In this era where classic elegance meets cutting-edge technology, the trend of vintage-inspired timepieces has taken the world of horology by storm, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and sophistication. Here are four designs on our watch list
Rado DiaStar Skeleton
The DiaStar Original, first launched in 1962, was a stunning piece of work ahead of its time. Its unusual and distinctive shape and extremely resistant tungsten-carbide case have become signature elements that built the watch’s strong following through the decades.
To mark the 60th anniversary of this model, the case saw a change from hard metal to lightweight, indestructible Rado Ceramos in 2022, further solidifying Rado’s quest as Master of Materials. This year, its latest release features a trendy skeletonised dial to allow the user front and back views of the watch’s movement, powered by an R808 automatic calibre with an 80-hour power reserve.
The dial is mesmerising to look at because the bicolour components, such as the hands and indices, add tremendous richness of contrast throughout in an interesting composition that every watch-lover will appreciate. The floating indices add to the open nature of the design, and the hour and minute hands are treated with white Super-LumiNova.
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The front sapphire crystal is more interesting, facetted on the external face with an eye-catching square motif reminiscent of an earlier model. It’s been treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside face.
While the DiaStar Original Skeleton retains its original look, this current shape is far more refined and comfortable to use without losing its masculine edge. With its see-through dial framed by the Ceramos bezel, the watch now feels and looks lighter and airier — perfectly modern yet retro at the same time.
Breguet Type XX
The Breguet Type XX is a revered collection of pilot’s chronograph watches that pays homage to its aviation heritage. Then known as the Type 20 (per military requirements), its roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century when the Swiss watchmaker produced highly reliable and precise chronographs for the French military and French Air Force.
Many pilots wore this model, including Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1910, American pilots stationed in France in 1918, the Louis Breguet aviation company, Japanese pilots visiting France in the 1920s. It was later rebranded as the Type XX for civilian buyers who appreciated its design, functionality and historical significance.
Breguet continues to produce modern interpretations of the Type XX, catering to contemporary tastes while preserving the essence of the original design. This year, the manufacturer has unveiled a redesigned line that is innovative, highly contemporary and brimming with nods to history.
Four years in the making, two new generation models have been issued: Type 20 is military-inspired, while the Type XX draws on the finest civilian features. Both are cased in stainless steel with 42mm by 14.1mm measurements, featuring bidirectional steel bezels, a wide dial, Arabic numerals, and a date display at 4:30 with the “Swiss-made” designation right under it.
They both have a new self-winding movement: the Calibre 728 for the civilian version and the Calibre 7281 for the military version, each with 60 hours of power reserve. Why two different calibres? The difference lies in dial layout and its usefulness in military or civilian applications. The Type 20 has two registers, while the Type XX has three sub-dials, controlled sizeable side pushers.
While some might be drawn to the cleaner dial of the Type 20, many vintage lovers will like the sportier feel of the Type XX and its beige-coloured indices. Decisions, decisions.
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Longines Flagship Heritage
Since the late 1950s, the Flagship has been one of Longines’ first collections, an emblematic line for the brand. A timeless and elegant dress watch that draws inspiration from a ship’s fleet, its hallmark design is the gold medallion featuring a caravel embossed on the case back.The brand revisits this classic design this year by introducing three new variants to its Flagship Heritage line, each equipped with a moon-phase complication. Rotating on a small dial at 6 o’clock, this astronomical function is paired with the date indicator hand in the moon’s colours, the hour markers and the hour, minute and second hands, depending on the model.
The redesign also features satin-brushed finishes and shortened chamfered lugs, ideal for any wrist size with a just-right 38.5mm steel case. An L899.5 self-winding mechanical movement powers it with up to 72-hour power reserve.
Available in silvered opaline, sunray silver or sunray blue, each watch is set with distinctive domed dials inspired by the original 1957 watch. The hero model is the opaline silver dial enhanced by gold-coloured markers coated with Super-LumiNova for optimum readability. On this dial, the colours and details of the moon-phase sub-dial are a lovely contrast to the opaline backdrop. Fitted with a new Heritage pin buckle, the brown strap offers a perfect fit and comfort while matching the colours of the dial.
Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80
The Tissot PRX 35mm Powermatic 80 is a stylish and reliable timepiece that combines a classic design with modern technology, making it a popular choice among watch enthusiasts looking for a versatile and sophisticated watch.
As the name suggests, the watch features a comfortable 35mm water-resistant case, ideal for both men and women. Its design is inspired by the retro aesthetics of the 1970s, with the bracelet seamlessly integrated into the sleek and minimalist stainless steel case. The round case has a slim profile, and the watch’s overall design exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication.
The Powermatic 80 refers to the self-winding automatic movement that offers an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. The see-through crystal caseback allows you to look closer at the inner workings of the moving parts.
The watch features a clean, easy-to-read dial with applied hour markers, hands, and a date function. It is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which ensures durability and clear visibility of the dial.
This year, we see two new colour extensions — ice blue and radiant gold. The former glows like a frozen Alpine morning; its dial waffled to catch the light like snow on a crisp morning. The latter, in a gold PVD case, is a nod to the vibrant ‘70s disco era, bringing an unmistakable dash of boldness to the wearer’s style.
