Names like Speedmaster, Tank and Oyster Perpetual are as iconic as they are infamous. And an iconic watch is just that, iconic. It represents a design, a style, a culture and a heritage that is both timeless and distinctive. Archetypal, instantly recognisable and symbolic of the traditions of generational horology, these pieces represent an infamy that is as prolific as it is everlasting.
So, with that in mind, we've rounded up 9 of the best watch icons that we could find from a range of watchmakers including Rolex, Omega, Breitling and Cartier.
Enjoy and happy shopping!
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
From its famed trip to the moon to its almost unchanged aesthetic for the past half century, the beloved Omega Speedmaster is perhaps one of the most iconic, most revered and most well known watches, ever. Many different versions and iterations have been made of the much adored Speedy, but the original remains the best. A must have for all those looking to kickstart their collection. An icon amongst icons.
Cartier Tank Solo
Created by Louis Carter in 1917, the original Tank was a watch of refinement, sophistication and subtlety. Fast forward to more than a century since it was first unveiled, and the Tank still looks as special as it did all those years ago. Beautiful lines, wonderful details and a look that reverberates through time, the Cartier Tank is a spectacular event in itself. Romantic and classic, the Tank's everlasting aesthetic is one that many collectors and enthusiasts hold in the highest regard.
Breitling Navitimer
Ah yes, the trusty old Navitimer. With a look as recognisable as Omega's Speedmaster, the Breitling Navitimer is the quintessential watch-nerd's piece. Lot's of information on a super intuitive dial in a package that looks almost unchanged since its creation all those decades ago. Technical and pioneering in its own right, the Navitimer may have fallen out of favour in recent times, but you cannot disregard its importance in horology nor can you ignore its very bold look.
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero
Based on a legend, evident throughout the El Primero's illustrious and inspired look, Zenith's long standing chronograph is without exception one of the greatest watches ever made. A delightful combination of monochromatic colours, the Chronomaster El Primero boasts an appealing aesthetic along with an equally as intriguing movement. A must have for any serious enthusiast looking to add a piece of history to their collection.
TAG Heuer Monaco
Similar to that of the Cartier Tank, TAG Heuer's Monaco and its square-shaped case has captured the hearts of enthusiasts since its introduction. Perhaps TAG Heuer's most iconic timepiece, the Monaco is without exception one of the industry's most recognisable watches, regardless of its variation. The purest model available is the blue-dial heritage inspired variation, with the Monaco's innate ability to cause a stir and fly under the radar being one of its most appealing attributes.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Originally launched in 1926, the Oyster Perpetual was the first waterproof wristwatch and here we are in 2019 still talking about it (for good reason, too). Available in a variety of colours to appease everyone's tastes, the Oyster Perpetual is Rolex's unsung hero, even when all the focus is on the Submariner, the GMT-Master and the Daytona. A beautiful holistic package of watchmaking that is very difficult to beat, the Oyster Perpetual has been a mainstay of many a collection for decades. The dark rhodium dial pictured above is my favourite. Decadent, sumptuous, somewhat inconspicuous and altogether a sublime example of watchmaking, the Oyster Perpetual is truly one of the icons of watchmaking.
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