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10 Iconic Watches That You Need to Know About
The world of watches is vast, with a plethora of options available to choose from. However, some watches have surpassed the test of time and have become iconic. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 iconic watches that you need to know about.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Undeniably one of the most recognizable luxury watches ever made, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an iconic watch that features an octagonal bezel and hexagonal crown. The tapisserie dial, or waffle dial, further adds to its appeal. The Royal Oak’s angular design is linked to 70s brutalist design and was famously scribbled on a napkin by Gerald Genta the day before it was due to be released. This watch is deliberately and specifically iconic, making it the first clickbait in the watch industry. It is a watch that people spend big money on, and it still works to this day.
Cartier Tank
The Cartier Tank is a watch that was modeled after the Renault FT-17 World War I tank. Louis Cartier, the founder of Cartier, saw the tank during the war and decided to make a watch out of it. The watch features straight lines down the side, around the body, and has two parallel brand cards that are an established signature of the tank watch. The design of the watch is drawn from Cartier’s PTSD from World War I, showcasing how elegance can be drawn from misery. The watch also features a cabochon, which sets it apart from other watches.
Grand Seiko Snowflake
The Grand Seiko Snowflake is a watch that features a snowy texture on the dial. The watch’s combination of fine arts and engineering is perfectly represented on the dial, making it an iconic watch. The watch also has a blue second hand with a perfect sweep, thanks to the Spring Drive. The snowy textured dial and smooth sweeper of the second hand make for an irresistible combination. The watch’s high-intensity titanium case adds to its uniqueness, making it a personal favorite of many.
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch”
The Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moon Watch” is a watch that gained popularity when it was worn by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong during their moon landing. In 1969, when the moon landing was taking place, other brands like Hoya Breitling Hamilton came up with the first automatic chronograph movement. The watch’s design is simple and elegant, making it an ideal watch for space exploration.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is a watch that is synonymous with diving and adventure. The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters and features a unidirectional rotating bezel that allows divers to keep track of their diving time. The watch’s design is simple and elegant, making it a popular watch among divers and non-divers alike.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch that was designed by Gerald Genta, the same man who designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The watch’s design features a unique shape that is reminiscent of a porthole. The watch’s popularity can be attributed to its unique shape and luxurious build.
Breitling Navitimer
The Breitling Navitimer is a watch that was designed for pilots. The watch features a slide rule that allows pilots to make calculations related to speed, distance, and fuel consumption. The watch’s design is simple and elegant, making it a popular watch among pilots and non-pilots alike.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is a watch that is reminiscent of vintage diving watches. The watch features a domed crystal, a rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown. The watch’s design is simple and elegant, making it a popular watch among diving enthusiasts.
Tag Heuer Monaco
The Tag Heuer Monaco is a watch that was famously worn by Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans.” The watch’s design features a square-shaped case that sets it apart from other watches. The watch’s popularity can be attributed to its unique design and association with the legendary Steve McQueen.
IWC Portuguese
The IWC Portuguese is a watch that features a large and clear display. The watch’s design is simple and elegant, making it a popular watch among watch enthusiasts. The watch’s popularity can also be attributed to its association with the Portuguese sailors who used the watch to navigate the seas in the 1930s.
In conclusion, these watches have surpassed the test of time and have become iconic. Each watch’s design is simple and elegant, making them popular among watch enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. Whether you are into diving, aviation, or space exploration, there is an iconic watch for everyone.
