In contrast to the masculine steel sports watches of the time, the solid gold Polo captured the glitz and glamour of the jet-set, and soon came to define the spirit of the 1980s. “We really had to answer to this particular demand of our customers who are used to getting just dress watches,” explained Yves Piaget at the time. “But now our customers like to do more and more sports. That’s part of the evolution of our lives today. They want to be exquisite, even in sport. They want to wear a better watch, even in their sports. So we created this sport line which is waterproof, shockproof.” Now, 45 years after its debut, the Polo has been reborn as the Piaget Polo 79 in celebration of the house’s 150th anniversary.
Longines, another Swiss brand known for its equestrian ties, has also provided an archival model with a modern twist. To mark the anniversary of its signature Conquest collection, the heritage maker has reissued a classic Conquest from 1959 – a design renowned for its one-of-a-kind power reserve indicator consisting of two rotating discs at the centre of the dial. In tribute to this historic model, the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve has retained the original power reserve process with a three-part dial, available in a sumptuous champagne shade, as well as anthracite and black. Meanwhile, a redesigned 38mm steel case – with redesigned lugs – houses a new self-winding L896.5 calibre, which the wearer can view via a transparent screw-down case back.
When it comes to reviving vintage designs, Timex provides the ultimate throwback. When reworking its World Time 1972, a chunky, vintage-inspired quartz world timer, the American brand stayed true to the design codes of the original model for a retro leaning. As such, its world time bezel still features the time zones of the early 1970s that don’t align with today’s time zones, as featured on the original model. The new Q Timex Reissue Dégradé, meanwhile, pays homage to one of Timex’s most iconic Q models from the late 1970s by recreating every detail of its unique domed acrylic crystal, which catches the light with interior facets, as well as its sleek 38mm brushed stainless-steel case, matching bracelet and quartz movement.
As for Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watchmaker in continuous operation, when it reissued the 222, a classic 1970s gold watch and a cult favourite among connoisseurs, it did so by retaining the exact measurements of the original but finished to an even higher level of excellence. The model was designed by Jorg Hysek in 1977 to celebrate the brand’s 222nd anniversary and was discontinued in 1985. The new model – part of Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques line of reimagined classics – is based on the Ref 44018 and features a 37mm case in 18K 3N yellow gold, while a reworked bracelet offers improved comfort.
No matter the general consensus of the trend, vintage-reissue watches are generating some serious buzz, ushering in a new, exciting and hype-fuelled era into the wild world of horology.