The Singer Heritage Collection Chronograph with Restored Valjoux Movement

Singer (perceive Singer Car Design) first made a reputation for itself with its bespoke restorations of the Porsche 911, and in recent times, the California-based model has additionally been turning heads in watchmaking with its Observe 1 chronograph – identified for its unconventional layouts and progressive AgenGraphe actions developed by Agenhor, with out forgetting the Divetrack, a 24-hour central chronograph and one other distinctive Singer creation, and the 1969 assortment. This 12 months, the model surprises with a pair of Heritage Assortment chronographs that, in contrast to the sooner Singer watches, undertake a extra acquainted two-register structure and are powered by restored new-old-stock Valjoux 236 calibres. It’s a transparent nod to Singer’s restomod roots, solely this time the canvas isn’t a 911, however an equally iconic mechanical motion.

The Singer Reimagined Heritage chronograph is available in a compact 38.8mm stainless-steel case that’s simply 11.75mm thick, making it put on as comfortably because it seems to be. True to Singer’s aesthetic, the case incorporates a sunray satin end with mirror-polished chamfers and polished pushers, lending a tactile richness to each angle. A glassbox-shaped sapphire crystal tops it off, whereas a show caseback enables you to admire the reworked motion inside. The flat, fluted crown is one other considerate element, whereas 50m water resistance, although modest, is a lot for each day put on (even when a contact extra would have higher honoured the “mod” half of the resto-mod ethos).

The Heritage chronograph is obtainable with Empire Inexperienced or Piano Black lacquered dials painted throughout, sub-dials included. A gold, toothed flange across the dial is borrowed from the 1969 sequence, and Singer’s signature circular-brushed cap atop the central arms is a visible callback to the model’s distinct design language, in addition to classic Porsche 911 dashboard devices.

Each variations function brief, faceted, gold-coloured hour markers, and the utilized Singer brand sits at 12 o’clock. The openworked, rhodium-plated sword-style hour and minutes arms have luminous orange ideas – legible and fashionable. The beige sub-dial markings distinction properly, with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and working seconds at 9 o’clock. An orange chronograph seconds hand provides a pop of Singer´s distinctive character.

The soul of this undertaking is a hand-wound Valjoux 236, a alternative to the legendary Valjoux 23, upgraded to 21,600 vibrations/hour. It’s revealed in full glory via the clear caseback. In accordance with the model, these actions are real, never-used classic inventory, disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and completed to increased requirements. The bridges are frosted for a up to date matte impact, their edges hand-bevelled and polished for brilliance. Rhodium plating enhances look and sturdiness. Singer additionally has upgraded/changed some parts, but we nonetheless have to seek out out which, and every motion bears the mark Restored by Singer. And naturally, it has that pretty traditional structure with column wheel and horizontal clutch.

The watches are worn on grained black leather-based straps with brown stitching or khaki-green textile straps with khaki stitching, closed with a stainless-steel pin buckle. The Singer Heritage chronograph is a pleasant mixture of outdated and new, translating Singer’s automotive restomod strategy into watchmaking. The Empire Inexperienced model, particularly, stands out with its wealthy color and heat. However past seems to be, the revived Valjoux motion and a focus to element really elevate the expertise. In distinction to the normally high-priced earlier Singer creations, the brand new Singer Heritage chronograph is obtainable for CHF 16,700 (ex. taxes), which appears cheap, but solely 100 items shall be made. 

For extra, go to singerreimagined.com.