While a “legendary” watch can be interpreted differently, most of us will agree that it must have certain specific characteristics. The first of them, probably, is timeless aesthetic. This translates into a design that remains contemporary even when trends change. Time cannot impact its value for seasoned watch enthusiasts.
Another aspect of a legendary watch has to be its history. It is not enough for it to be just created and released for sale. It is necessary to have a background behind it that talks about how it managed to stand out from the crowd.
Last but not least, a legendary watch must probably stand out through a mechanism not specific to its time. And as we are passionate about this industry, we decided to discuss such watches in more detail in this article.
The list we created includes monumental timepieces that share history, technical perfection, and timeless design. If one of the models appeals to you, know that you can find it in the replica version in our store. Our replica watches are of high quality and strictly respect the perfection of authentic watches.
If you are curious to find out which watches have created history and are truly iconic in every sense of the word, stay with us in this article. The world of watches is more than wrist accessories. This is about respecting the passage of time and rendering it in the most beautiful form.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
This model appeared on the market in 1994. You are probably wondering what is so special about it and where is its back story. Well, the actual model is inspired by the period of 1845. In that year, the company A. Lange & Cie opened its doors in the city of Glashutte in Germany.
Turns out that the Second World War was merciless with the watch industry. So was the Cold War that followed shortly after. However, the industry began to gradually recover with the reunification of Germany. In this context, the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 model retains so many elements inspired by the post-war period. While strongly modern, the watch model wears the German “coat” through its ancient fonts and its inscriptions in the respective language. Also, the large date display with its double windows took its inspiration from Dresden’s Semper Opera House clock. German motifs can also be found in its internal mechanism, as it bears strong elements of Saxon watchmaking traditions.
Today, this model is one of the most representative in the manufacturer’s collection. This is a true horological masterpiece in terms of high complications including perpetual calendars and dual-zone indicators. With an asymmetric design but so balanced at the same time, this watch is a tribute to Renaissance Germany.
The replica model is available in our store with preorder. If the beauty of this watch captured you, that means you understand the essence of Haute Horologie.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The history of this watch impresses me the most. The beautiful part of it is that the model continues to be one of those sought-after even after half a century since its creation. The remarkable design was proposed by a seasoned visionary, namely the reputable designer Gerald Genta. The curious part of things is that its first appearance in a diameter of 39mm seemed absurd at the time. Today, however, 39mm watches have become an absolute norm for all watch lovers. The most distinctive feature of the watch consists of the octagonal shape of the bezel, which established a new era in the watch industry.
In the same sense, the 8 signature screws harmoniously combined with the grand Tapisserie dial have brought to the world an absolutely unique concept of what a modern watch means. Matter-of-fact, the Royal Oak model was originally addressed to the British Navy. This explains the model’s strong nautical charisma. Also, the first member of the collection stood out with the thinnest mechanical movement at the time of its appearance. Last but not least, this model generated an impressive reaction due to its stainless steel material. I want to mention that gold was the material of choice for those times. As such, the appearance of a stainless steel rival was unthinkable.
However…
Royal Oak has endured to this day. Moreover, it continues to be the favorite of many watch lovers, regardless of how trends change. The specific design is truly timeless and nothing can de-crown Royal Oak watches. No one thought it was possible, but Audemars Piguet continued to believe in its vision.
Today, Royal Oak comprises a vast collection with various iterations and complications. Watches are so popular that it is unlikely that they will lose ground in the following decades. A Royal Oak replica is always a great decision and our store is the best source for a high-quality and fully functional one.
Breguet Type XX
Breguet is another watchmaker that stands out for its history and timelessness. More precisely, the Breguet Type XX collection honors the watchmaker’s connection with aviation.
What makes the Breguet Type XX model specific and remarkable over the years is not only the aesthetic or timeless but also its technical construction. The watchmaker opted for a Valjoux 222 flyback chronograph movement. The curious part is that it took a lot from the watches that the brand made for representatives of the French Ministry of War and pilots during WWII.
While the first models started with a diameter of 38.5 mm, today the most recent Breguet Type XX watches have 42 mm. The fluted bezels add solidity and temperament to these unique pieces while luminous Arabic hands and numerals provide legibility so necessary for pilots. It is not for nothing that this model is one of the most impactful in the history of aviation.
Breitling Navitimer
This remarkable watchmaker introduced his first Navitimer hero in 1940. In its first iteration, it included a logarithmic scale on the dial. Its purpose was to make conversions and various calculations along with the chronograph functions. The appearance of this Chronomat Navitimer came to solve the challenges of aviators who were always concerned with calculations and conversions. As such, the first Navitimer was not just a watch with different functions. These represented a real game changer in aviation that greatly facilitated the flying process of the aviators.
