A love letter to retro watch design made better with functional upgrades, advanced engineering, and a timely gender-neutral approach
Appearances can certainly be deceptive, as this three-hand release from the award-winning, high-watchmaking company, based in Geneva, shows. For an unassuming demeanour hides a technical gem: An intricate zero-reset system combined with a flyback device that co-opts the central sweeping seconds hand as a smart and intuitive one-minute counter.
All it takes is a simple push of the button at two o’clock to execute instant and sequential measurements, without interfering with the actual watch timekeeping. A proprietary clutch system allows the central seconds hand to be dissociated from the movement, while kept still, and to be reengaged for motion as soon as the push button is released.
This is made possible by the AGH 6363 calibre, a manually wound mechanism offering 72 hours of power reserve. It is a re-engineered version of the award-winning Agengraphe and the versatile Flytrack produced to unique Singer specifications by Agenhor to fit the smaller dimensions of the 1969 collection.
Which brings us to the other highlight of this model: a vintage charm coupled with genderless wearability. For starters, the 40mm case strikes a happy medium, as it is a size that fits every wrist. Executed in brushed and polished stainless steel, it frames a black dial with an era-appropriate applied golden crown ring. These elements are magnified by a domed glass-box sapphire crystal, visually extruding the dial out of its metal frame, and instantly recalling classic timepieces.
Also worth mentioning is the stainless-steel bracelet with brushed “H” links designed after racetracks’ curbs shape and rounded polished centre links that catch the light. Tapering from 22mm to 18mm, the bracelet, incorporating an adjustable fitting system tucked into the folding clasp, is designed to accommodate most wrists and all without having to take the watch off. So the 1969 Timer is really one to share with your partner—but only if you want to, of course.
