The Vintage-Valjoux-Powered Singer Heritage Collection

Considered one of final yr’s greatest horological surprises for me was the Singer Divetrack, an unimaginable piece of engineering and design by Singer Reimagined founder Marco Borraccino. However I additionally rapidly realized that its worth of CHF 85,000 meant I may solely admire it from a distance. That’s advantageous; I don’t must personal all the things I like. This yr, although, Singer Reimagined is making me calculate my watch funds. Meet the Singer Heritage Assortment chronograph, housing a motion primarily based on a classic (1974) Valjoux 236 column-wheel chronograph caliber. As you possibly can see, this new Singer Reimagined is a two-register chronograph.

The Singer Heritage Assortment chronograph

Borraccino and his staff have been in a position to supply some Valjoux 236 calibers in New Previous Inventory situation. Because of this watchmakers had by no means touched or used these actions earlier than, they usually have been merely “forgotten” or saved by their earlier proprietor(s) for no matter motive. The Valjoux 236 — on this case, dubbed the SR2361 — is the faster-beating successor of the long-lasting Valjoux 23.

Caliber SR2361 / Valjoux 236

Singer Reimagined’s staff rigorously disassembled these actions, refinished them, and assembled them once more. Singer’s ending consists of frosted bridges, hand-polished chamfers, and rhodium plating. The watchmakers additionally made some small tweaks for higher efficiency. As you possibly can see within the image, the actions are engraved with “Restored by Singer,” which sums it up fairly properly. Caliber SR2361 presents a 48-hour energy reserve and has operating seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.

Singer design components

this new Singer Heritage Assortment chronograph, we see a number of of the model’s signature design components. How in regards to the sunray satin end on the chrome steel case and the toothed golden flange? We’ve additionally seen these design components on the Track1 (sunray end) and the 1969 (toothed flange). To not point out, the circular-brushed metallic cabochon topping the chronograph seconds hand unmistakably makes this Heritage Assortment chronograph a real Singer Reimagined watch.

For this watch, Singer makes use of a 38.8mm case with a pleasant 11.75mm thickness. If I’m not mistaken, that is the smallest watch from the model. The metal case has a sunray satin end, as talked about above, together with mirror-polished chamfers and a box-type sapphire crystal with a double antireflective coating. Moreover, the sapphire window within the case again gives an incredible alternative for homeowners to admire the Valjoux-based SR2361 motion.

Empire inexperienced and black lacquered dials

Singer presents two dial choices for its Heritage Assortment chronograph. There’s a inexperienced lacquered dial in reference SR602 and a black lacquered dial in reference SR601. Singer refers back to the inexperienced shade as “Empire inexperienced,” and it is likely to be my most popular choice. It definitely attracts the attention, however if you’d like one thing extra basic, the black lacquered dial is superb too, after all. Each dials have the toothed golden flange, utilized faceted hour markers, and an utilized Singer brand at 12 o’clock. Singer gave the sword-style fingers an utility of orange Tremendous-LumiNova for higher readability below low-light situations. All of the printing on the dial is ecru, providing nice distinction no matter whether or not you choose the Empire inexperienced or black dial. Each watches even have the orange chronograph seconds hand.

The Singer Heritage Assortment chronographs every include a dial-matching strap: a grained leather-based black strap for the SR601 and a khaki-green strap for the SR602. A grained leather-based inexperienced strap is elective. These straps taper from 20mm to 18mm on the Singer-signed chrome steel buckle.

Pricing and availability

I began this text with a remark about how a lot I just like the Singer Divetrack but additionally how its CHF 85,000 worth vastly exceeded my watch funds. This new Heritage Assortment chronograph has a relatively accessible retail worth of CHF 16,700 (ex. VAT), and Singer restricted the 2 variants to only 100 items whole. The latter is because of the variety of NOS Valjoux 236 actions that Singer was in a position to supply. I’m captivated with the watch, although I’ve solely seen it in pictures for now. This Heritage Assortment chronograph is essentially the most inexpensive watch in Singer’s catalog, and utilizing a NOS Valjoux motion was undoubtedly a key consider figuring out the value.

Caliber SR2361

Though some would possibly debate whether or not admiring a Singer with out a Singer motion is a good suggestion, it does match Singer’s idea. The corporate’s three pillars are “reimagined,” “restored,” and “reborn.” These Valjoux-based column-wheel chronograph actions are restored and reborn inside this new Singer Heritage Assortment.

Some extra ideas on the Singer Heritage Assortment

I’m extremely enthusiastic about this new Singer challenge and may’t wait to strive it on my wrist. For me, this watch is just not about slicing corners however about providing one thing “restored” in the easiest way potential with the standard Singer Reimagined design. As I mentioned, the Empire inexperienced one ticks the bins for me, however maybe once I see the watches in actual life, this choice will change. I don’t imagine the Singer Heritage Assortment will likely be straightforward to get at this worth and amount, however I wager the 100 items will rapidly promote out. Properly, I’m nonetheless excited to have the possibility to strive one on my wrist a minimum of as soon as subsequent week.

The Singer Heritage Assortment SR601 and SR602 include a three-year guarantee and can solely be obtainable in chosen boutiques. Every watch is available in a custom-designed leather-based case with a “Restored by Singer” certificates. Moreover, it features a booklet with all the small print in regards to the motion’s historical past and restoration course of.

Go to the Singer Reimagined web site for extra data, and tell us what you consider these Heritage Assortment chronographs within the feedback beneath!

Watch specs