Words: Charlie Thomas
Whilst we can appreciate ground-breaking modern design, some of the best new horological creations have their design thoroughly rooted in heritage. The vintage market is continue to boom in popularity as people hanker for a piece of history, rather than just another new timepiece. These watches offer the best of both worlds though, as they boast all of the reliability of a new movement with the classic design of pieces they are based on. Here are 5 of the best modern classic watches.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN HARMONY CHRONOGRAPH
Although not yet released, Vacheron’s Harmony Chronograph was one of our favourite watches unveiled at this year’s SIHH. Its charming cushion-shaped case and heritage-inspired dial is based on a watch from the 1920s, yet its timeless design ensures its just as relevant today.
Vacheron Constantin Harmony Chronograph, £not-yet-available, from Vacheron
BREITLING TRANSOCEAN CHRONOGRAPH 1915
Breitling really nailed this timepiece. Everything from the vintage font to the twin sub-dials has been executed to perfection and the Milanese mesh strap gives it a luxurious finish befitting of it elegance.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915, £POA from Breitling
JAEGER-LECOULTRE MEMOVOX TRIBUTE TO DEEP SEA
Introduced in 1959, the original Memovox was the first watch to feature a mechanical alarm and this, coupled with its insatiably good looks, made it an icon. This new version is a perfect recreation, complete with ‘roulette’ dial and piano black bezel.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea, £8,600 from Jaeger-LeCoultre
GLASHUTTE ORIGINAL SIXTIES SQUARE CHRONOGRAPH
Prestige brand Glashutte Original have been creating some of the most aesthetically beautiful, highly detailed watches for over 150 years. This chronograph is a case in point, featuring a subtly curved dial, domed front and rear sapphire crystal, and that familiar cushion-shaped case, which we’re (thankfully) seeing much more of.
Glashutte Original Sixties Square Chronograph, £POA from Glashutte Original
OMEGA SEAMASTER 300 MASTER CO-AXIAL
This particular Seamaster is based on the original Seamaster 300, which debuted back in 1957. Its subtly faded dial and hour markers are combined with the familiar arrow-head hands to create a piece we’ve been lusting after since its release last year.
Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, £POA from Omega
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