Luxury watchmakers explore their archives to revive vintage classics, from Grand Seiko and Piaget’s time-only pieces, to Tag Heuer’s Hodinkee tie-up and Longines honouring of a classic
Some watch designs are so enduring, their appeal defies the passage of time and syncs with contemporary trends and styles, making them desirable through the decades
As ever, this year has seen brands digging deep into their archives, as some much-loved maisons remind us what made these signature models horological fan favourites in the first place.
Of course, there’s also no better time than the present to revisit time-only models. The Grand Seiko SLGW005 recalls the high beat rate, precision Grand Seiko 45GS from 1968, including a return to printing both Seiko and Grand Seiko logos from that era.
Leaning more towards the designer side of revivalist watchmaking, the Piaget Polo 79 is quintessential 1980s bling. The new version equals the original for sparkle and heft: it’s essentially a massive chunk of gold in the form of a 38mm watch with a fully integrated bracelet.
The Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante recreated the brand’s first ever wristwatch dating from 1996, a favourite of King Charles. The new version, though, is upgraded with an in-house movement, Calibre PF361.
Recreating the brand’s first ever watch of any description, from 1988, is the Daniel Roth Tourbillon Souscription. Faithful to the original’s design it might be, but the latest iteration comes with a few key upgrades: an updated guilloche dial with streamlined typography, and the new bespoke calibre DR001.
