Watchmakers have long known the value of lasting style over seasonality, and they continue to nurture collections that have endured for decades. These classic watch designs never go out of style – made to be worn, then handed down through the generations, they will look just as modern next century as they did the last.
Junghans
Classic design meets tweaked proportions in the Junghans Meister fein Kleine Automatic. A clean face and distinctive elongated markings bring a modern minimalist to the stainless steel case, now rethought in a smaller size.
junghans.de (opens in new tab)
Girard-Perregaux
Girard-Perregaux marry classic design codes with a bold new colour in the Laureato 38mm Copper, which imbues a textured dial decorated with the traditional Clous de Paris motif with a deep hue. A brilliant sunray copper dial makes a modern foil for the clean form of the watch, otherwise mostly unchanged since making its debut in 1975.
Seiko Watches
Seiko Watches builds on a rich heritage of traditonal Japanese design codes with the release of the new Presage 'Kabuki' limited edition timepieces. Imbuing the historical concept of Kabuki theatre - traditionally a heavily stylised art form - with a sharply modern technicality, the new watch links the past and present in typically understated style. The dial, featuring a pattern dating back to the Heian period of 794-1185 which was used in the Kabuki costumes, makes for a striking focal point, following the design of the earlier 'Takumi' models, pictured.
seikoboutique.co.uk
Tudor
Tudor play on classic design codes with the Black Bay Pro, which marries a sporty new form with useful technical functions including a dual time zone. A slick aesthetic - satin-brushed and polished case, textured matte black dial and choice of three bracelet designs - add a modernity which promises to endure.
tudorwatch.com
Nomos
German watch brand Nomos imbue classic watch design with a coolly contemporary hue in two new Tangente neomatik models. Two new sizes of the perenially popular piece draw on the enduring codes of the watch, from the clean typography to the facets and flat sapphire crystal glass.
nomos-glashuette.com
Zenith
The Zenith Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third – Final Edition builds on the 1969 relationship between Zenith and Japanese manga and anime series Lupin The Third, when a character sported a Zenith chronograph with a 'panda' dial which never actually existed. In 2019, it was finally brought to life, and now Zenith has unveiled this third and final limited edition from the partnership. Composed of asymmetrical halves, the semi-glossy black dial makes a slick foil for the juxtaposed creamy white.
zenith-watches.com
Vacheron Constantin
The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle complete calendar nods to the clean design codes which began to emerge in the Age of Enlightenment, with its simple face and gently rounded silhouette. It is a pure aesthetic which belies the complex technical heart of the watch, where a triple calendar - telling the day, date and month - takes centre stage. Rethought for a new era with a slate-grey dial, classic design ticks are interwoven with contemporary touches in this new piece, to brilliant and enduring effect.
vacheron-constantin.com
Tag Heuer
Tag Heuer have long mastered the art of producing sports watches which imbue a technical functionality with classic and enduring design codes. The new editions of the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 subscribe to this ethos, combining a faceted 12-sided bezel and cleanly lined dial with a water resistance to 200 metres. Three new references are driven by the Calibre 5 automatic movement, perfect for underwater adventure when teamed with scratch-resistant crystal and a useful double safety clasp.
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tagheuer.com (opens in new tab)
IWC
During its 150-year history, IWC has perfected the art of pared-back watch design in favour of a functional tehnicality. The brand's Pilot's Chronograph has been seen in one iteration or another for over two decades, its neat dial with useful functions beloved by those both in the air and on the ground. Now, they have collaborated with Mr Porter to mark their tenth anniversary with a rethink of a classic piece that promises to be just as enduring. The juxtaposition of a gleaming black dial against a retro bronze case adds a stylish update to this limited edition piece.
mrporter.com (opens in new tab)
Audemars Piguet
In the 1970s, watch designer Gérald Genta’s timepieces transformed watchmaking, subverting traditional designs and breathing new life into an industry in flux. One of his most iconic pieces, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, is just as popular today as it was then; inspired by the eight screws with which a vintage diving helmet was attached to the suit, it was revolutionary in being made of steel long before this was considered a precious metal. Now available in many versions, its distinctive octagonal shape is instantly recognisable.
Patek Philippe
The Bauhaus movement, with its focus on form following function, was the inspiration behind the Patek Philippe Calatrava watch, originally created in 1932. The simple ethos was translated into a watch with clean design principles, its gently curved form and integrated lugs making for a streamlined silhouette. Today’s versions, with the round face and understated hour markers, are just as graceful as their predecessors.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre is marking 90 years of the Reverso this year, a chic design that first appeared in 1931. While nodding to the art deco period in which it was created, it was originally intended for polo players who wished for a watch tough enough to withstand a match. The Reverso’s combination of elegance and practicality, with a dial that can flip, instantly made it a popular choice. The collection’s newest Duoface model, created in burgundy red to mark the anniversary, is a chic investment complete with two contrasting dials, a feature first introduced in 1994.
Rolex
The generous silhouette and bold bezel of the Rolex Submariner create maximum impact. First introduced in 1953, its beginnings were as a diver’s wristwatch, meaning the emphasis is on legibility. The simple dials play with geometry, letting triangles, circles and rectangles mark the hours, quickly telling the time when visibility may be poor. This latest piece, with its slightly increased case size, is created from Oystersteel – Rolex’s particularly tough alloy – for a practical and timeless appeal.
Grand Seiko
Japanese brand Grand Seiko is a favourite of watch connoisseurs for its unwavering commitment to accomplished technology and skilled design. This piece from the Heritage collection is a case in point – with a highly precise movement and a case crafted from titanium, it is light, easy to wear and reliable.
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Last chance to see: Sterling Ruby’s ‘Turbines’ at Gagosian New York, marked here by our visit to the artist’s LA studio
Step inside American artist Sterling Ruby’s studio, divided into distinct areas of operation
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The Fendi factory in Tuscany disappears into the landscape
The new Fendi Factory in Italy, set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, is the brainchild of Milan architecture studio Piuarch and the luxury brand
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Browns and Mad Paris rethink Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Watch customisation specialist Mad Paris has developed two new versions of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for Browns
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Time for an eco-friendly watch?
Some of the more eco-friendly watch materials being embraced by sustainably-minded watchmakers include recycled steel, bioceramic and cork
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Boundary-breaking Chanel watch is tweaked for a new generation
The Boy.Friend Skeleton appeals to both men and women with its distinctive octagonal silhouette
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On the button: Chanel's perfectly hidden timepiece
The ‘Mademoiselle Privé Bouton’ watch is everything but off the cuff
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Sound bite: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s contemporary art celebrates acoustic watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Swiss artist Zimoun have collaborated on an artwork to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of its first minute repeater
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Kengo Kuma’s studio for Grand Seiko sits in the shadow of Mount Iwate
The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi takes the natural world as its inspiration
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Bon appétit: we grab a bite to eat with Bell & Ross
Earlier this year, we met the founders of the watch marque for a catch-up at restaurant Oxté in Paris
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The new Richard Mille RM 72-01 ticks all the right boxes
The RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph marks a new era of technical accomplishment for the brand
