Art deco style in perfection: Girard Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moonphase

Sensual forms, exclusive abundance: In the early 20th century, the Art Deco style dominated art and architecture. A prime example of the stepped forms, aerodynamic curves and clear symmetry of the style is New York’s Chrysler Building. Girard Perregaux provides a second ideal with the Vintage 1945 XXL Large Date Moonphase (Ref. 25882-11-121-BB6B), whose rectangular case is most striking for its strong curvature.

Together with its sapphire crystal, the moderately sized retro wristwatch is curved in a way that ensures a perfect fit to the wearer’s wrist. A look at the dial reveals several highlights: In addition to the ornate typography of the Arabic numerals, we are particularly touched by the moon phase, which could not be more in keeping with the vintage romanticism of the luxury watch. Dauphine hands, small seconds and railroad minute track complete the noble look. The curved Art Deco classic is powered by the in-house automatic movement GP03300, the decoration of which is revealed through a glass back and, like all the details of the watch, testifies to absolute top class.

Elegant journey back in time to the 30s: MIDO Multifort Powerwind Limited Edition

In 1934, in the midst of the Art Deco heyday, MIDO launched its legendary Multifort collection, which remained the company’s absolute best-seller until 1950, combining four features that were revolutionary at the time: Water resistance, shock resistance, magnetic protection and an automatic winding mechanism. Today, the wristwatch is pure retro and returns to the spotlight with the MIDO Multifort Powerwind Limited Edition (Ref. M040.407.16.060.00): limited to 1,954 pieces, the beauty seduces its beholder with the midnight blue sunburst of its domed dial and displays maximum attention to detail despite its affordable price range. Applied indices and diamond-cut hands in rose gold color bring life to the retro wristwatch, whose automatic ETA 2836-2 movement has a coveted COSC certificate. At the same time, the 40-millimeter case impresses with a stylish mix of polished and brushed stainless steel. The only point of criticism: the white Day-Date complication, which is useful, but brings a break in the symmetry and midnight blue elegance of the wristwatch.

Homage to a diving icon: Oris Divers Sixty-Five

Vintage or retro? With the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, the independent manufacturer from Hölstein addresses both target groups and presents a spectacular variety of models. The 100-meter water-resistant timepiece is based on a legendary diver’s watch from 1965, with which Oris successfully entered the maritime segment. One of our clear favorites is the bicolor version in stainless steel and bronze (Ref. 01 733 7707 4355-07 8 20 17): It’s not just the rarity of the copper-tin alloy and its strong patina that set the watch apart from the crowd, but also the two-tone aesthetic, which brings a sympathetic touch of the eighties to the wrist. Paired with the blue of the dial and its clear curvature, the result is an expressive overall image with an impressive character. Technically, the retro wristwatch has no weaknesses: While the Sellita-based 733 automatic movement guarantees reliable propulsion, the relatively compact diameter of 40 millimeters is reminiscent of the slim dimensions that characterized distinguished men’s watches in the mid-20th century.

Purist elegance of the sixties: Glashütte Original Sixties Panorama Date

Socially, the sixties were a time of upheaval and went down in history as an upbeat, free-thinking decade. Horology was distinguished by timeless classics with beautiful lines during the heyday of the Beatles and miniskirts, as demonstrated by the Glashütte Original Sixties Panorama Date (Ref. 2-39-47-06-02-04). The aesthetic journey through time begins on the domed dial, where slightly curved hands and striking numerals, completely unconventional in the Sixties style, capture our gaze. The eye is captured by the panoramic date: inspired by the famous clock in Dresden’s Semper Opera House, it is a trademark of the luxury manufacturer and blends seamlessly into the overall picture. We also can’t get enough of the stainless steel case of the retro wristwatch and its seductive simplicity. An automatic manufacture movement with swan-neck fine adjustment and the finest finish provides propulsion. It doesn’t have to stay with the dark blue shown here: The Sixties dial is known for exotic colors like fiery orange (Ref. 2-39-47-09-02-04), which definitely deserve a closer look.

