Singer proves with its new Singer Heritage collection that it has the same precision in assembling chronographs as it does in the legendary tuning of Porsches. Known for its impeccable restomods of the iconic Porsche 911, Singer is now rolling up its sleeves in the world of watchmaking. Their new Heritage Collection is not just a tribute to the past – it is a restored time machine with a 50-year-old heart that ticks as fresh as ever.
If you know Singer Porsche, then you know that this Californian brand is not just “another Porsche tuner.” No, Singer is more like an artist’s studio for people who want their dream 911, assembled down to the last screw with surgical precision and an aesthete in their soul. And since they have already almost literally perfected cars, it was only a matter of time before this obsession with perfection would spread to other areas. Hint: now is the time. Singer Heritage!
Singer Reimagined, the watchmaking arm of the brand, has been making extremely niche and technically stunning chronographs, like the legendary Track 1, since 2015. But this year they decided to do something… surprisingly traditional. Introducing: Singer Heritage Collection.
Restomod for the wrist – Singer Heritage
Picture this: a found box of unused vintage movements from the 70s, specifically the Valjoux 236 – a classic hand-wound chronograph with a column wheel control. While most watchmakers would simply install them in a new case and say “Voilà!”, Singer took their own, more Singer-esque route.
Each movement has been literally stripped down to the last screw, cleaned, reworked and reassembled to modern standards – the result is a hand-wound chronograph with a 48-hour power reserve and a 3 Hz frequency that beats like a freshly restored boxer engine. Of course, there is also the inscription “Restored by Singer”, engraved into the exquisitely restored movement, visible through the sapphire caseback.
Vintage heart in a modern body – Singer Heritage
Exterior? Minimalistic dramatic, if that's even a word. The stainless steel case measures a compact 38.8mm wide and 11.75mm thick – almost like an old Omega Speedmaster that's decided to go on a detox and spa weekend. Bezel-less, with rounded lines and a timeless design. Beneath the convex sapphire crystal is an extremely legible bicompax dial layout with a date window at 3 o'clock.
But be warned – this is no boring reinterpretation. Singer’s signature skeleton hands with orange Super-LumiNova glow like brake lights at the end of a racetrack. The gold, ribbed minutes on the outer edge (chapter ring) give the whole thing a subtle vintage vibe without feeling like we’re watching a 70s cosplay.
There are two dial colors available: olive green and classic black, each more sophisticated than most anything in this size and price range.
Price? Less than half a car.
A collector's item? Singer Heritage absolutely. Due to limited stock of vintage movements, the Singer Heritage Collection will be available in just 100 pieces (50 of each color). Price: 16,700 Swiss francs (about €17,000). Which – to be honest – is kind of Singer’s way of saying: “We know you know this isn’t cheap. But you won’t get anything better for the money either.”
Why is this important?
In a world where all manufacturers are running after the next “smart” trick, digital bracelets and ceramic-futuristic excesses, Singer takes a step back. And in doing so, leaps forward. It doesn’t just revive old mechanisms – it does so with the same precision as it assembles dream cars. This is not a watch for everyone. This is a watch for those who would rather drive a restomod than a new Taycan. For those who know the difference between ETA and Valjoux. And above all – for those who want something with character.
Quick specs:
- Diameter: 38.8 mm
- Thickness: 11.75 mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Water resistance: 50 m
- Mechanism: Valjoux 236, year 1974, manual winding
- Power reserve: 48 hours
- Belt: black leather, grained finish
- Limited edition: yes, only 100 pieces
- Price: CHF 16,700 (~USD 18,900)
Conclusion?
Singer didn't just make a watch. It made a statement. In a world where everyone is racing towards the future, Singer parked, turned the key and resurrected the past - and added a new engine. A ticking wonder for purists. And if your heart doesn't beat faster at the thought of this hour, then maybe you're not ready for Singer yet.
