time-keeper


Singer officially launches its ‘Restored’ pillar of horological excellence

April 2025


Singer officially launches its ‘Restored' pillar of horological excellence

The independent watchmaking atelier enters a new chapter in its philosophy with the Heritage Collection, restoring the Valjoux 236 to transform a vintage chronograph movement into a modern haute horlogerie masterpiece, showcasing one of the brand’s three pillars: restoration and reinvention.

T

his collection breathes new life into a legend of horology, the Valjoux 236, a movement that refined and perfected the legacy of its predecessor, the Valjoux 23.

This isn’t just another heritage-inspired release, it’s an actual piece of history, thoughtfully preserved and reimagined for today’s collector. The Heritage Collection is a reminder that great movements, like great ideas, never really disappear. Sometimes, they just need the right hands to bring them back to life. Through Restored, Singer Reimagined brings the past into the present, ensuring that these icons of horology continue to be worn, admired, and cherished for generations to come.

Singer Reimagined is an award-winning independent watch brand based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded with a mission to redefine high-watchmaking through innovation and design, the brand operates under three guiding pillars: Reimagined, Restored, Reborn. From reinventing the chronograph to reviving legendary movements, Singer Reimagined continues to set new standards in contemporary horology.

The Heritage Collection is not just a tribute to watchmaking history but an exercise in restoration and reinvention. At its heart lies the Valjoux 236, a manually wound, column-wheel chronograph movement introduced in 1974 as the high-frequency evolution of the legendary Valjoux 23.

Singer officially launches its ‘Restored' pillar of horological excellence

Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, compared to its predecessor’s 18,000 A/h, the Valjoux 236 delivers superior precision and enhanced stability.

What makes these movements even more remarkable is that their components are NOS (new old stock): untouched, never before assembled or used, and preserved in pristine condition for nearly half a century. These “time-capsule” calibers offer an extraordinary foundation for restoration, unspoiled by wear or compromise.

Singer’s master artisans approach each of these movements with the highest level of horological craftsmanship. Every component is carefully disassembled, meticulously refinished, and reassembled to exceed even the original manufacturing standards.

The result is a movement that retains the spirit of its vintage origin while being elevated to contemporary haute horlogerie excellence.

The best watches do more than tell time, they remind us why we care about it in the first place. At Singer Reimagined, that philosophy is woven into everything we do.

We believe in the power of restoration, in breathing new life into mechanical artistry, and in ensuring that great movements of the past don’t just fade into obscurity.

The Heritage Collection is our latest step in that journey, a celebration of craftsmanship, history, and a certain kind of magic that only comes from a mechanical watch with a soul.

Singer Reimagined’s restoration process is not about preservation alone, it is about transformation.

Each Valjoux 236 undergoes a meticulous, multi-stage process that elevates it beyond its original factory specifications:

• Total Disassembly & Inspection: Every component is carefully taken apart and examined to ensure integrity before restoration begins.
• Hand-Finishing Techniques: Traditional haute horlogerie techniques are applied, including:
• Frosted bridge finishes for a refined, matte effect.
o Hand-polished chamfers that catch and reflect light at every angle.
o Rhodium-plating for enhanced longevity and brilliance.
• Precision Engineering Upgrades: Singer Reimagined ensures each Valjoux 236 is not just restored but optimised for modern reliability without compromising the movement’s original integrity.
• Engraved Legacy: Each restored movement carries the inscription Restored by Singer, an emblem of its rebirth and meticulous craftsmanship.

Introduced in 1974 as the evolved successor to the Valjoux 23, the Valjoux 236 was built for precision. Its higher beat rate – 21,600 vibrations per hour, compared to the 18,000 A/h of its predecessor - delivered improved chronometric stability, making it a superior choice for high-end chronographs.

While its production lifespan was relatively short, its impact was lasting, finding its way into some of the finest wristwatches of the 20th century.

Unlike many vintage movements that are merely refurbished for modern reissues, Singer Reimagined has approached the Valjoux 236 with a level of reverence and technical mastery never before seen.

Each movement is painstakingly disassembled, inspected, refinished, and assembled for the first time, to exceed its original standard, ensuring its performance and aesthetic beauty are on par with the finest contemporary haute horlogerie timepieces.

Singer officially launches its ‘Restored' pillar of horological excellence

Encased in a refined 38.8mm stainless steel case with a sunray satin finish and mirror-polished chamfers, the Heritage Collection seamlessly bridges the past and the present.

The watch features Singer’s signature design elements, including a toothed golden flange, lacquered dials, and applied indices that evoke timeless elegance.

