The watch industry has always understood the power of a comeback. But the strongest revivals do more than trade on recognition, because a revival offers something increasingly rare in watchmaking: the chance to look backwards without being bound by the past. The best reissues understand what made an original compelling, then find the details, proportions and materials that can make it feel right again.
In 2026, that instinct is everywhere. Three very different watches, three very different approaches to the archive—and each a reminder that sometimes the most interesting way forward is to revisit what came before.
CHANEL J12 SUPERLEGGERA
The Superleggera—first shown in 2005—returns in its most pared-back form yet. Matte black ceramic case and bracelet, black lacquer dial with a dual finish: brushed at the centre, azured (snailed) at the borders. The bezel ring is satin-finished hardened steel on top with a blackened steel base carrying very tight gouges. The date is indicated by a red arrow at 4 o’clock. The bracelet combines brushed and polished surfaces, and the movement is visible through the caseback.
CARTIER ROADSTER
The Roadster—first launched in 2002 and discontinued since—returns with a full redesign. The original borrowed its visual language from automotive design: speedometer-style dial, conical crown, headlight-shaped date magnifier, rivets and screws. The new version sharpens all of that without losing the identity: cleaner proportions, more integrated crown, four new rivets on the bezel, and a dial that retains the circular striated pattern, rail track and Roman numerals but adds stamped appliqué relief and transferred detail. It comes in two sizes and multiple materials, with interchangeable straps and bracelets.
PATEK PHILIPPE NAUTILUS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The Nautilus turns 50 in 2026—50 years since Gérald Genta’s design launched in steel. Patek’s response is four limited editions, all stripped back to hours and minutes only, all powered by the ultra-thin Cal. 240 (2.53mm) with a mini-rotor engraved “50 1976–2026”. No complications, no added dials—just the Nautilus design at its purest, in the most precious materials Patek offers. Delivered in a presentation case with a cork exterior, recalling the original 1976 Reference 3700 packaging.
This story first appeared in Grazia Singapore.
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