Iconic watches that transcend time and fashion......

What do the following things have in common?

Omega Speedmaster. Porsche 911. Rolex Submariner. Audemars Royal Oak. Patek Philippe Nautilus. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso.

There are, to my mind, some defined links between them.

Design icons of the 1950-70s era. Yes, this era has more than its fair share of iconic design marvels. There was clearly something quite special about the era that led to this burst of design creativity.

Style that transcends time and fashion. What I mean by this is that the basic design from 50-60 years ago has transcended time and fashion to be as appropriate today as it was 60 years ago. Of course, the design does change but the basic DNA of the original shines through clearly in today’s modern variant. I think this is the area that interests me most. I call it a Factor X.

When a company manages to create a Factor X, it can be so profound that it almost becomes synonymous with the brand. Perhaps it even overtakes the brand to the point that the brand becomes highly dependent and dominated by it. Either way, a phenomenon is born that becomes synonymous with the success of the brand. Now, I can certainly think of icons that have transcended time and fashion but that have not become dominators. The VW Beetle is an example. Likewise, the Mini. These design icons persist but are not what I would call dominators. To be fair, there are very few “dominators”, but where they do exist, it is very obvious.

Not every manufacturer can claim the accolade. I will have a stab at manufacturers and models that seem adept at creating iconic watches. And i will leave the forum open for others to add to the many gaps that I have left…..

Omega : I would argue that despite all the success of the Seamaster and Railmaster variants, it is the Speedmaster that has been the pivotal model.

Jaeger LeCoultre : As a recognisable icon, I think only the Reverso qualifies.

Rolex: The Submariner is the obvious candidate but I would also argue that the GMT is in the arena too.

Audemars Piguet: Royal Oak.

Patek Philippe : Calatrava and Nautilus.

I have deliberately left this quite vague as I think the subject is both interesting and deep. Hearing the thoughts and views of others will be fascinating as different concepts develop…..my list is not meant to be definitive......

💰1847 Marketplace Listings for Rolex›

It's a hard task to identify iconic watches ...

By: nilomis : June 13th, 2017-08:44

Joe, The Speedmaster and the Submariner should be, IMHO, present on all lists. The Reverso, I believe that JLC somehow diluted the icon on so many versions. The classic two hands, hand wound, is the icon. Others, I don't know. Never had, or plan to have, ...

Dear Baron,

By: blomman Mr Blue : June 13th, 2017-09:10

I totally agree in your train of thoughts. But as always, there is a but.... BUT, the Reverso belongs to the 1930s era and was produced all the way into the 1940s. The number of Reverso produced during 1950s - 1970s, is is basically zero as it re-emurged ...

yep....

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 13th, 2017-09:14

......i am really thinking more along the lines of a concept as the bigger picture. But yes, the reverso is from a different era.

Very interesting post and question.

By: kev09 : June 13th, 2017-11:43

My feeling is that for anything to obtain the status of icon it must be instantly recognisable outside its particular niche. So I agree with your mention of VW Beetle or Porsche 911 as icons from a motoring perspective and which are recognised by people w...

yes....

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 14th, 2017-02:19

.....i like the idea that an icon needs to be instantly recognisable by non-enthusiasts. I think that defines a true icon. Yet, with some softening of that definition, its not so hard ti stretch it to include items that may not be instantly recognisable t...

Hi Joe. Thank you for your reply. You've certainly posted an interesting subject.

By: kev09 : June 14th, 2017-03:54

Looking at the other responses I think most have considered iconic status within the watch industry or from a collector's perspective and I agree that in that context there are many watches deserving of the term icon. However, I still maintain that althou...

Great post.

By: dr.kol : June 13th, 2017-11:44

I agree with all points but would like to add under Patek Philippe: Grand Complications. Best, Kari

With all due respect to Patek, but I don't think they fit the list.

By: Arie - Mr Orange : June 13th, 2017-12:52

Replace them with Cartier Tank?

Inclined to agree based on samples mentioned...

By: Echi : June 13th, 2017-22:20

If we were to further distill the genta essence, for example, the RO might knock out the Nautilus from an icon vs classic perspective. Also agree about Cartier. In terms of design persistence, the speedmaster might actually knock them all out simply becau...

But he said 50s-70s.

By: jomni1 : June 14th, 2017-03:12

The tank design is 100 years now. A real classic but often overlooked.

i think we can be flexible..... [nt]

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 14th, 2017-03:32

" Style that transcends time and fashion." That is, in my opinion, the best way to describe an icon.

By: amanico : June 13th, 2017-23:15

I would add recognition / recognisable factors. For example, I would add the Daytona from Rolex. Jaeger Lecoultre: The Polaris, the Deep Sea Alarm, the Memovox in general. But also... The Duometre. An icon to become because its style is iconic, but the re...

all a question of degree...

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 14th, 2017-02:21

....if one takes the stance that an icon needs to be recognisable by a non-enthusiast, then many on your list (and mine) may not make the grade. But if you soften the definition a bit, then yes, all of these can be considered.

They don' make the grade, yet... But I am sure in a medium long term, they will. They have all for that. [nt]

By: amanico : June 14th, 2017-08:08

Add a few

By: watch-guy.com : June 14th, 2017-03:06

1. Daytona 2.rolex prince ( maybe ) 3.casio g shock ( quelle horreur) 4. Patek ellipse 5 vic ref 222

Yep...i wondered about the Daytona....

By: Baron - Mr Red : June 14th, 2017-03:32

.......i wonder whether there were blueprints of the dna across other manufacturers too...but I guess Rolex made it famous and attached a famous name and a famous race to the watch. Ellipse....nice catch on that one....yes, i can see that. Prince....yes a...

Quelle horreur... :-))) [nt]

By: amanico : June 14th, 2017-08:08

What about Corum coin watches? Truly iconic for me

By: Alkiro1 : June 14th, 2017-03:59

Best wishes Alkiro

Perhaps the Breitling Navitimer could fit the bill

By: crown comfort : June 14th, 2017-05:22

consistent over decades Recognisable as what it is by non-enthusiasts Maybe not at the same horological level as some of the others, but may be considered an icon?

I would put the IWC Portugieser on this list as well. [nt]

By: toddg : June 14th, 2017-08:02

Hmmm. I would add pilot's watch and/or military

By: asonstuf : June 14th, 2017-14:07

Watch. Perhaps from WWII and on. How many companies make a living off of this general design? I suppose then you could distill that to the genres which have then persisted to make up the watch categories we love and enjoy now: the diver, the pilot's, the ...