New: Singer Reimagined 1969 collection

Singer Reminagined releases a new collection, inspired by the story of the automatic chronograph first released in 1969, and a nostalgic look at the chronograph. Two references are released, one a Flyback Chronograph and the other a Timer. Both released in steel cases and bracelets.

Press release information with commentary in italics.

New: Singer Reimagined 1969 collection

The new Singer Reimagined 1969 Chronograph will retail at CHF 51,000 and the Timer will retail at CHF 29,900. Both prices are before taxes, and both models are limited productions of 50 pieces each for 2023.

Commentary

Interesting new additions to the Singer Reimagined family which we have covered in some detail since the introduction of the The Track 1 in 2017 and our comprehensive review of the Track 1 Geneva Edition in 2018. Subsequently the maison, under the leadership of Marco Borraccino have released various versions of their Track 1. Always in the same case, always with the same (superb!) Agengraphe movement with the Flyback Concept in 2019, the DLS Edition in 2021 and the SLKT Edition in 2022. For this year, they have gone big with two new versions, and with this thrown their hat into the world of the luxury steel sports watch.

Both watches now sport a new case, and a new bracelet design. And the new AGH 6365 and AGH 6363 are redesigned versions of the Agengraphe. Work on the movement remains with Jean-Marc Wiederrecht of Agenhor, with the usual attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship.

The dials are new, and now features a piano-black lacquer finish with indications in gold. The effect is very effective as this provides a remarkably legible contrast, and quite a beautiful aesthetic reminiscent of the vintage watches from the era Singer is trying to pay tribute to. Bravo Marco for pulling this off.

Pricing wise, we think the Timer is particularly good value, and is close to the best value Agengraphe in the market. The Timer, is not a chronograph, of course. It only has the ability to restart the central seconds hand in a flyback manner and allows for timing of activities less than a minute. While the Chronograph is a fully featured chronograph, with a novel digital display which allows it to track events of up to a total of 60 whopping hours. We opine that the Chronograph is still a relatively fair value at CHF 51k. In comparison, The Moser Streamliner Chronograph Flyback Automatic which has a retail of CHF 49k. Aesthetics aside, as this is a matter of taste, the Moser uses a similar movement base, but lacks the Singer’s 60 hour display.

We look forward to seeing and photographing both watches in person soon, and will bring you the comprehensive review when we do.

Release information

THE NEW WATCH COLLECTION FROM SINGER REIMAGINED

Singer Reimagined timepieces are by definition a love letter to the vintage design of iconic 60’s and 70’s timepieces, now enhanced by functional improvements and state of the art horological engineering.

The idea that started the brand was reimagining one of the most iconic watch movements from that specific era: the Automatic Chronograph. The first three, and very iconic, automatic chronographs were, in fact, released in 1969. Chronomatic, El Primero and Caliber 6139 were publicly launched that very year.

1969 will be remembered as a year rich in incredible events, stories, discoveries, with culture-altering events like Woodstock, the Moon landing, Abbey Road – Beatles’ final album, and the first Concord flight, just to mention a few. A year that became iconic and meaningful for many reasons.

At Singer Reimagined we decided to celebrate that fantastic year by introducing a new product line named 1969. A new watch collection designed as Singer Reimagined could have conceived and released it, in that precise year!

TWO WATCH MODELS: the SINGER 1969 COLLECTION

1969 Chronograph is the quintessential expression of Singer Reimagined high-watchmaking approach, featuring the most recent version of the famous Agengraphe caliber. A new time display, enhanced readability and the award-winning 60 hours chronograph function taking central stage on the dial. All of this condensed to only 40mm.

1969 Timer represents the ultimate example of complexity distilled to its purest form. An intricate zero-reset system combined with a flyback device is the hidden technical gem behind this three-hands timepiece. A simple push of the button at 2 o’clock allows for lightning fast elapsed- time measurement using the central second hand of your watch.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST THE DESIGN

The design pays tribute to the style of that era even further. A new watch case, smaller dimensions and revised displays are coupled with a brand-new metal band. The quintessential elements for the icon to be, for men and women.

