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Time travel on your wrist: for true enthusiasts, a wristwatch isn't an accessory but a way of life, and it even has the power to bring long-gone decades back to life. In 2023, retro models are the big trend: from the glorious prewar era to the Swinging Sixties, luxury brands are giving their most legendary classics a new lease on life.
Art Deco Style Perfected: Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moonphase
Sensual forms, exclusive opulence: in the early 20th century, Art Deco dominates art and architecture. A textbook example of the movement's stepped forms, streamlined curves, and clean symmetry is New York's Chrysler Building. Another ideal embodiment comes from Girard Perregaux with the Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moonphase (Ref. 25882-11-121-BB6B), whose rectangular case stands out above all for its pronounced curvature.
Sapphire crystal and all, this moderately sized retro wristwatch is curved in a way that ensures it hugs the wearer's wrist perfectly. A look at the dial reveals several highlights: alongside the ornate typography of the Arabic numerals, what moves us most is the moon phase, which couldn't suit the luxury watch's vintage romance any better. Dauphine hands, a small seconds, and a railroad minute track complete the refined look. This curved Art Deco classic is powered by the in-house automatic movement GP03300, whose decoration is revealed through a sapphire caseback and, like every detail of the watch, attests to top-tier quality.
An Elegant Journey Back to the '30s: MIDO Multifort Powerwind Limited Edition
At the height of Art Deco in 1934, MIDO launches its legendary Multifort collection, which remains the company's runaway bestseller until 1950 and combines four features that were revolutionary at the time: water resistance, shock resistance, antimagnetic protection, and automatic winding. Today the wristwatch is pure retro, and it returns to the spotlight with the MIDO Multifort Powerwind Limited Edition (Ref. M040.407.16.060.00): limited to 1,954 pieces, this beauty seduces the beholder with the midnight-blue sunburst finish of its domed dial and, despite its affordable price range, shows maximum attention to detail. Applied indices and diamond-cut hands in a rose-gold tone bring this retro wristwatch to life, while its ETA 2836-2 automatic movement boasts a coveted COSC certificate. At the same time, the 40 mm case impresses with a stylish mix of polished and brushed stainless steel. Our only criticism: the white day-date complication, which, while useful, breaks the symmetry and the midnight-blue elegance of the watch.
A Tribute to a Diving Icon: Oris Divers Sixty-Five
Vintage or retro? With the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, the independent manufacturer from Hölstein appeals to both audiences and offers a spectacular range of models. This timepiece, water-resistant to 100 meters, is based on a legendary 1965 dive watch with which Oris successfully entered the marine segment. One of our clear favorites is the two-tone version in stainless steel and bronze (Ref. 01 733 7707 4355-07 8 20 17): it's not only the rarity of the copper-tin alloy and its strong patina that set this watch apart from the crowd, but also its two-tone aesthetic, which brings an endearing touch of the '80s to the wrist. Paired with the blue of the dial and its pronounced dome, the result is an expressive overall look with striking character. Technically, this retro wristwatch has no weak points: while the Sellita-based automatic caliber 733 guarantees reliable performance, the relatively compact 40 mm diameter is somewhat reminiscent of the slim proportions that defined elegant men's watches in the mid-20th century.
Pure Sixties Elegance: Glashütte Original Sixties Panorama Date
Socially, the Sixties were a time of new beginnings and went down in history as a buoyant, free-thinking decade. In the heyday of the Beatles and the miniskirt, watchmaking was defined by timeless classics with beautiful lines, as the Glashütte Original Sixties Panorama Date (Ref. 2-39-47-06-02-04) demonstrates. The aesthetic journey through time begins on the domed dial, where gently curved hands and distinctive numerals, unconventional in true Sixties style, catch the eye. What holds our gaze is the Panorama Date: inspired by the famous clock in Dresden's Semperoper, it is a hallmark of the luxury manufacturer and blends seamlessly into the overall design. We also can't get enough of this retro wristwatch's stainless steel case and its seductive simplicity. Power comes from an automatic in-house movement with swan-neck fine adjustment and the finest finishing. And you needn't stop at the dark blue shown here: the Sixties dial is known for exotic colors such as fiery orange (Ref. 2-39-47-09-02-04), which absolutely deserve a closer look.
The Return of the Legendary Cocktail Watch: Hamilton American Classic Lady Hamilton Vintage Quartz
First made by Tiffany & Co. at the beginning of the 20th century, the cocktail watch enjoyed a glittering breakthrough in high society and gave the lady of class exactly what she wanted: an ornate, luxurious wrist adornment that at first glance looks like a bracelet while discreetly offering a small dial for the occasional glance at the time. Back then, refined ladies did not conspicuously look at their wrists.
Today the glamorous cocktail watch celebrates its comeback with the Hamilton American Classic Lady Hamilton Vintage Quartz (Ref. H31271113). The number one eye-catcher is the chain bracelet, which holds a tiny 15 x 19 mm stainless steel case with regal decoration. The overall look of the watch is both retro and antique, making the Lady Hamilton a special jewel in today's watch world. Women who want to stand out elegantly from the crowd in 2023 have come to the right place. By the way: if you'd like a more exotic case for your next cocktail party, gold-plated, black, and even purple alternatives are available.
Classic Lines, Cutting-Edge Technology: Grand Seiko Heritage
In contrast to the playful Lady Hamilton are the Grand Seiko retro watches of the Heritage Collection: balanced and simple in design, they carry the Japanese high-end brand's '60s style into the 21st century and combine it with cutting-edge technology. Known for its legendary Zaratsu polishing and unrivaled attention to detail, the Grand Seiko Heritage can be ordered with three types of movement: quartz as an entry point, automatic for traditionalists, and the famous Spring Drive system for anyone who wants to experience Grand Seiko retro watches at their most mechanically impressive. Our insider tip from this extensive collection: reference SBGA439. Set against a night sky with a dark blue background, the diamond-cut hands and indices come into their own perfectly. This 40 mm luxury wristwatch, water-resistant to 100 meters, is powered by the self-winding caliber 9R65.