Just imagine: a watch that can calculate the distance traveled or the fuel consumption in addition to the multitude of other functions that operate in parallel. Today, the Navitimer line is extremely rich in iterations. Even today, this collection represents the top line for aviator watch lovers. More than that, Navitimer is one of the most recognized Swiss timepieces in the whole world. This is due to its unimaginable complexity, as well as its superb and well-thought-out readability.
Cartier Santos
If you wonder who the “King of Jewelers and the Jeweler of Kings” is – look no further. That is how Cartier watchmaker has been cataloged ever since it appeared in the history of watches. Besides that, today this watchmaking brand enjoys international prestige. One of the most remarkable collections is Cartier Santos, which appeared following the request for a watch that can be read during flights in steerable balloons.
It turns out that Santos Dumont, the one who requested the watch, understood how uncomfortable it is to track the time with a pocket watch specific to those times. As such, Cartier came up with an impressive solution and presented the first wristwatch for men as well as the first timepiece purpose-built for aviation. Moreover, the model came in a rectangular case, which represented an unexpected departure from the round contours typical of the time. Currently, this collection faithfully preserves the distinctive features of the first model. This translates into the square bezel, gorgeous sword hands, visible screws, as well as elegant Roman numerals.
We must admit that the invention of the first wristwatch for men deserves all the appreciation and a special place in the history of watches. The beautiful part is that not only is it the first of its kind, but it was able to keep its versatility until today. Cartier Santos remains an eminent model for all modern fashionistas and for those who know a thing or two about horology.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The Reverso model is another watch that wrote history and fully deserved its place in it. “The Watchmaker of Watchmakers” – this is how the Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmaker is recognized, the one who created the famous and legendary Reverso.
When you look at the Reverso model, you see it as an elegant and gorgeous accessory. But in fact, this was meant to be a sports timepiece. History tells us that the idea of this watch was to solve a problem of polo players. Turns out that the players always damaged their watches because of balls and mallets during the game. So, the request was to create something to protect their case and dial. Jaeger LeCoultre came up with the solution of a reversible case that hides the dial during games.
Gradually, but surely…
This model gained popularity far outside the circles of polo players. In this context, the watch underwent many iterations and today, the Reverso is a vast collection of spectacular models. More than that, the watchmaker dared to integrate the most intricate complications. And we have to admit that he succeeded wonderfully. Also, the Art Deco style of this collection should be noted. It has been preserved from the very beginning and remains one of the distinctive elements of the Reverso collection.
In the same context, the watches in this range are available in an emblematic rectangular shape. Inside the dial, they have gorgeous Dauphine hands as well as a small and fine second subdial. By the way, our replica models have proven to be among the best of all proposed in the industry. So, if you feel like you need such an iconic watch model, feel free to ask for more information.
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”
This article would not be complete without the legendary Moonwatch. I’m sure you know something about it. Who doesn’t? But I think it is not a mistake to note once again its importance for the history of watches.
So, yes, it is about the first watch that reached the moon, literally. Many do not know that the primary idea for this model was to be a motorsport timing watch. Coincidentally or not, NASA tested it and decided that its precision and resistance were only good for space missions. Thus, the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the only one that passed the qualification test for space missions among all those employed in the competition.
Matter-of-factly…
The model that NASA tested was not the one that Buzz Aldrin wore in his space mission. The manufacturer decided to replace it with a more powerful iteration in a 42mm case. It is about the iteration Ref. ST105.012 which entered history together with Buzz Aldrin’s brave team.
Today, these watches have remained extremely popular even after 50 years. Moreover, their design has not undergone major changes. Hesalite crystal, luminous markers and hands, tricompax dial, as well as tachymeter-scale bezel, remained unchanged and loyal to the original model. The tachymetric-scale bezel, by the way, is what remains of the original concept of a motorsports watch. However, that concept was lost somewhere on the surface of the Moon.
Moonwatch replica watches remain among the most popular in the replica industry. Manufacturers have developed techniques and engineering to replicate them most fabulously. As such, take a look at our Omega Speedmaster offers. You will probably find a model to your liking.
Bottom line
These 7 models are the ones that changed the history of watches by 360 degrees. In fact, these are not the only models I could write about. But it would take me forever to list them all. A few other models worth noting are Ulysse Nardin Freak, Patek Philippe Calatrava, Tudor Black Bay, Hublot Big Bang, Grand Seiko Snowflake, TAG Heuer Monaco, as well as Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. But these are subjects for another article.
The beautiful part of things is that the replica industry offers copies extremely close to authentic models. Well, I will never allow myself to compare replica watches with authentic ones. The originals are the embodiment of perfection and no replica can compare with it. But the idea is that the replica watches we propose are of decent quality. This means that the materials are top-class, the design is carefully executed, and the mechanisms operate flawlessly. As such, any of our imitations will make you feel the legend and the strong history behind them.