Porsche restomod mainstay Singer debuted in 2009 but has been making watches under its Singer Reimagined stamp since 2015. Most of its models, guided by the spirit of racing, feature unique bespoke takes on the classic chronograph. However, for its latest addition, the Heritage Collection, the watchmaker has decided to keep things rather traditional — but there’s a good reason for that.
An Automotive Reputation
When it comes to the list of Porsche tuners, the list is quite long. However, one of the outfits that’s remained towards the top of the list for over a decade is Singer. The Southern California-based firm launched in 2009 continually spares no expense with its restomods of Porsche 911s, with many of its models becoming more desirable than vintage Porsches themselves.
New Old Stock
If you’re unaware, there has been a trend lately of watch brands taking “old stock” movements (i.e., movements that were made decades ago but went unused) for use in new watches — hence the name “new old stock.” This is a common method used by smaller French brands like Semper & Adhuc and Meraud, who use old movements from the likes of Valjoux or Bulova, but has even been done in small (and expensive) quantities by Omega using their own 20th century calibers.
It’s About Time
From a brand rooted in auto restoration, it makes sense that Singer has finally decided to focus on a collection exclusively dedicated towards restoring old movements as well. Available in two dial colors — olive green and black — the Heritage Collection takes 1974 Valjoux 236 column-wheel chronograph calibers that were never used, but rather than simply putting them inside of a new case, Singer decided to put a spin on them.
For this modification, the hand-wound Valjoux 236 was disassembled and then tweaked a bit for modernization, albeit ambiguously so. We do know, however, that the caliber now boasts 48 hours of power reserve and a 3-Hz beat rate. Aesthetically, the movement was refinished with frosted bridges, rhodium plating, and polished chamfers, stamped with a “Restored by Singer” engraving. It’s all visible through the exhibition caseback.
The Looks to Go with It
Of course, Singer put these movements inside of a watch that it designed in-house — although the limitations of the movement required a more straightforward chronograph take. This means the dial displays a bicompax register layout with a date window at the 3. However, with the Singer signature at the top of the dial, the brand has proven that it can retain its design ethos even with a traditional configuration.
Measuring 38.8mm across and 11.75mm thick, the stainless steel case is round just like other Singer watches, and without a bezel to speak of. Under the box sapphire crystal, the dial is the real star of the show, with hallmark orange-lumed skeletonized sword hands. However, my favorite part is the golden chapter ring with a fluted design, drawing your attention instantly but also complementing the dial colors and handsets perfectly. Affixed to a grained black leather strap, this might be Singer’s most “basic” chronograph but also their most emblematic.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 38.8mm
Case Thickness: 11.75mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: 1974 Valjoux 236 hand-wound chronograph
Band: Black grained leather strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 100
Pricing & Availability
Due to the inherently limited nature of the old stock movements, the inaugural Heritage Collection pieces (SR601 and SR602) are limited to just 100 units altogether. With a suggested retail price of 16,700 CHF (~$18,931), the watches are at the lowest end of Singer’s catalog. Head to the brand’s website for more info and lookout for the watches at your trusted retailers.
Recap
Singer Heritage Collection SR601 & SR602
Singer took vintage Valjoux chronograph movements from 1974 and put them into these handsome timepieces, simplifying the look while retaining the brand’s design ethos.
