Feature: Revive these discontinued watches NOW!
Sometimes watches vanish from their brand’s catalogue quicker than a magician’s rabbit. Most of the time it’s easy to see why a model has been given its marching orders. Perhaps it didn’t sell as well as expected, or maybe it simply had to make way for a new collection. Whatever the reason these watches below got discontinued, we’d love to see them revived—and the sooner the better.
Cartier Roadster
Cartier discontinued the tonneau-cased Roadster in 2012—to the disappointment of many who felt that it was one of the more masculine models in the brand’s catalogue. Available in steel or yellow gold and with several dial options, it was inspired by the sleek American motorcars of the 1950s and featured a distinctive bullet-shaped date magnifier and a protruding crown that stuck out like LeBron James at a leprechaun convention. We’d love to see it return.
Rolex Datejust 116234
Rolex’s Datejust is one of the most popular watches around, thanks to its glamorous yet everyday appeal, making it ideal for all occasions. This model features a stunning Sapphire-blue dial that’s perfectly complemented by the steel and white gold Rolesor 36mm case and applied Roman numerals, while the signature fluted bezel adds an extra element of luxe. Yes, Rolex still offers several Datejusts with similar looks, including the ever-popular “Wimbledon” model, but you won’t find one exactly like this in the current crop.
Zenith Heritage chronograph
At Zenith, the El Primero is king. Indeed, the company’s staff probably worship at an El Primero altar and drink from coffee mugs emblazoned with images of the El Primero. But if that watch’s dial is a little too “busy” for you, there’s this discontinued Heritage chronograph to consider instead. With a 38mm case, “feuille” hands, roomier dial and mushroom-style pushers, it has a beautifully vintage aesthetic and deserves a recall.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711
The 5711 was dropped in 2021, so you’d think people would’ve recovered from the news by now, yet people are still mourning its disappearance. The discontinuation of this piece only fuelled the hype around Patek’s most coveted watch, making it more collectible than ever. In 2022, Patek unveiled its new-and-improved successor to the 5711, the 5811—is it better than its predecessor? We’ll let you decide.
Breitling Galactic Unitime SleekT WB3510
Unveiled at Baselworld in 2015, the Breitling Galactic Unitime SleekT was described by the brand as a “double revolution”. Not only was it the first Breitling watch to feature a bezel made of tungsten carbide, which is five times harder than steel, it also introduced a brand-new movement, the Caliber B35—Breitling’s first in-house movement not to feature a chronograph. Instead, it focuses on its easy-to-use world-time feature, aided by a globe-patterned dial. Not something you see on many Breitling watches.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle World Time
Watches like this Traditionelle World Timer in platinum are what keep this venerable brand in the upper echelons of the industry, yet the Overseas line seems to be hogging the limelight these days. Indeed, Vacheron Constantin’s last world time watch, also discontinued, was part of the Overseas line. It needs a world time watch back in its catalogue and we’d love to see this Traditionelle, or one just like it, return to the line-up.
TAG Heuer Carrera WV5111.FC6350
The Carrera is a firm favourite in TAG Heuer’s catalogue, so it’s a shame to see any iteration of this celebrated model dropped. This vintage-inspired version boasts a pared-down silver baton dial with a navy-blue sub dial and date window at 6 o’clock. Paired with a black laser-cut leather strap, this minimalist timepiece is, thankfully, still available on the pre-owned market, meaning you can own a piece of TAG Heuer vintage-inspired cool for just under £3,000.
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