Trending Now: Throwback Tributes

Four vintage-inspired watches to take you to another time.

Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch 1927 – 2017

A big and bold vintage send-up, this 47.5mm pilot’s watch commemorates the 90th anniversary of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s first non-stop solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris.

At first glance, the watch is a tad complex to read, with its 180° longitudinal scale on its rotating bezel which can be used to calculate the equation of time. The central dial can also be rotated for synchronisation to the second and, in addition to the regular indication of hours, minutes and seconds, the timepiece also indicates the hour angle in degrees and minutes in an arc.

For all its complicated display (it’s not that complex once you get used to it), the watch channels a beautiful vintage vibe with a titanium case, brushed silver dial, railtrack minute circle and painted Roman numerals. Driving the watch is the automatic Calibre L699 with a 46-hour power reserve.

Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer

Although this collection is new for 2017, it relives its past association with the world of automobile racing and hat-doffs a model from 1968, updated though, with a Master Chronometer certified movement.

While it draws design references to the 1968 model, the 44.25mm case of this new version is actually thinner than that of previous models, in part due to a slimming down of the sapphire crystal. In addition, the bevelled arrowhead indexes are filled with Super-LumiNova for easy reading in low light conditions, and sub-dials have been expanded for greater legibility.

For this stainless steel model in particular, the accompanying black leather strap has been perforated to reveal a layer of orange rubber inside. Not only does this lend the watch a sporty look, it also serves the dual purpose of letting air through so the strap feels more comfortable on the skin.

 

Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary Edition

This Art Deco-inspired beauty’s whimsical moniker references its curved profile, and its vintage demeanour recalls a gold watch that was sent from Russia to Le Locle for servicing Tissot in 1916.

The watch’s shape allows it to hug the wrist gently while inside, the quartz movement powers the timepiece with great precision. In tribute to the original version, the bleuté hands and heritage logo remain. Because of the thin and curved profile, the numbers on the dial have to be in varying sizes to fit the silhouette of the case. And just like watches from an older era, mineral glass, rather than sapphire crystal, is used to protect the dial.

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special

Modelled after the ‘Type 20’ hand-wound aircraft clocks that Zenith started making in 1939, the automatic wristwatch versions, which come in a variety of colours from blue to burgundy, bear the same retro design elements, from oversized crowns to broad, old-school hands and numerals.

In a further nod to the past, the case is fashioned from aged steel and topped with a domed sapphire crystal, reminiscent of vintage timepieces.

At the heart of the timepiece is the automatic Zenith Elite Calibre 679 with central hours, minutes and seconds, as well as a 50-hour power reserve. In a departure from the rest of the Pilot collection which feature larger case sizes, this model comes in a friendlier 40mm size—suitable, too, for ladies with a penchant for bigger timepieces.

  

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