1. [RE]MASTER01 by Audemars Piguet

As its name suggests, the very beautiful [Re]master01 is not a reedition of a historic watch, but a “contemporary remastering” of a rare chronograph (model 1533) dating from 1943, from which it has borrowed some of the most striking identifying codes and attributes. They start with its two-tone appearance: case and lugs in steel, slimline bezel, pushers and crown in pink gold, all of which nicely set off the champagne-coloured dial.

Now a more contemporary 40mm in diameter, it retains the Art Deco-inspired numerals and the tachymetric scale, but the counters have been rearranged for greater legibility.

The [Re]master01 is equipped with an integrated automatic chronograph movement of the very latest generation by Audemars Piguet, with a column wheel and flyback function. As a concession to modernity, the movement is visible through the back of the sapphire case. Limited series of 500.

2. VINTAGE RALLY HEALEY AUTOMATIC by Frederique Constant

Vintage is as popular in automobiles as it is in watches. It was in 2004 that Frédérique Constant formed a partnership with Healey around retro designs. This year, the collaboration has produced two new models with three hands and date, with a more urban design than previous watches in the series. One version features a 40 mm rose gold-plated case; its flange counts down the minutes against a chocolate coloured background. On another version, the deep, bold British racing green that the Healey company took as its own floods the entire dial.

3. ORIENT STAR CLASSIC HERITAGE GOTHIC by Orient

The brand belonging to the Japanese group Seiko Epson is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2020, a fine opportunity to pay tribute to the Orient Star model launched in the early 1950s. And the Classic Heritage Gothic does so admirably well, reproducing the stylistic codes of the period and especially the broad gothic typography of the original model. The watch is equipped with the in-house automatic calibre F6 with a power reserve of 50 hours, displayed at 12 o’clock. It is joined by a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock.

4. EXTRA-FORT GRANDE TAILLE ROUE À COLONNES by Eberhard & Co.

The first Extra-fort models were produced in the 1940s, as a strong statement of the role of Eberhard & Co. in the world of elegant chronographs. Since then, the independent Swiss brand has continued to develop this line, with remarkable consistency over the years. Now, Eberhard & Co. is introducing a more sophisticated version of the model, equipped with a column-wheel chronograph calibre. This device, which is far more complex to execute than the standard cam-actuated calibre, offers significant advantages: precision, fluidity and above all, a smoother feel to the movement of the chronograph hand.

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