As we’ve seen in recent years, a major trend in the watch world is vintage-inspired. As a result, some of the world’s most well-respected watch companies including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega have created modern timepieces that are vintage inspired, paying homage to previous models from the company’s past through various design and functionality elements. In this article, our watch experts at sellmewatch.fancylab.dev give you a closer look at five vintage-inspired watches that have design influence from earlier predecessors.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116508
We begin our list with one of the most legendary Rolex models of all time, the Daytona. This Daytona Ref. 116508 has a design is heavily influenced by previous Daytona models, specifically the Paul Newman models which are some of the most collectible watches in the world today. Many collectors might refer to the dial of this watch as a Paul Newman dial due to its black dial with contrasting subdials, as well as the iconic red Daytona emblem that goes across the center. Given the huge amount of popularity and prestige of Paul Newman Daytonas, it’s really no surprise Rolex would create a modern model that has a heavy design influence from previous versions.
Omega Globemaster
Just one look at the Omega Globemaster and it’s easy to spot the vintage-inspired design. The most notable design feature that pays respect to previous Omega watches is the fluted bezel, which were popular for Omega models in 50s and 60s. Another unique vintage-inspired design aspect is the “pie-pan” dial which has edges that drop down, as seen on an early Omega Constellation from the early-1950s.
Patek Philippe 5320 Perpetual Calendar
When Patek Philippe unveiled the all-new 5320 Perpetual Calendar late last year, Patek aficionados praised the design cues it took from previous watches from the legendary manufacturer. Among these included the syringe-style hands which were commonly found in Patek Philippe designs from the 1950s. An influence from predecessors was also evident in the watch’s complication, which features a dial layout that shows the day and month apertures at 12 o’clock while displaying the moon phase and date dial at the 6 o’clock.
Tag Heuer Autavia
In 1962, Tag Heuer introduced the Autavia, a watch designed for automobile racers and aviation personnel, with a design that aimed to serve functionality. This included maximum legibility which meant a black dial with contrasting white subdials and a brown calfskin strap which was rugged and durable. The watch instantly became a classic among collectors, who were delighted when the company announced that they were bringing back the Autavia in 2017. For the new design, the iconic character of the watch was fully retained, and in addition, Tag Heuer outfitted the watch with its latest technology. The result was a vintage-inspired watch with the precision of today’s standard, what many would deem the best of both worlds.
Seiko Grand Seiko 62GS
Many of the design factors included on the reimagined Grand Seiko 62GS are identical to those which were featured on the original Grand Seiko which debuted in 1967. The original Grand Seiko was known for its unbelievable reliability, but in addition, its one-of-a-kind design. Watch collectors loved the watch for its “bezel-free” dial opening, a multi-angled case with mirrored polishing, and sharply-edged hands. Seiko made sure to keep all of these design aspects that watch experts loved so much when they brought back the Grand Seiko 62GS in 2017.