A. Lange & Söhne 1815 watch
A. Lange & Söhne 1815
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The Best Watches With A Classic Design And Cutting-Edge Tech

Watchmakers bring the best of the past into today’s game

By Nirja Dutt | LAST UPDATED: NOV 19, 2025

From what living memory serves, watch brands mining their archives for inspiration has been standard industry practice for decades. This year, however, it’s more than a passing trend—it’s a focal point for most houses.

Blame the rise of smaller dials—think 38mm and below—brands have delved deeper than ever into yesteryear, unearthing old favourites and reviving them with cutting-edge technology. Think of them as modern-day fossils—refined, reborn. Infused with decades of excellence and packed into cases from the past, these retro classics are built to suit every kind of taste.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

This 18k pink gold Reverso pairs a vintage-inspired gold dial with a Milanese bracelet, powered by the manual Calibre 822 movement.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P

The Calatrava 6196P in 38mm platinum features a vintage rose-gilt opaline dial, diamond-set case band and hand wound Calibre 30-255 PS with an ultra-slim profile. What’s not to love here?

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds and Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P
From left to right: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds and Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P

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A. Lange & Söhne 1815

The 1815 features a 34mm pink or white gold case, blue dial, and a new manual L152.1 movement with a 72-hour power reserve, bringing back the charm of all things classic.

Piaget’s Andy Warhol Watch

The Piaget Andy Warhol watch honours the renowned artist with a sprawling 45mm gold case, opal dial that does not disappoint, triple row blue sapphires and Beta 21 movement, merging art with horology.

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM03313 and Piaget’s Andy Warhol Watch
From left to right: Panerai Luminor Marina PAM03313 and Piaget’s Andy Warhol Watch

Panerai Luminor Marina PAM03313

The PAM03313 sports a blue sun-brushed dial, cushion-shaped case, PAM Click Release system, V -shaped bracelet with quick length adjustment and 500m water resistance.

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To read more stories from Esquire India's April 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.