By Haskell Harris | June/July 2009 | 

Great Timing

Taking a cue from the fifties, pared-down elegance returns to watch design

1. Superocean Heritage
The original Superocean Heritage was introduced in 1957 by Breitling as a diver’s watch; the new one is just as durable and includes both
an aluminum bezel and thick, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. $3,765; breitling.com

2. Heritage Conquest
This Longines watch stays true to its vintage roots but features a striking black dial, rendering it both contemporary and traditional. $5,500; longines.com

3. Patrimony Traditionnelle
This watch carries on the tradition of fine Vacheron Constantin craftsmanship (the manual wind will give the watch a 65-hour power reserve) yet boasts modern twists like rose gold. $14, 400;
vacheron-constantin.com

4. Class Automatic Elite
Minimalist case design and a pure dial were popular elements of mid-century watchmaking, and this version, by Zenith, follows suit, with sharp additions like a black crocodile strap and rose gold. $9,800; zenith-watches.com

5. Jazzmaster Viewmatic
In stark contrast to the bigger, flashier watches of years past, this introduction by Hamilton brings things back to basics with its small dial, yellow gold case, and tailored strap. $795; hamiltonwatch.com