You probably would name 3 to 5 watch brands that you know changed the watchmaking history. In fact, the number is much higher and I bet you never knew that some of them had such a powerful impact on the watch industry. But, your spectrum of watch knowledge will get wider with this article. While some of the following timepieces are embraced by the whole watch community, others remain debatable. Either way, you have to know the most powerful names in the watchmaking industry. Who knows? Maybe, in the end, you will resonate so much with their designs and aspects that you will decide to add a replica version to your collection.
I always suggest watch enthusiasts choose replica versions of those authentic watches, whose brand echo seems more engaging for them. Some watch brands prefer remaining silent from the marketing point of view while creating phenomenally iconic timepieces. Other brands put a strong emphasis on loud collaborations with organizations fighting against diseases or environmental destruction. And the third category of watch brands is those that partner up with impactful events like Formula 1, Ocean exploring, or Space missions.
So, choosing a replica watch of any brand whose philosophy resonates with you most is like aligning with this philosophy, sharing and serving the same purposes. So, here are the models that made history. Check it up to see whose concept seems vibrant to you.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Timepiece
To begin with, there are a minimum of two reasons to embrace this watch. First of all, it is a great timepiece demonstrating that simplicity CAN equal luxury. Based on this watch model, one can say that these two words are synonyms. The second reason is suggested by the name of the timepiece. “Reverso” actually describes the watch’s particularity of turning its face over. The truth is that this distinct particularity can’t be considered a highly necessary feature. It is more like a “fun” property, attracting watches enthusiasts’ attention. Either way, this timepiece comes not only with an interesting structure but with an interesting horological history. In addition, the rectangular shape contributes to the overall value, making this timepiece one of the most iconic and remarkable in the industry.
Santos de Cartier
It would be impossible and unfair to speak about iconic watches without mentioning the Santos de Cartier. Honestly speaking, this timepiece is one of those watches that create confusion in the watch community. On one hand, certain watch fans find this timepiece extremely close to the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the only difference being the design of hour numerals. Therefore, many watch lovers think that one timepiece has been created on the conceptual basis of the other. On the other hand, another segment of watch enthusiasts knows for sure that Cartier has its own vision of watch creation and it doesn’t need to get inspiration from other brands.
Either way, the model is indeed attractive from all perspectives. This is a dress watch in the full meaning of the word, featuring a spectacular design and phenomenal quality.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
No other watch brand is more refined and exquisite than Patek Philippe. At least, in my humble opinion. What surprises me most is that the watch house is not obsessed at all with marketing itself. However, the entire watch community praises and embraces it. There isn’t any reason justifying the absence of the Patek Philippe watch in a watch enthusiast collection. With the release of the Perpetual Chronograph, the brand proved that there aren’t any limits in designing truly phenomenal pieces. Just imagine, due to the intricate architecture of the watch including the perpetual calendar, it doesn’t require a reset for about 200 years. Isn’t that amazing? This “holy grail” in horological history has been created with unimaginable dedication and attention to detail.
Breitling Navitimer
No watch collector would refuse to have this timepiece in his portfolio. The Breitling Navitimer comes to surprise not only with its complex and intricate aspect but with its generous size as well. The dial is an artistic composition of indicators and functions that are hard to believe that can be included in just one single timepiece. Being at the limit of robustness and elegance, this watch has become a cult in the horological world. Not every watch admirer will understand it. It is meant for seasoned watch collectors who are highly educated in the horological field and embrace watch history and philosophy.
Rolex Submariner
It’s not news that this model is the most embraced watch from the Rolex heritage. It is hard to obtain since you’ll have to spend years on the waiting list in case you decide to have an authentic piece. And when your turn comes, most probably you will have to spend some thousands on it. On the other hand, replica Submariner versions are similarly sought-after. But unlike original models, these are far easier to obtain. The only risk is to come across a poor-quality replica timepiece. So, in case you decide to have one, I recommend you buy it from trustworthy sources. In addition, to exclude potential quality issues, I would suggest you consider the Swiss or AAA grade replica versions.
As for the model itself, it is catchy and highly attractive due to its fantastic versatility. It matches all kinds of styles, comes with a powerful and reliable inner mechanism, and is made by Rolex, which is the most important above all.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
In the modern era when so many watch brands fight for the customer’s attention, it’s hard to come up with something innovative. It seems that all that could be created in a watch, has already been created. Revolutionary movements, astonishing complications, most attractive dials, what could be invented more?
However, Audemars Piguet brand achieved surprising the watch community with the Royal Oak model. With its release, the watch house literally bewildered the watch community in the most amazing way possible. The expressive shape of the bezel, the unconventional dial pattern, and the incredible inner mechanism-all in one shocked the watch admirers and experts.
TAG Heuer Monaco
Given that we are speaking here about the most iconic and historical timepieces, it’s not possible to omit the Monaco model from TAG Heuer. This watch has an impressively unconventional design. It is all about perfect symmetry and balance. Among all brand inventions, this piece revolutionized the concept of watch manufacturing, turning the watch house into a premium-class brand.
Rolex Datejust
This model is the perfect example proving that “less is more”. Therefore, it doesn’t feature any extraordinary complications. Neither does it display any unconventional design approach. On the contrary, its elegance is encrypted in its minimalist look with astonishingly refined accents. A 5-links bracelet, an incredibly exquisite bezel, and diamonds instead of hour numerals on a perfectly plane dial. So, the watch preserves a strongly exquisite charisma hidden in its details that only true connoisseurs will be able to spot.
Omega Speedmaster
It’s pretty obvious why the Speedmaster has made history; simply because it was on the Moon. And as you may guess, mission experts wouldn’t have allowed a watch to Space, if it hadn’t been reliable and resistant. So, this is all about the Omega Speedmaster, which is a timepiece able to withstand any time of challenges. The power is encrypted in its DNA. The relation with historical events is not the only value of the watch. Apart from the space mission, we have to recognize that the timepiece has great technical conditions featuring a complex and reliable movement. In addition, the brand didn’t ignore the importance of a great design which is the culminating point of the whole “composition”.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
I reserved this watch for the last one from this list because I perceive it as the icing on the cake. In my opinion, and not only, I see this watch as a timeless piece. The reason why I find it spectacular is the subtle line between simplicity and elegance. Despite its minimalism, the gorgeous charisma makes you embrace this watch. And minimalism is, actually, what makes it phenomenal. Perfect contours, phenomenal font combination between the gold case, white dial, and intense brown. This model stresses the main purpose of a watch that people seem to have forgotten about, due to the modern and complex watches. So, it expresses the return to the basics, showing that perfection is much simpler than we might think.
Final word
Creating watches is not an easy task. A watch manufacturing brand has to consider the audience’s demands, technical reliability, proper advertising, and many other aspects. These 10 watches are beyond any expectations and became true icons, even if some brands don’t use an intensive marketing strategy. You possibly might have another vision for them and some models might not sound as great as described in this article. And it’s totally your right to disagree with me. However, it’s impossible to argue with the notoriety and prestige that these models have gained throughout their existence. In addition, they never are shadowed by contemporary timepieces. They stay proudly in their positions simply because they are truly phenomenal.