Singer Heritage V72: A Restored Valjoux 72 Powers a New Chronograph

Singer Reimagined Heritage V72

Singer Reimagined, known for its automotive-inspired timepieces, unveils the Heritage V72, a chronograph that breathes new life into the legendary Valjoux 72 movement. This release follows the brand's tradition of 'restomoding' iconic calibers, offering a blend of vintage soul and contemporary craftsmanship.

The Valjoux 72 Movement

The Valjoux 72 is a manual-winding column-wheel chronograph movement that debuted in 1938 and was produced until 1974. It powered many celebrated sports chronographs from brands like Rolex, Breitling, and Heuer. Singer has sourced pristine new-old-stock (NOS) examples of this caliber and subjected them to an exhaustive restoration process.

Each movement is fully disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled with traditional haute horlogerie techniques. Bridges are frosted for a refined matte finish, while chamfers and screws are hand-polished to catch light. Steel parts receive rhodium plating for durability and brilliance, and the chronograph bridge is blue-treated. The iconic Y-shaped bridge is engraved with 'Restored by Singer'. The movement retains its original 18,000vph frequency and 44-hour power reserve.

Design and Case

The Heritage V72 is housed in a 38.8mm Heritage-style case, available in stainless steel or 18k yellow gold. The case features a sunray satin finish with polished bevels, vintage piston-style pushers, and a fluted crown. A glassbox sapphire crystal protects the dial and reveals the movement through the caseback.

The dial is framed by a golden toothed flange, with a matte stone-grey finish on the steel model and a velvety matte black on the gold version. Champagne-colored snailed sub-dials follow the classic tricompax layout: 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 12-hour totalizer at 6, and running seconds at 9. Applied golden indices and openworked sword hands with orange Super-LumiNova accents complement the signature orange chronograph seconds hand.

Availability and Pricing

The steel version is limited to 50 pieces and priced at CHF 23,000 (excluding tax), while the gold edition is limited to 20 pieces at CHF 45,000. Both come with a 20mm strap that tapers to 16mm, with a black leather strap for gold and a grey textile for steel. Deliveries begin in early November 2026 through official Singer Reimagined retailers.

Buying Tips

For collectors, the Heritage V72 offers a unique opportunity to own a restored piece of horological history. Its limited production and the craftsmanship involved make it a significant addition to any collection. Ensure you purchase from authorized dealers to guarantee authenticity and provenance.

Authenticity Note

As with any high-end timepiece, be wary of replicas. Verify serial numbers, movement markings, and the 'Restored by Singer' engraving. Authentic Singer watches come with proper documentation and packaging.