The vintage look is having a moment in the watch world right now, with many brands releasing modern takes on old classics. Here, in this article from my blog, Watch-Insider.com, are my personal choices for 10 of the best of these re-editions that have debuted within the past few years. Many will have you asking yourself if they are old or new.
1. Alpina Heritage Pilot Chronograph Automatic
Inspired by an Alpina aviation chronograph from the 1930s.
2. Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
This modern timepiece is directly inspired by the first Tank watch, launched in 1922, which was created as a gift for General John Pershing.
3. Glashütte Original Sixties
Inspired by the legendary “Spezimatic” watches of the 1960s.
4. TAG Heuer Monaco
This version looks nearly identical to the original Heuer Monaco, launched in 1975, right down to the old Heuer logo.
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Vintage 1931
As on the original, the only logo you see on the dial is the “Reverso” signature.
6. Longines Twenty-Four Hours
A new version of the brand’s historical pilots’ watch, with a 24-hour-dial produced for SwissAir pilots during the years 1953-1956.
7. Panerai Radiomir California 3 Days
This modern Panerai watch, the PAM 448, brought this historic Radiomir from 1945 back to today’s wrists.
8. Rado DiaStar
The DiaStar was presented in 1962, just five years after Rado was founded. This is its modern equivalent.
9. Tissot Heritage Navigator
The design of this re-edition, released for 160th anniversary of the brand, revives a design from 1945.
10. Vulcain Cricket Nautical
The limited re-edition of this divers’ wristwatch with an alarm resembles the original Vulcain from 1969.
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated.
You have a Rolex bias, I do not read your reviews anymore.
The Tank watch was first created in 1917. The Louis Cartier model shown was 1922.
You covered the JL Reverso, but how about the Geophysic 1958?
Your review of the Breguet Type XX chronograph is just plain weird. You start of by picking it out as special out of thousands of watches and then end up spending most of the article discussing what you don’t like and would change. I don’t get it. If you don’t appreciate the watch, why did you even bother?
Hi,
Did you look at or consider the Girard Perregaux vintage 1945 XXL? I have large wrists but this watch is curved and wears bigger than the measurements. The Art Deco styling is both classic and beautiful.
Mike, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. That is also a worthy watch.
My god, those are some good looking watches, shut up and take my money!
Alexander,
What other watches did you consider?
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Glad you asked! Alexander Linz actually has nine more vintage-style re-editions to share in his next post. Be sure to check it out this Sunday!
ehmm, Glashuette Sixties inspired by a 70’s watch? ;)
https://www.watchtime.com/watch-database/glashuette-original/glashuette-spezimatic-1964/gold