amanico[JLC Moderator]
403084
The post1966 selection is a complement of the pre 1966 selection.
There are indisputable must have in your selections, the names being GMT MASTER, Submariner / Seadweller, Milgauss, Expolrer and Daytona.
It is impossible for me to give only three references, while I am able to give four or five.
For example, I agree with you that the King Of Subs is the 6200.
The King of GMT MASTERS is the 6542.
The King of Explorers is the 6610 ( or 6350 waffle dial ).
The King of SD is the 1665 MK II chocolate ( while some would favor the MK1 PP, but not me ).
The King of Daytona? Of course a Paul Newman!
Playing with the pre and post 1966 helps me a bit to give my absolute top 4 or 5.
So, for me, Number one is 6542, Nr two is Tudor 7924 or Rolex 6200, Nr 3 is... Milgauss 6541, number 4 is Explorer 6610 or 6350 Waffle Dial, Nr 5 is 1665 MK II PP Chocolate, and Nr 6 Daytona PN.
You really want Top Three??? Damn you. So: 6542, 6200, and... 6541.
Best,
Nicolas