Watches mean many different things to many different people. To some, they are a symbol of status, a tangible example of the wealth and prowess that one can achieve. Others use them as a marker of their personal style and fashion sense. Others still treasure wrist watches that have been passed down for generations, heirlooms from another era.
With all of these different significances – and an incredible wealth of luxury watch models on the market today – you’re probably wondering how we came up with a definitive list of the most significant watch models in history. After all, there are many different ranking factors to consider: technological disruptiveness, complications, innovation, aesthetics, popularity, association with famous individuals… The list goes on and on.
And what gives us, the team at Avi & Co., the authority to determine history’s most important watches? As a trusted secondary market reseller of the world’s most elite watches, we specialize in top brands like Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Rolex. In other words, we are experts in haute horlogerie – and we have put our knowledge to the test in creating this list of the watches that have defined the industry as a whole.
Without further ado, get ready to discover… the watches that have changed the face of history.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
We would be remiss not to begin this list with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a watch that altered the course of horology from the moment of its introduction in 1972. The Royal Oak is a Gerald Genta design and epitomizes the innovation and creativity of one of the greatest horological minds of all time. Debuted during the “quartz crisis” of the 1970s, when heritage Swiss watchmakers were struggling to compete in the market with more affordable Japanese quartz watches, the Royal Oak marked a notable shift in luxury watch culture and aesthetics.
Crafted from stainless steel, this watch departed from the traditional perception that upscale timepieces could only be built from precious metals. The Royal Oak, however, embraced the durability and sportiness of its stainless steel casing. It even marketed itself as a “tribute to steel.” While the Royal Oak was one of the most expensive watches on the market at the time, it defied expectations by showcasing exposed bolts on the now-iconic octagonal bezel, which took inspiration from a diver’s helmet. But as the 1970s ads remind us, “it takes more than money to wear the Royal Oak.”
Countless other watches have taken inspiration from the Royal Oak’s aesthetic, perhaps most notably the Patek Philippe Nautilus, another Genta design that was released four years later. While Royal Oak sales were slow at first, the watch experienced a surge in popularity that continues today, cementing a place for stainless steel dress watches in the horological zeitgeist.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
With the Swiss brand’s wealth of heritage and history, it was inevitable that Patek Philippe would make this list in one way or another. But the question was, how? Was the brand’s most important timepiece the Nautilus watch, which has become a hallmark of the horological world? Was it the Sky Moon Tourbillon or the Grandmaster Chime, pieces from Patek Philippe’s Grand Complications line that defied technological expectations of their time?
There is no doubt that Patek Philippe is widely recognized for its exceptionally complicated timepieces, which have ushered in the rise of new complications throughout history. In 1925, the brand introduced the first perpetual calendar complication, which is now commonplace in the world of luxury watches. Still, no piece remains the “most complicated” watch for long – so instead of choosing a technological marvel, we selected the humble Patek Philippe Calatrava.
This Bauhaus-inspired piece was first released in 1932 and continues to be produced today, exemplifying the long-standing success of all things Patek Philippe. It is a favorite of famous individuals from Queen Elizabeth II to Pablo Picasso and even current names like Ed Sheeran and Ellen DeGeneres. The ongoing marketable success of the Calatrava epitomizes what we believe to be a crucial tenet in defining the most significant watch models in history: It has never gone out of style, and remains just as desirable and fresh as it was nearly a century ago.
Rolex Submariner
Rolex routinely tops the list of the best-selling watch brands in the world, and we would argue that alone has earned it this prestigious place on our list. The Rolex Submariner is perhaps one of the most iconic watches of all time – in fact, when you hear the phrase “wrist watch,” the Submariner might just be what pops into your mind. It was first sold in 1954 and has remained one of the top-selling timepieces every year since.
Like most dive watches, it is typically used for anything but diving – but that doesn’t mean that Rolex holds back on water resistance specs. Most Submariner models have a water resistance of 1,000 feet (or 300 meters). But since you’ll more often see a Submariner in the boardroom than leagues under the sea, we assume most collectors aren’t purchasing one for its professional capabilities.
Instead, we would hazard a guess that the ongoing popularity of the Rolex Submariner stems more from the incredible marketing machine that is Rolex. And of course, it can’t hurt that Sean Connery’s James Bond sported this watch in three different 1960s Bond films.
Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa
While many luxury watchmakers have been around for centuries, Richard Mille breaks the mold as a relative newcomer on the upscale horological scene. Since their inception in 2001, Richard Mille watches have been making waves with disruptive technological innovations, a now-iconic tonneau-shaped case, and skeletonized dials that give the wearer an inside look at the impressive mechanics powering these timepieces.
It is virtually impossible to pick a singular Richard Mille watch that stands out above the rest – so we have landed on the RM 011 Felipe Massa Chronograph, a titanium watch that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s commitment to durability and its founder’s love for high-performance sports. This timepiece was created in collaboration with Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa, and ushered in a new era of big-name Richard Mille collaborations with notable athletes, actors, performers, and more.
Released in 2007, the RM 011 Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph was the first automatic watch in Richard Mille’s lineup that featured a flyback chronograph with an oversize date and month display. The skeletonized movement that you can see pictured above is a classic element of Richard Mille watches, and we love the edge, mechanical look that the titanium bezel offers.
OMEGA Speedmaster “Moonwatch”
There are watches that have impacted the course of horological history because of their technological innovations, those that have influenced stylistic preferences for years to come, and those that are known for their roles in major cultural events. The OMEGA Speedmaster falls into the latter category. Why? In 1969, this timepiece accompanied astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong as they took mankind’s first steps on the surface of the Moon.
The story of OMEGA and NASA begins in 1965, when NASA invited four major watch brands to submit bids for a timepiece worthy of accompanying astronauts to outer space. OMEGA was the only brand that met the organization’s demanding requirements, and thus became a staple of galactic missions in the decades to come. OMEGA is also well-known for being the official timekeeper of the Olympic games – and behind Rolex, it is the second best-selling watch brand in recent years.
The iconic place that the so-called “Moonwatch” holds in American and global culture earns it a well-deserved place on this list of the five most significant watch models in history. The OMEGA Speedmaster continues to be manufactured and remains a desirable timepiece for intergalactic enthusiasts and watch aficionados alike.
Discover a Watch for the Ages at Avi & