Interesting topic, and it seems to be a polarizing one that has merits on both sides. My first question is if there really are any absolute identical re-issues out there? The JLC Deep Sea Alarm and Polaris come to mind or the Longines Heritage Diver, but most seem to inflate the case sizes at a minimum. So, with that said, I think it would be interesting to see what would happen if someone really just did a copy and paste of an iconic model like an Autavia or Speedmaster. Tag came close when it did the 1964 Carrera re-edition but didn't include the word Carrera, or a sublimely smooth movement.

I think many fear if they did a literally copy it would potentially disrupt markets, but I don't see why someone like Omega or Tag wouldn't with as hot as Speedmasters and vintage Heuers are right now. Many people love the looks of these classics but are afraid of jumping into vintage or in the case of some models, can no longer afford to. But if you can buy an Autavia that has all of the charm of the original for $5k...

I guess I'm of the thought that these iconic classics are just that, icons. So, when you re-imagine or re-interpret them, it always feel like they have fallen short, in my opinion, when the originals are just so good.

-ct