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modern time WATCHES THAT INCLUDE THE BEST OF BOTH OLD AND NEW WORLDS The luxury watch industry is very traditional. Many of the brands’ current collections have been in existence for a long time, with new releases consisting of variations and updates of existing iconic models. For the past several years, the trend has been to faithfully reproduce the design elements of original models. Homage editions revive the dial configurations, colors, and marker shapes of fan-favorite models from the ’50s to the ’70s. Recently, however, tribute pieces have given way to the introduction of new editions that represent thoroughly modernized editions of old favorites. Color is a big part of this rejuvenation. Dials are red, green, blue, and edgy black or gray, instead of the vintage ivory and off-white dials that dominated vintage designs. Super-LumiNova, which didn’t even exist until the 1990s, is everywhere, in bolder applications and more color variations, sometimes lighting up full dials. New movements are another big part of the rejuvenation, with most brands now producing state-of-the-art, in-house movements to be introduced throughout their collections. Here are some examples of the latest modern additions to fan-favorite watch collections.
Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona, $34,050
Grand Seiko, Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGK009, $7,700
THE ROLEX DAYTONA is one of the most sought-after watches in the world in both vintage and current forms. The new special-dial version of the Rolex Daytona adds a whole new look to the traditional model, with a solid meteorite dial that lends a unique, decorative flair. There are white, yellow, and Everose gold models. Other modern touches include the Cerachrom ceramic bezel and modern caliber 4131, an in-house automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. It is fitted with a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
GRAND SEIKO ELEGANCE A modern take on the Grand Seiko Elegance Collection, the charcoal gray dial, curved thin case design, andmesh link combination create a sleek appearance while still faithful in traditional mechanical design. The Caliber 9S63 offers a small seconds hand at the nine o’clock position and a power reserve indicator at three o’clock, delivering an accuracy rate of +5 to -3 seconds a day.
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