SINGER REIMAGINED TRACK 1 LONDON EDITION

In the fascinating world of independent watchmaking, once every so often a watch comes along which truly breaks the mould and defies the conventional parameters, which for maybe hundreds of years, have been accepted as the defining engineering solution behind one of the most challenging horological complications. Equipped with a bespoke, purpose built mechanism, designed from the ground up, the Track 1 by Singer Reimagined has turned the principles of the two hundred year old chronograph upside down and recreated them in this most extraordinary, prize winning contemporary masterpiece.

When we think of what a chronograph actually is, our minds conjure the image of a sporty watch with a dial which features one, two or three tiny subdials, each displaying its own specific indication. This format typically consists of a small, constant running seconds, a thirty or sixty minute counter and a six, twelve or twenty-four hours counter, as well as a large central seconds pointer, which combine to display the lapsed time between two or more points in time, thus making it one of the single most practical and popular complications seen within the confines of a wristwatch.

Dispensing entirely with the idea of the subdial, and simultaneously reconfiguring the dial layout, so it all of the information on display can be absorbed in a single quick glance, the remarkable Singer Reimagined Track 1 is convincing proof that just because something can be as familiar as the chronograph, it does not necessarily follow that it cannot be improved on, and together with conceptual movement specialist Agenhor, have replaced it with a system which reads intuitively and instantaneously.

Simple in its theory, but requiring a complete rethink in terms of execution, the logistics behind a configuration which integrates the lapsed seconds, minutes and hours of the chronograph in a single central display demanded a radical reworking, and that is what makes the Track 1 such a significant and groundbreaking watch, as well as one that is beyond cool with its commanding contemporary styling.

At the centre of the Singer Reimagined Track 1 London Edition the deep blue dial has a metallic sunray finish, which, combined with the white lettering and vivid orange hands is outstanding. It is encased in a 43mm case of brushed Grade 5 titanium with a thin polished bezel which allows the display to fill the confines of the watch. The base functions of hours and minutes are displayed via two black rings with white markings which rotate around the edge of the face. Time is read as the rings pass the six o’clock position, where a static orange indicator shows the hour and minute as they pass by it. It is a clever solution and one that’s very easy to get used to.

This frees up the entire central part of the dial exclusively for the chronograph where three centrally positioned orange pointers for the seconds (long), minutes and hours, indicate the lapsed time so all three elements can be referenced in a single fleeting glance.

Underneath, the sapphire glass caseback, reveals the self winding AgenGraphe movement by Agenhor which is spectacular and complex. At its very heart, a groundbreaking chronograph module seamlessly integrates with the mechanical elements around it, and this enables the operation of this superb central chronograph. With its oscillating weight moved from back to topside, underneath the dial it beats at 21’600 vph, and is good for 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

One of the most talked about horologic innovations in recent times, the Track 1 London Edition is presented on a durable black textile strap with decorative titanium rivets and folding clasp.

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