at the front and back. It also includes the Longines-exclusive L788.2 movement developed by ETA. It is equipped with a chronograph and has a power reserve of 54 hours.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
As many watch lovers already know, Patek Philippe has a long history in the world time watch sector. He developed his first “Heure Universelle” models in 1930 with the famous watchmaker Louis Cottier and received a patent for the original “Travel Time” mechanism in 1959. What fewer of you may know is that the brand also has a history in aviation. Even in the early days of flight, the watchmaker developed remarkable wristwatches with hour angles. Two of them can currently be seen in the Patek Museum in Geneva. They serve as inspiration for the pilot period of the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot.
These very unconventional vintage watches look like pilot's watches from the early 20th century and are equipped with the Patek Caliber 324 SC FUS. Also, they have a white gold case with a user-friendly and user-friendly time zone feature. The dark blue dial, inspired by the body color of American fighter planes from the 1930s, sets aesthetic accents. The brown calfskin strap with contrasting stitching is reminiscent of the leather straps of the 1930s pilots.
Grand Seiko 62GS
Grand Seiko 62GS is based on the first automatic movement model series released in 1967. Following the previous two editions of the Grand Seiko Historical Collection are the 44GS, reinterpreted in 2013, and the “Self Dater” from 1964. The redesign of the 62GS is strongly reminiscent of the original, which fans of the brand remember due to its mirrored, exciting multi-sided housing.
The watch is powered by the mechanical caliber 9S65. It also has an automatic winding mechanism and a power reserve of 72 hours. Inherited features from the original watch include the lion emblem on the caseback and the “Diashock” logo, referring to Seiko's shock protection technology, on the dial.
Oris Diver Sixty Five
These vintage watches bring back to life the look of a diving watch released 50 years ago. The design gives the model a trendy 21st century makeover. The 1965 model had a chrome-plated brass case with plexiglass, a bi-directional rotating bezel and a black plastic strap, while the new version features a larger, more modern 40mm case made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
The watch also has a scratch-resistant, non-reflective sapphire crystal with an oval shape and a diving-safe unidirectional bezel. This has a black aluminum inlay, while the hands and indices are filled with a type of Super-LumiNova. Its beige glow in the dark also forms a nice contrast to the black dial. The steel back is engraved with the same historic Oris emblem as the original. The crown is screwed tightly to ensure water resistance of up to 100 meters. The modern version is available with a black Nato strap and steel bracelet as well as a rubber strap. The movement is the Oris automatic caliber 733, based on a Sellita SW200.
