« Iconic Designs for True Watch Lovers »
Whether it's the classic VW Beetle, the lovable Citroën 2CV or the elegant Jaguar E-Type – some icons of the automotive world shaped entire generations with their unmistakable design, revolutionary in its day. But what about watches? Which masterpieces of timekeeping are the great legends, the pioneers and, above all, the real head-turners? We got to the bottom of this question and present the seven most significant designs of all time.
Junghans Max Bill – Timelessness Has a Name
Famous timepieces at a moderate price – you could just as well sum up that phrase with the name of our first icon.
Yet this elegant Bauhaus-style timepiece has so much more to offer than outstanding value for money: since 1961, the Max Bill has stood out from the crowd with its purist dial, the modern curve of its crystal and its slim case – anyone who wears the Junghans classic has no use for frills. Instead, the watch designed by the Swiss artist Max Bill, after whom it is named, offers a unique combination of everyday practicality and aesthetics. The Max Bill line comprises a wide range of watch icons, including not only automatic and quartz models but also radio-controlled watches with Bauhaus designs – a technology the long-established company from the Black Forest has developed considerably.
With its versatility and pioneering spirit, but above all its timeless and trailblazing style, the Max Bill easily earns its place in our selection of the greatest watch icons.
Breitling Navitimer – A Legend Among Pilot's Watches
The most famous model from Breitling proves that iconic designs sometimes arise from purely practical considerations.
Founded in 1884, the brand has had close ties to aviation from its very beginnings, and from the 1930s onward it equipped both the Royal Air Force and the US Army Air Force with suitable timepieces. What counted here was above all versatility and functionality – not a refined look.
It was in this spirit that the first Navitimer appeared in 1952: its complex bezel made it possible to calculate average speeds, rates of climb and descent, and even fuel consumption.
Today, the model ranks among the most historically important watch icons of all – and, for many enthusiasts, among the most beautiful.
With new models such as the Navitimer 8 and the Navitimer 1 B01, the collection is more diverse than ever – the defining model has fascinated for more than 60 years and is an indispensable part of the watch world.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – A Defining High-End Model
Until 1972, the pinnacle of watchmaking looked like this: the finest materials, the most exquisite craftsmanship – but absolutely no visual experiments that might unsettle a wealthy clientele. And then came the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
With its octagonal bezel, its unmistakable screws and its "Tapisserie" dial, it remains the manufacture's greatest success to this day – it's no coincidence that this high-end luxury brand is regarded as the inventor of the luxury sports watch.
Never before has a famous masterpiece positioned as high in quality and price as the Royal Oak exerted such a great influence on the entire watch industry. That earns it a well-deserved place in the lounge of our watch icons.
Hublot Big Bang – A Visionary Step into the Future
We stay in the luxury segment and turn to a newcomer – the Hublot Big Bang, introduced only in 2005. Every one of its extravagant components makes it clear that this watch wants to be different from all other luxury models. With materials such as tantalum, tungsten, carbon fiber and various ceramic variations, it offers unprecedented variety – from the "entry-level models" in the low five figures all the way up to the "One Million Dollar Watch" set with countless diamonds.
Rescued by Jean-Claude Biver in 2004 and more successful than ever today, Hublot takes a step into the future with its striking creations and offers serious alternatives to the mainstream of fine timepieces.
Iconic designs that fascinate watch lovers of every generation – that makes the Big Bang collection one of the clear watch icons of our time.
Rolex Submariner – Often Copied, Never Equaled
The launch of the Submariner in 1951 opened up entirely new possibilities for divers thanks to water resistance to a depth of up to 300 meters.
Just as defining as its robustness is its design, which has changed only slightly to this day: the rotating bezel with its bold numerals, an unmistakable dial and a wide choice of precious materials are just a few of the hallmarks of the Rolex Submariner.
It is the archetype of the dive watch, the original whose design has been all but copied by countless timepieces, both high-end and low-quality. Yet the Rolex has nothing to fear from its look-alike competitors, because its inimitable luster and its seemingly indestructible feel set it apart from the mass of dive watches. And, of course, what may be the most rock-solid member of the watch icon club bears a brand name that could hardly be more prominent.
Omega Speedmaster – To the Moon and Back, Please!
Technical feats, human pioneering spirit and the will to keep breaking new boundaries – the NASA missions since 1965 are the most impressive examples of all this. On every one of these missions, the astronauts relied on a dependable companion that is so much more than the world-famous "Moonwatch".
For even though the Omega Speedmaster owes much of its popularity to the first Moon landing in 1969, it should by no means be reduced to that.
With its tachymeter scale, its sculpted domed sapphire crystal and top-tier precision, it is considered one of the most famous chronographs and delights its owners with its versatility and everyday practicality. A watch world without the Speedmaster – an unthinkable scenario, and not just for fans of the brand.
Chopard Happy Diamonds – And the Diamonds Dance
Whether defining designs, clear progress or groundbreaking functions – our watch icons are all masterpieces and an integral part of how we think about fine timepieces today.
No such lineup would be complete without the Chopard Happy Diamonds, because with its moving diamonds it boasts a feature that is unique in the entire industry. Special functionality, high water resistance or versatility? The Happy Diamonds doesn't need them. It wants to be a piece of jewelry, an expression of its elegant wearer's individual taste and the highlight of a tasteful outfit.
Its creative style has impressed stylish women for decades – securing it a well-deserved place among our icons.