A new model combining wearability, a strong personality and an elegant, distinctive style.

THE WATCH CASE

The case size of the new Singer 1969 collection is 40mm. A sober and stylishly design to fit every wrist. A development in design based on well-researched ergonomic and functional considerations.

Stainless steel is the material we chose for the case. Solid, preciously finished and an ever classic. Brushed surfaces and polished edges, a Singer signature, are meticulously executed to provide a jewel-like appeal.

The two-pieces case features a domed glass-box sapphire crystal, providing an instant retro-look reminiscent of classic timepieces.

The vigorous curves of its shape are underlined by mirror- polished edges providing dynamism and velocity.

THE METAL BRACELET

The stainless-steel bracelet is composed of two contrasting elements. The edgy brushed “H” links are designed after racetracks’ curbs shape, providing a contrasted and vibrant effect. In contraposition, the rounded polished center links bring smooth reflections and sparkles of light. This combination ensures exceptional wearability and comfort. The brushed sloping facets are complemented by polished chamfers, visually extending the case profile with polished edges – a brand signature feature. 

Tapering from 22 to 18mm, the new bracelet, incorporating an adjustable fitting system housed in the folding clasp, is perfected for the widest array of wrists. The micro-adjustment mechanism, with 21 steps to precisely adapt the length of the bracelet by up to 2cm, allows an optimal fit, be it for gents’ or ladies’ wrists, without having to take the watch off.

The stainless-steel clasp cover, engraved with the brand’s logo, features a fine brushing on the upper surface and mirror-polished edges. It is released by a pair of push pieces.

THE DIALS

Executed in a very deep and precious piano-black lacquer finish, dials are enriched with an applied signature golden crown ring, adding an iconic and unexpected detail which complements the sobriety and functional minimalism of the graphics. 

These elements are magnified by a domed glass-box sapphire crystal, visually extruding the dial out of its metal frame.

AMAZING ENGINES THE MECHANISMS

The movements, AGH 6365 and AGH 6363, are a re-engineered version of the award-winning Agengraphe and the versatile Flytrack, featuring updated displays to enhance functionalities and to fit their new 40mm housing. Both movements are engineered and produced to unique Singer specifications by Agenhor.

1969 CHRONOGRAPH 40MM

The central dial displays the chronographic information in pure Singer style. Seconds, jumping minutes and jumping hours hands are centrally mounted and all point to the same base-60 scale. Singer chronographs are the only ones allowing event tracking of up to 60 hours. Time-of-the-day indication is displayed on the bottom side of the dial, via two disks rotating underneath the dial surface. Disks graphics and time indication arrows are executed in SuperLuminova®.

The 72h power reserve is complemented by an hidden automatic winding system, positioned underneath the dial, which leaves an unobstructed view of our beautifully finished intricate caliber 6365 counting 491 different components and 56 jewels.

Column wheel chronograph with three exclusive patents including the hybrid proprietary Agenclutch clutch system. 10 ATM / 100m water resistance. 40mm diameter, 15.6mm thickness, Caliber 6365 Limited production of 50 pieces in 2023.

1969 TIMER 40MM

The new three hands watch features, for the first time at Singer, a more traditional time display. Despite the very sleek and minimal design it features a twisted function consisting of the zero-reset – flyback system allowing to use the central sweeping seconds hand as a smart and intuitive one-minute counter.The pusher at 2 o’clock allows to reset and restart timing quickly without needing to go through the traditional sequence of start-stop-reset. This system offers the opportunity to execute instant and sequential measurements, without interfering with watch timekeeping. A proprietary clutch system allows the central seconds hand to be dissociated from the movement, while kept still, and to be reengaged for motion as soon as the push button is released.

Calibre 6363, 237 components, 37 jewels, manual-wound mechanism providing three days (72 hours) power reserve. 10 ATM / 100m water resistance. 40mm diameter, 15.6mm thickness

Limited production of 50 pieces in 2023.