Return of the legendary cocktail watch: Hamilton American Classic Lady Hamilton Vintage Quartz

First manufactured by Tiffany & Co. at the beginning of the 20th century, the cocktail watch celebrated a glamorous breakthrough in high society and provided the lady of class with exactly what she wanted: an ornate, luxurious arm decoration that at first glance looks like a bracelet and incidentally has a small dial for reading the time from time to time. Noble ladies did not obviously look at her wrist back then.

Today, the glamorous cocktail watch celebrates its comeback with the Hamilton American Classic Lady Hamilton Vintage Quartz (Ref. H31271113). Eye-catcher number one is the chain bracelet, on which there is a tiny stainless steel case measuring 15×19 millimeters with royal decoration. The overall look of the wristwatch is retro and antique at the same time, making the Lady Hamilton a special jewel in today’s watch world. Women who want to elegantly stand out from the crowd in 2023 are in the right place. By the way, if you want a more exotic case at the next cocktail party, gold-plated, black and even purple alternatives are available.

Classic lines, state-of-the-art technology: Grand Seiko Heritage

Contrasting with the playful Lady Hamilton, the Grand Seiko Retro watches of the Heritage collection are well-balanced and simple in design, transporting the 60s style of the Japanese high-end brand into the 21st century and combining it with state-of-the-art technology. Known for its fabulous Zaratsu polish and unrivaled attention to detail, the Grand Seiko Heritage can be ordered with three drives: Quartz for starters, Automatic for traditionalists and the famous Spring Drive System for those who want to experience Grand Seiko Retro watches at their most mechanically impressive. Our insider tip in the large collection: the reference SBGA439. Against the night sky with a dark blue background, the diamond-cut hands and hour-markers come into their own perfectly. The 40-millimeter luxury wristwatch, which is water-resistant to 100 meters, is powered by the automatic caliber 9R65.

Der Beitrag 2023 is the wristwatch retro erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

Oris Artelier Art Blakey Limited Edition

Inspired by US drummer and bandleader Art Blakey, each of the 1,000 pieces catches the eye with its elegant simplicity. With its white center and eight claws, the dial of the 38-millimeter slim dresswatch, which is powered by the 733 automatic movement, is reminiscent of Blakey’s indispensable bass drum. The caseback of the Oris Artelier Art Blakey also references the music legend by mimicking the look of a bronze hi-hat cymbal. Under domed sapphire crystal, the luminous coated hands follow a clean, minimalist style that is continued in the distinguished leather strap. The latter is attached to an extremely valuable folding clasp.

Junghans Form A Edition 160 Limited Edition

Two limited edition watches of 600 pieces each create an impressive symbiosis of tradition and modernity: while the color design of the 160th anniversary models is inspired by Junghans’ Black Forest homeland (which is reminiscent of either the red and gray capercaillie or the brown Black Forest fir), the Bauhaus-inspired clarity of the dial and the black PVD coating of the 39.3-millimeter stainless steel case bear witness to modern influences. In addition to the slim line of the Junghans Form A Edition, a special feature is the cupped curvature of the dial. We are also thrilled by the creativity of the men’s models: leather straps with tree bark texture or woolly loden fabric straps are not found every day.

Scalfaro LM917 Hans Mezger

An exotic for people with gasoline in their blood: Inspired by the Porsche 917 race car of the century and its engine developer Hans Mezger, the luxury watches are built – you guessed it – only 917 times and inspire with an almost endless love of detail. A fan wheel as the second hand is just the beginning: real metal from the Porsche 917 has been incorporated into the 43-millimeter steel case, and you’ll find the original signature of Hans Mezger, who died in 2020, on the sapphire crystal of the limited edition watches. These men’s watches are monuments to a motorsport era that has fascinated generations. 100 meters of water resistance and a Swiss automatic movement are included with the Scalfaro Limited Edition.

MIDO Commander Chronograph Limited Edition

Prefer a picture-perfect chronograph with architectural inspiration? The 999-watch MIDO Commander small series offers the full package: a masculine 42 millimeters in size and powered by the legendary Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, they elegantly stand out from the crowd with their panda dial. Our favorite detail is the orange accents that add a zesty nuance to the Limited Edition. From a functional point of view, no wishes are left unfulfilled with a Day-Date complication, sapphire crystal, a robust stainless steel bracelet and a fine luminous coating. Incidentally, the design of the Mido Commander is inspired by the Eiffel Tower, as its sharp-edged details demonstrate.

Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton Limited Edition

These elegant watches from Geneva demonstrate how timeless complexity can be packaged: at 41 millimeters in diameter, the Highlife combines a beautiful, integrated case design with midnight blue magic and spectacular insights in the dial. Its center opens up a clear view of the mechanics of the self-winding caliber FC-310 under domed sapphire crystal, as does the glass case back. The absence of additional functions gives the watches a perfect symmetry with twelve rectilinear, luminous-coated indices. The aesthetic appeal of the Frederique Constant Highlife is enhanced by the alternating polished and satin-finished components of the stainless steel case. Only 888 pieces will be produced, which is why it’s worth grabbing quickly.

Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono

Anyone with weak nerves should skip this watch. With a whopping 48 millimeters of case diameter, the 1,972 examples of this monstrous Hamilton catapult us back to the Seventies. In addition to the brawny shape of the stainless steel colossus, numerous bright red accents and the fastening of the leather strap underneath the case cause a stir. These limited edition watches do not have classic lugs. An exciting mix of functionality and exoticism prevails on the dial: the tachymeter scale, the chronograph’s clear bicompax layout and a date display at six o’clock harmoniously share the generous space. 100-meter water resistance and 60-hour power reserve of the H-31 automatic movement round out the overall package of the Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono.

Maurice Lacroix Pontos Jours/Date Limited Edition

A powerful appearance that combines noble facets with aesthetic dominance, this Maurice Lacroix is dedicated to the combination of black and khaki, as demonstrated in particular by the captivating sunburst dial. Paired with a symmetrical Day-Date complication, the 1,000 pieces of the 41-millimeter ML Pontos make for a confident unisex look. There’s no shortage of ruggedness with 100-meter water resistance and the black DLC coating on the stainless steel case. The look of the automatic watches is rounded off by a matching nylon strap in green.

Chopard L.U.C XP II Sarto Kiton

Ultra-thin, ultra-luxurious: in partnership with prominent bespoke tailor Kiton, Chopard is creating just 100 examples of this high-flyer, which houses a lavishly decorated manufacture movement including a darkened see-through caseback at 7.2 millimeters in case height. The dial is dominated by golden indices and dauphine hands, as well as the red Kiton logo on an exciting houndstooth pattern with a lacquered surface. A particular highlight of the Limited Edition watches from the Chopard L.U.C XP series is their fastening of the 40-millimeter slim DLC-coated stainless steel case on the arm: a handmade strap of Mongolian cashmere, wool and flannel, to which a pinch of spandex has been added for increased comfort.

U-Boat Classico 47 1001 SS BLU Limited Edition

A monster without limits: With the 300 Limited Edition watches of this 47-millimeter Goliath, U-Boat impressively demonstrates its extravagant brand essence. In addition to the engraved bezel of the titanium case, the left-hand crown including the special crown protector is particularly eye-catching. If you can stand the 16.6-millimeter case height and are receptive to the special sympathy of the blue-and-white mixed indices, you’ll be putting a statement of robustness on your wrist: the Italian masterpiece U-Boat Classico, a limited edition by star designer Italo Fontana, can easily withstand a water depth of 1,000 meters.

Grand Seiko Heritage Kollektion Mechanik Hi-Beat 36.000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary

Long name, short sense: absolute perfection. To mark the brand’s 55th anniversary, Japan’s ultimate luxury forge is launching two limited editions of 550 pieces each, their 40-millimeter cases boasting a majestic shine thanks to the in-house “Ever-Brilliant Steel.” The Ref. SLGH009 from the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection shown here attracts our gaze almost magnetically with its blue surface reminiscent of the orbit of the planets in the night sky. Inside, craftsmanship at its finest slumbers: the Hi-Beat 36000 caliber 9SA5, which was only introduced in 2020, ticks ten times per second, is extremely precise, and has an 80-hour power reserve.

Der Beitrag Limited Edition Watches: Our top 10 for men erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.