Feature: 6 nostalgic watches that’ll take you back in time
Who doesn’t enjoy a look back in time, whether that’s flicking through an old photo album, digging out a retro gadget from yesteryear, or admiring watches from a bygone era? With that said, let’s delve into six great timepieces that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.
Omega Spacemaster
This unique Omega Spacemaster wasn’t released until 2014, yet it looks like something from a bygone era, namely the 1970s, thanks to its LCD display and distinctive case. Part of Omega’s beloved Speedmaster collection, this is a futuristic-yet-dated-looking watch that looks like it belongs in an 80s sci-fi blockbuster. As well as the chronograph function and a countdown timer, it features two time zones, an alarm and a perpetual calendar, all laid out in an ana-digi display.
Longines Skin Diver
Considering Longines has an entire range—the Heritage collection—dedicated to celebrating its historic watches, it’s no surprise that one of its pieces has made this list. The Skin Diver revives the very first dive watch that Longines released in 1959, the collectible Nautilus Skin Diver. The original Skin Diver is considered a masterclass in legibility, but it was let down by its fragile Bakelite bezel. The modern reissue, however, features a tougher PVD-treated steel bezel.
TAG Heuer Monaco
One of the most famous racing chronographs around, TAG Heuer’s Monaco is a watch that oozes charm. Released in 1969, it’s famed for its connections to oh-so-cool actor, Steve McQueen, who wore a model in the 1972 film Le Mans, which only helped boost its popularity and status. The Monaco’s distinctive square case is very much of the time.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Boasting one of the most unique watch designs around, thanks to its rotatable case, the Reverso is the jewel in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s crown and we can see why. This Art Deco-inspired watch was introduced in the 1930s for Polo players who could flip the case of their Reverso to protect the delicate crystal from any stray balls or mallet-swinging action. Despite its sporty heritage, the Reverso continues to convey a sense of luxury that puts it at the top of many people’s wish list.
Tudor Ranger
Watch fans were delighted when Tudor unveiled its Ranger not so long ago in 2022, and the joy hasn’t worn off just yet. This purpose-built piece for adventurers is described as the “21st century expedition watch” and is abuzz with vintage references such as the large legible Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. What isn’t so vintage-inspired, though, is the new manufacture calibre MT5402 which is built to ensure robustness, longevity and reliability.
Panerai Radiomir
Step back through the mists of time to the 1930s and 1940s when Officine Panerai was steadily making name for itself as a supplier of watches to the frogmen of the Italian Navy. This Radiomir with a logo-free "California" dial even has a case with wire-look lugs (no longer precariously soldered on, you'll be pleased to know), and a manual-wind movement, visible through the caseback. First-generation Radiomirs are increasingly rare and cost the price of your average house, so it's great the brand offers this stunning contemporary lookalike.
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