At present, there are about a hundred, if not a thousand, watch brands in the world, but like many others, it also has a list of luxury brands. Many of these luxury brands are highly coveted by avid watch collectors, and only a few more are so rare that they are deemed legendary; are you curious to know what these watches are?
In today’s article, we’ll be listing down some of the most iconic men’s watches of all time, exploring what makes these legendary timepieces the most valued items of all.
What are the most iconic men’s watches in the world?
Through the years, we’ve seen many watches debut, rich in history and crafted with the finest materials and details. Here are some who have imprinted their marks in the halls of horology:
Rolex Submariner.
Hailing from the world’s most popular luxury watch brand, it’s no surprise that the Rolex Submariner belongs to today’s list. Rolex is considered the most popular luxury watch brand in the world, and for a handful of good reasons, but the “King of Kings” Submariner is in a different league of its own. As its name suggests, this luxury timepiece is a must-have for any avid deep-sea explorer, boasting impressive resistance and durability that can withstand the pressures of the deep. Whether you’re a deep-sea diver or just an avid watch collector, the Rolex Submariner is a must-have for your collection; it’s a necessary trophy you can include to decorate your man cave.
Cartier Tank.
Imagine a watch so iconic it was named after a World War I Tank; it’s none other than the Cartier Tank. It’s pretty ironic how this watch is named after one of the elements of war yet rose to fame as a classic dress watch. Because of its minimalist design, it became the prototype for many commercial dress watches today. If there’s a list of luxury watches out there that reeks of influence and popularity, then the Cartier Tanks is definitely included in it.
Patek Philippe Calatrava.
For sleek and simple designs that elevate every outfit, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the most sought-after luxury timepiece among affluent and avid watch collectors. Another watch known for its clean lines and design, the Calatrava’s minimalist elegance is proof that when it comes to watch designs, “less is more.”
Omega Speedmaster Professional.
If we’re talking about iconic luxury timepieces, then we cannot NOT include the Omega Speedmaster Professional. This high-end brand already established its legendary status when it was named the official timepiece used during NASA’s Apollo missions, making it the first timepiece to land on the moon. Otherwise called the “Moonwatch,” its design, accuracy, and craftsmanship make it one of the most coveted timepieces even today.
Rolex Daytona.
Rolex has an array of collections for different lifestyles, like dive watches, dress watches, and even race watches! The Rolex Daytona is one such timepiece catered to race car drivers, but this watch rose to prominence because of popular American actor and film director Paul Newman. Still, it has become a favorite even among race car drivers, thanks to its stylish and sporty design, boasting of its tachymeter scale and chronograph functionality. For one, the “Paul Newman” Daytona stands out because of its distinctive dial, thus establishing itself as one of the most sought-after vintage watches in the world.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Most, if not all, of the luxury brands named in this list today, are owned by high-profile figures but Audemars Piguet is a favorite among many celebrity rappers. The “AP” dates back to 1881, which just proves it has been providing quality for more than a century now, and out of all their designs, the AP Royal Oak is considered one of the most iconic ones. It stood out from its competition, because, unlike the others who prefer a simple design, it has a bold design, sporting visible screws, an octagonal bezel, and stainless-steel construction.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
If there are watches designed for divers, race car drivers, and astronauts, then there are also watches designed for polo players, which is what Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is all about. Even polo has its own rigors, and the affluent just had to have a watch specifically designed to withstand the impact of such sport. Protecting the watch’s dial from impact is crucial, hence the design’s reversible case. And speaking of design, it also mirrors Art Deco features from where it drew inspiration from. The JLC Reverso can be donned as a sports watch or dress watch, a testament to its versatility, and making it one of the most popular watches in the world.
