The Most Famous Men’s Watches

While some people are replacing their watch with a fitness tracker or smartwatch, others still enjoy a traditional timepiece. Today, a classic watch serves two purposes; it tells you the time and makes a statement about your style. If you really want to dress to impress, consider picking up one of the most famous men’s watches below. In this article, we explore this list in more detail.

The Cartier Santos

The Cartier Santos was created when aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont complained to his friend Louis Cartier about the inconvenience of pocket watches in the air. Shortly after, the pair created the first ever wristwatch. Over time, the model has been redesigned with different materials, straps, and colours, but the face remains as sleek and robust as it was in 1911.

Tag Heuer Monaco

This automatic watch is based on the earlier model designed to celebrate the Monaco Grand Prix in 1969. The modernised timepiece encapsulates the glitz and glamour of the city of Monaco. While the Tag Heuer was already popular, the appeal of the watch was made even greater when Steve McQueen wore it in the film Le Mans.

Rolex Day Date

From its first release in 1905, the Swiss Rolex brand became the ultimate stamp of luxury. Since then, the company has been designing extravagant and iconic pieces. As the first model ever released, the Rolex Day Date is a favourite of any watch-lover. Since its beginnings, the timepiece has been revamped and altered; however, most people agree that there’s nothing quite like owning an original.

The IWC Portuguese

IWC Schaffhausen has been a leader in luxury watchmaking since 1868. Featuring a dark leather strap and a simplistic face, the IWC Portuguese is one of their most versatile and popular models. Designed to complement almost any outfit, this everyday timepiece is a favourite amongst watch-lovers.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava

Designed to be paired with an elegant suit, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is known for its memorable tagline. The campaign reads “You never actually own a Patek Phillipe, you merely hold it for the next generation.” The watch is simplistic yet effortlessly elegant, making the timeless accessory ideal to hand down to your loved ones.

Hamilton Electric 500 Ventura

The Hamilton Electric 500 Ventura was one of the first electrical watches. Since it was spotted on the wrist of Elvis in Blue Hawaii, the 50s-style wristwatch has remained popular amongst collectors.

A. Lange & Sohne Lange Zeitwerk

Designed by traditional German watchmaker A. Lange & Sohne, the Zeitwerk is another famous men’s watch. Before their release, every A. Lang & Sohne watch is put through rigorous testing to ensure perfect function. This, along with the designers’ finite attention to detail, has rewarded the brand with a generation of loyal followers. One of the most popular models, the Zeitwerk combines innovative time-telling technology with a classical vintage face.

Breitling Chrono Avenger

Since it was founded in 1884, Breitling has been a key player in the luxury watch market. Favoured by icons like Bruce Willis and Harrison Ford, it’s not hard to see why! If you’re after extravagance, look no further than the Chrono Avenger. Seen on Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond, this classic timepiece remains one of the most prestigious watches on the market.

Rolex Oyster

In 1926, Rolex created the first water resistant watch. A year after its release, British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam the channel in ten hours wearing the Rolex Oyster. Since then, it’s remained one of the most popular water-resistant watches on the market.

Jaeger LeCoultre Duometre

The Jaeger LeCoultre Duometre is known for its ‘dual wing’ concept and meticulous design. Featuring a two-clock concept, the Duometre model revolutionised watchmaking.

Oris Divers Sixty-Five

In the 1960s, Oris made its first diver’s watch. Since then, the brand has had a close relationship with the water which has contributed to its commitment to conservation. To go alongside the #ChangeForTheBetter campaign, the most recent Divers Sixty-Five model features a new strap made from recycled plastic.

Chopard Classic Manufacture

The Chopard Classic Manufacture is the first wristwatch released by Chopard. 150 years later, the brand has stayed true to its roots and only releases classical designs with understated elegance.

Omega Seamaster

In the 24th Bond film, Spectre, 007 wore an Omega Seamaster 300. In the film, David Craig’s model featured a 5-stripe NATO strap, lollipop second hands, and a bi-directional rotating bezel. To make the watch all the more special, its release was limited to just 7,007 pieces. If you can’t get your hands on the Spectre, the regular Seamaster is a great alternative. Equally as famous, the regular edition is easier to find and won’t set you back quite as much.

Rolex Submariner

Saving the best til last, the Rolex Submariner is probably the world’s most famous men’s watch. Interestingly, it’s also one of the only watches which doesn’t drastically drop in value in the second-hand market. The Submariner was created as a professional diver’s watch in 1954. At first, the watch was used as a specialist sports piece; however, it later gained status as a luxury watch and became desired by men worldwide. The classic watch is sleek and sturdy in design. This, along with its durability make the watch one of the most popular timepieces on the market. Although it built its reputation as a diving watch, it remains popular with non-sportspeople, too. Until the mid-1990s, the Submariner was James Bond’s watch. This is another key factor in the Submariners never-ending popularity.

In Summary

Whether you prefer a tech-heavy chronograph or a classic dress watch, your choice of watch says a lot about your personality and style. If you’re looking for a new addition, the most famous men’s watches above will certainly not disappoint.