An offshoot of the cult “restomod” automaker specialising in Porsche 911s, Singer Reimagined has up till now specialised in chronographs powered by the novel, modern AgenGraphe movement. Now the brand is taking the opposite tack with the Singer Reimagined Heritage Collection.

The Heritage chronograph retains the signature Singer style, but is equipped with a rejuvenated and decorated Valjoux 236 movement that was originally made in the 1970s. The “new old stock” movement makes the Heritage more affordable than Singer’s earlier chronographs; it retails for CHF16,700 before taxes.

Initial thoughts

The Heritage chronograph has an appealing design with thoughtful details, which is unsurprising since Singer founder Marco Borracino is a designer by profession. Many of the details evoke 1970s motorsports chronographs, but the watch still manages to look original and capture the Singer house style.

That said, the Heritage is less interesting than earlier Singer chronographs because the movement is pretty straightforward. The Valjoux 236 is a good example of high-quality industrial watchmaking of the mid-20th century, moreover it’s been dressed up well in for the Heritage. But it’s still a fairly basic chronograph movement that doesn’t have the inventiveness of the AgenGraphe found in Singer’s flagship Track 1 chronograph.

But the Heritage chronograph is priced fairly for what it is. The CHF16,700 price tag makes it a competitive proposition. And it enjoys the advantage of having distinctive design, as opposed to most chronograph powered by “new old stock” movements that tend to be derivative in style.

Gently reimagined

Introduced in 1974 as a modernised, high-beat version of the Valjoux 23, the Valjoux 236 is a classical chronograph movement that looks the part. Singer acquired “new old stock” examples of the cal. 236, essentially fresh and unused examples, for the Heritage chronograph.

Each movement is decorated by hand, including with frosting and bevelling for the bridges and cocks, while the steel chronograph levers are straight grained and chamfered. The result is a restrained finish that matches the aesthetics of the watch.

The modifications to the movement are primarily cosmetic, and the cal. 236 remains fundamentally unchanged in technical and functional terms.

The Heritage chronograph sports a case that is suitably vintage in style. It’s a 38.8 mm steel case with a flat front that brings to mind several 1970s chronograph.

Matched with “pump” pushers, the case has a radial brushed finish on the front as was common in the 1970s. And the case does without a bezel, with the domed crystal instead sitting directly on the case middle.

Available in either green or black lacquer, the dial continues the retro-inspired style of the case. It takes after the dial of the preceding Singer Track 1 more obviously, and employs the same hands and oversized cap over the central seconds axis. Another detail transplanted from the Track 1 is the fluted gilt flange around the dial that doubles as a minute track.

Key facts and price

Singer Heritage
Ref. SR601 (black)
Ref. SR602 (green)

Diameter: 38.8 mm
Height: 11.75 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. SR2361 (based on vintage Valjoux 236)
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, and chronograph
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Grained natural leather strap with pin buckle

Limited edition: 100 pieces in 2025
Availability: From Singer retailers
Price: CHF16,700 before taxes

For more, visit Singerreimagined.com.