If the 1950s were marked by a brewing evolution, the 1960s were marked by a concrete revolution. Known as the countercultural decade, the sixties overthrew traditional social norms, clothing, music and values. Moreover, the progression of the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, and second-wave feminism also shaped the decade. However, within the watch industry specifically, a revolution was also looming. More specifically, the infamous quartz revolution was on the horizon. In our Archival Revival: Best 1960s Inspired Watches post for today, we delve into the Swinging Sixties and its accompanying watch trends.
The Archival: 1960s and the Continuation of the Revolution
In many ways, the global unrest we began to see in the 1950s drastically snowballed in the 1960s. In an explosion of counterculture, we see many groups highlighting the injustices of traditional values and rallying together for change. Leaders like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X inspired sit-ins, boycotts and marches to campaign against the pervasive and legalised racial segregation. Second-wave feminists campaigned for liberation and equal pay, whilst the LGBT community rebelled against their oppression through the Stonewall riots.
In wider society, art and popular culture were also revolutionised. Folk music had its revival, Motown music hit the charts and Beatlemania swept the globe. Moreover, movements like Pop Art, Op Art and Minimalism were at the forefront of the contemporary visual arts culture. However, the decade is mostly remembered for the ‘Summer of Love’ and its surrounding psychedelic drug culture. Taking place in the late ‘60s, psychedelia inspired a new subculture as well as new branches of music, visual art, films and fashion.
Beyond the societal and cultural revolution, historic events such as the moon landing, the Vietnam War and the Cold War also contributed to the changing times of the 1960s.
Watch Trends of the 1960s
In terms of watch trends, little physical changes can be seen between 1950s and 1960s watches. As far as aesthetics go, many watches in the 1960s shared the same attributes as the 1950s. The same spirit of adventure is infused into many of the designs, perhaps inspired by historic expeditions like the moon landing.
Just like the 1950s, the post-war luxury watch market continued to flourish with sub-brands like Grand Seiko emerging into the ‘60s. However, ominously, it was the last prosperous decade for many watchmakers. Continuing on the theme of revolution, at the close of the decade Seiko produced the first-ever commercial quartz watch. Although its impact wasn’t immediately felt, the introduction of this new movement would permanently alter the landscape of the industry into the 1970s and 1980s.
The Revival: Best 1960s Inspired Watches
Hamilton American Classic Pan Europ Day Date Auto (42mm) Green Dial / Green & Brown Straps H35445860
First up on our Archival Revival best 1960s-inspired watches list is this gorgeous Hamilton Pan Europ. Inspired by the 1960s racing subculture, it features a refreshing pistachio green and brown colour scheme. At its centre is a pale green sunray dial adorned with silver-tone baton indices as well as matching silver hour and minute hands. Introducing a warm contrast is the brown second hand, which echoes the colour of the unidirectionally rotating bezel. For extra functionality, the design also features a weekday and date aperture that aligns with the 3 o’clock position. The model also includes both a green leather strap and an additional brown NATO-style strap. As a result, you can change up the watch’s look whenever you please.
Beating within the model’s 42mm stainless steel case is Hamilton’s exclusive H-30 automatic calibre, equipped with a mighty 80-hour power reserve. As a final protective touch, a scratch-resistant sapphire glass encloses the dial and completes the design. Packed full of vintage 1960s charm, there is lots to love about this Pan Europ.
Seiko Prospex 62MAS 1965 Diver’s Recreation Sapphire Automatic Strap SPB147J1
Due to its revolutionary impact on the industry towards the tail-end of the 1960s, we could not leave out this Seiko piece. A re-interpretation of the first Japanese 150m diver’s watch from 1965, this Prospex has many admirable features. With its brown sunray dial and accompanying gold trimmings, its aesthetics are simply stunning. Moreover, the gold-tone indices and hands feature a luminescent inlay, so that the time is also legible even in the dark.
It also has an incredibly sturdy build. Protecting the dial and its 6R35 calibre automatic movement is a 40.5mm stainless steel case. Its expert construction locks in an impressive 200 metres of water resistance, so you can be assured your watch will withstand everyday wear. Additionally, its curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal both duly protects the dial and improves its legibility. Finally, for a comfortable finish, a black silicone strap secures the watch to the wrist. Smart, durable and perfect for everyday wear, this Seiko Prospex cannot be faulted.
Junghans Max Bill Damen White Nylon Strap White Dial 47/4050.04
Due to the popularity of the Minimalist art movement at the time, the 1960s also saw an increase in minimalist watch design. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Junghans max bill range, which was launched in 1961. The collection takes its name from Max Bill, an artist and architect who was responsible for designing the range.
Although the max bill collection is incredibly diverse, our particular favourite is this crisp all-over white model. Its white dial features petite Arabic numeral hour markers encircled by an accompanying minute ring. Moreover, for improved readability, the principal 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions have an additional luminescent dot marker. Ticking away at the centre are three pale grey hands, which echo the colour of the matte 32.7mm stainless steel case. Additionally, the dial also features a neat date display at the 3 o’clock position.
Completing the design is a white nylon strap. Made from recycled PET bottles, this strap is both sustainable and beautiful. However, if it’s not to your taste, the strap is also equipped with a quick-release function so it can easily be changed out. Truly the minimalist watch collector’s dream, we highly recommend this Junghans max bill.
LONGINES Legend Diver Heritage Men’s Swiss Automatic L37744500 / L3.774.4.50.0
Last but not least, the final one of our Archival Revival: Best 1960s Inspired Watches is this Longines Legend Diver. It’s a contemporary relaunch of a discontinued model from 1960 which exhibits the era’s preference for adventurous and multifunctional designs. For an effortlessly elegant feel, it features a black dial contrasted with mixed beige indices. To stand out in the design, its three central hands are white and have luminescent inlays. An additional rare touch is its internal bezel, which matches the dial’s colour scheme but sits within the case.
Housed within its 42mm stainless steel case is the brand’s exclusive automatic movement. In particular, this is Longines’s L888 calibre, which boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Moreover, the anti-reflective sapphire crystal and sturdy build of the case seal in 300 metres of water resistance. And, to complete the design, an elegant black leather strap with white topstitching secures the watch to the wrist. Elegant, retro and pairable to any look, the Longines Legend Diver is the perfect way to round off our list.
And so, that concludes our Archival Revival: Best 1960s Inspired Watches instalment for today! Do you have a particular favourite famous 1960s watch? If so, let us know below!
