The phrase “Out with the old, in with the new” seems to be no longer valid nowadays. Particularly in the watchmaking industry, introducing vintage inspired new models became more like a marketing strategy that almost all brands follow.
"Vintage" inspired models conquer the hearts of watch enthusiasts with their nostalgic images and minimalist lines. The brands that have achieved great success with their well-established histories are also doing their best to turn this trend into an advantage.
via. acollectedman
Longines is one of the most successful brands on this subject. In particular, the models they have launched into the market under the "Heritage Collection” attract attention with their original and retro designs as well as their modern technology. Moreover, in addition to all these, the aggressive price policy that brand has developed in favor of the customer makes the brand even more attractive.
via. acollectedman
The Longines Heritage Military model, introduced under Baselworld 2018, has already started to be mentioned more often with its affordable price, manufacture movement and impeccable design.
Inspired by the Longines Ref. 6B/159 model, the new model’s 38.5mm diameter stainless steel case makes it the ideal watch for a reproduction in today’s conditions while its in-house automatic movement points to the perfect combination of old and new. Despite its artificially patinated dial, the model is still a hack of a bargain at 2150 USD MSRP with its 65-hour power reserve and simple military-themed design.
via. imgrumweb
Another star of the show is definitely the new Commander Shade model from Mido. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the brand continues to produce the Commander collection since 1959. Commander Shade is the updated version of the model produced in 1979. Mido, which intends to carry the flag for the "Retro" trend to the front with the new model’s case, dial and bracelet, and has created a perfect watch for those who yearn for the old.
The model which is offered in a 37mm stainless steel case and with a “Milanese” style bracelet, ticks with the tested and approved ETA 2836-2 automatic movement. The model is water resistant to 50 meters and available with a MSRP of 870,00 USD. At such a price, it is not easy to have this design and quality among modern timepieces.
Another star of the exhibition in the league of vintage inspired affordable watches comes from Tissot. The Heritage Antimagnetique model is the updated version of the original 1943 version. The new model is powered by the hand-wound movement ETA 6498-2. Offered in a 50 meters water resistant stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm, the watch is available with a MSRP of 995,00 USD. It is very difficult to find another model in this specification and design.
Bulova shows up with the best recipe for the ones who seek for a vintage inspired diving watch with the Oceanographer 666. Already nicknamed “Devil Diver”, the Oceanographer 666 comes in two different versions as limited (offered in a 40mm diameter case and a regular version (comes in a 44mm case) is un-rivaled with its 666ft/200 meters water resistance rating, Miyota movement and more importantly its visual design that screams out Vintage at a MSRP of 795,00 USD only.
It is quite difficult to assume on how long Heritage trend will keep influencing the watchmaking industry, but it seems the popularity of vintage inspired timepieces will last forever.
