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They stand for social upheaval and the dawn of digitalization, and they were destined to change the watch world forever: the Seventies. This revolutionary decade didn't just bring us the Quartz Crisis – it also turned heads with cushion-shaped cases and mechanical breakthroughs. Today, the spirit of that turbulent era lives on in re-editions and in the successors of many original models – here we present our favorite 70s watches.
Explorer II: Rolex's Bold Watch of the 1970s
Developed for cave explorers and beloved by pilots, the Explorer II reference 1655, introduced in 1970, was one of the most distinctive Rolex watches of its era. Its development was closely tied to the GMT-Master 1675, as both models shared the same movement and a 24-hour scale on the bezel.
On the Explorer II, however, that bezel was fixed, which – together with the orange GMT hand – gave it a character all its own and later earned it the nickname "Orange Hand."
Although this rugged line has never quite matched the fame of its sister models, it lives on successfully in the Swiss luxury brand's lineup, and its design still clearly echoes the 70s originals. Available in a 42 mm Oyster stainless steel case, it comes with either a black (Ref. 216570) or white (Ref. 216570) dial and is perfect for fans of the professional tool-watch look.
Ploprof: Omega's Famous 1970s Watch
Speaking of professional: the 70s Rolex didn't get off without competition, thanks to its rival from Biel. Right alongside the Explorer II, arguably the most famous Omega Seamaster of the 1970s saw the light of day: the Ploprof. Officially called the Seamaster Professional 600, it grabbed the trade press's attention in 1970 with a groundbreaking 600 meters of depth rating. That feat was overshadowed just a year later by the Seamaster Professional 1,000 m, but the latter lacks the radical, brawny design of the 600.
And it's precisely that design that makes the modern Ploprof 1,200 m so exciting for enthusiasts: measuring a hefty 55 x 48 millimeters, its monobloc titanium case does without lugs and, thanks to its helium escape valve with counterweight on the left side, is recognizable from far away. If you like your watches uncompromising, this 70s Omega Seamaster is a brilliant choice.
Retro Watches with Cushion Cases from Tissot and Longines
Probably no new 70s-style watch can be traced back to its original decade more unmistakably than the Tissot Heritage 1973. Unlike the more modern-looking Zenith Chronomaster Revival, for example, its striking 43 mm cushion case creates an unmistakable link to the Seventies.
Today's reproductions pay tribute to a chronograph Tissot launched in 1973 to mark its sponsorship of Renault Alpine at the Monte Carlo Rally. Like the brand's other vintage watches, the modern Tissot Heritage 1973 features the company's former logo, a perforated leather strap, and a black tachymeter scale.
The authentic looks are matched by a thorough technical update: the Valjoux A05.H31 chronograph movement delivers a 60-hour power reserve, while sapphire crystal and 100 meters of water resistance ensure contemporary durability. Rarely have new 70s-inspired pieces in the affordable price range been as versatile and original as this model.
If you have a soft spot for the year 1973, you'll find another gem among modern re-editions in Saint-Imier: the Longines Heritage 1973. Whether the name it shares with Tissot's Heritage watches from the same parent group is pure coincidence, we can't say. What we do know is that these 40 mm chronographs also rank among the best reproductions in the moderate price range:
A cushion case, contrasting silver subdials, and a display caseback build an elegant bridge between then and now, while the automatic caliber L688 (based on the ETA A08.L01) provides efficient power. Following numerous successful models such as the Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch and the Skin Diver, the Longines Heritage 1973 proves once again that the venerable Swiss brand has a knack for reviving popular vintage watches.
A New 70s Watch from Glashütte Original
The Glashütte Original Seventies shows that new 70s-style watches don't necessarily need a specific historical predecessor. Its streamlined case with integrated bracelet sets out to reinterpret the daring shapes of the Seventies without sacrificing elegance or timelessness. Measuring 40 x 40 millimeters, every edition features the Panorama Date typical of Glashütte and is powered by the in-house calibers 39-47 or, in the chronograph, 37-02.
The high manufacturing standards of these Saxon timepieces are especially evident in the German silver dial, available in galvanized ruthenium, silver, or a rich shade of blue – the latter reminds us of the subdials on the recently launched Zenith Chronomaster Revival. Does the Glashütte Original Seventies show what works of art the picturesque Müglitz Valley might have produced in the Seventies without the influence of the East German dictatorship? Probably so. And that's exactly what makes this angular, sporty dress watch so intriguing.
Tudor's Famous 1970s Watches Revived
Alongside unusual case shapes, dials with a futuristic touch were another trend many 70s originals followed. The current Tudor Heritage Chrono shows what that looked like:
Launched as a tribute to Tudor's expressive chronographs of the early Seventies, it brings the optimistic spirit of the era back to life with orange accents, angular subdial frames, and bold color contrasts. Notable features include not only the 45-minute counter at nine o'clock but also the selection of Heritage models: alongside an opaline version, there are two gray-and-black dials with their color areas reversed.
These 42 mm retro watches, water-resistant to 150 meters, are powered by the ETA caliber 2892, while the case catches the eye with its skillful interplay of polished and satin-finished surfaces. All in all, the Tudor Heritage Chrono offers a compelling journey back to the Seventies and demonstrates one of many recipes for a successful reproduction.