A sapphire crystal case back offers a window into the restored movement, each bearing the engraving Restored by Singer, marking its place in the brand’s pursuit of horological excellence. With a 48-hour power reserve, central hours and minutes, a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, and a chronograph featuring a large central seconds hand and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the Heritage Collection seamlessly balances vintage inspiration with modern-day precision.

“The Valjoux 236 was already a movement of exceptional quality. Our goal was not just to bring it back to life, but to elevate it to a standard it never reached before. Every bridge, every chamfer, every finishing detail has been treated with the same level of care as a haute horlogerie masterpiece.” - Gregory Commeau, Master Watchmaker at Singer

With Reimagined, Restored, and Reborn as its three guiding pillars, Singer Reimagined has continuously sought to push the limits of creativity in watchmaking.

The Heritage Collection serves as the embodiment of the Restored pillar, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to preserving and celebrating mechanical excellence.

“Restoration is about more than preserving the past, it’s about reinterpreting it for the future,” says Marco Borraccino.

Vintage movements are experiencing a renaissance, but few brands have committed to restoring them at this level.

While other contemporary watchmakers have repurposed Valjoux movements, none have applied the degree of refinement, care, and haute horlogerie finishing that Singer Reimagined has poured into the Heritage Collection. This is more than a reissue, it is a resurrection, a revival of a movement that deserves to be worn and admired for generations to come.

For collectors, the Heritage Collection offers something truly rare: an opportunity to own not just a piece of history, but a movement restored to its highest potential. Each watch is a testament to Singer Reimagined’s philosophy that legends are not merely preserved, they are reborn.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the term ‘vintage movement’ carries an air of reverence. Some calibres transcend their mechanical purpose and become icons of an era – historical artefacts that tell the story of watchmaking’s golden age.

The Valjoux 236 is one such calibre. More than a movement, it represents a bridge between past mastery and contemporary craftsmanship.

With the Heritage Collection, Singer Reimagined has taken an unparalleled approach to its restoration, setting a new benchmark for what it means to truly revive a mechanical legend.

Singer officially launches its ‘Restored' pillar of horological excellence

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General information

  • The Heritage Collection is a celebration of precision watchmaking and restoration. It is powered by the restored Valjoux 236, a hand-wound, column-wheel chronograph movement. This limited-edition timepiece will be available exclusively through Singer Reimagined boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Movement details

  • At the heart of the Heritage Collection is the fully restored Valjoux 236 calibre. This hand-wound mechanical chronograph movement features central hours and minutes, a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, and a chronograph function with a large central seconds hand and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. With a power reserve of 48 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the movement ensures precision and reliability. It comprises 17 jewels and showcases exquisite finishing, including frosted bridges and plates with hand-polished chamfers and the signature Restored by Singer engraving. The rhodium-plated stainless steel components are horizontally brushed individually to gaurantee the 3-9 alignment. All screws are hand polished.

Case and Design

  • The case is crafted from stainless steel, measuring 38.8mm in diameter with a thickness of 11.75mm. It features a sunray satin finish with mirror-polished chamfers, balancing vintage inspiration with modern refinement. A glassbox sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating enhances visibility, while the sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the fully restored movement, complete with Restored by Singer engraving. The top pusher is dedicated to the chronograph start/stop, while the lower pusher resets the chronograph function. A manual-winding crown provides time-setting and winding capabilities.
  • Water Resistance : 50 Meters /5 ATM
  • Case Back: Screwed, with Sapphire Crystal with internal Anti-Reflective Coating

Dial options

  • The dial features Singer Reimagined’s signature toothed golden flange, applied faceted hour markers, and an applied Singer logo. A lacquered finish enhances its elegance, with ecru decal markings for readability. The Heritage Collection is available in two dial variations: Empire Green, a deep green lacquered finish with mirror-polished appliques; Black Lacquered, offering a classic black aesthetic with refined contrasting details that exudes timeless sophistication.

Hands and Legibility

  • The hour, minute hands are rhodium-plated and coated with Orange Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions. The baton-style subdial hands are also rhodium-plated. The subtle yet effective application of luminous material ensures optimal visibility without compromising the watch’s vintage appeal. The central seconds hand is coated with the Singer Orange and features a golden cabochon.

Strap and Buckle

  • Crafted from black-grained natural leather, or Khaki-green textile, the straps offer a refined yet robust aesthetic. It is available with contrasting stitching in Testa di Moro brown or Khaki Green. The strap measures 20mm at the lugs and tapers to 16mm at the buckle. The pin buckle is made from stainless steel, featuring a satin finish with polished chamfers and an engraved Singer logo.

The official price is CHF 16,700, excluding VAT and local taxes. The Heritage Collection is available in limited quantities and through select boutiques and official Singer Reimagined retailers.

The Europa Star Newsletter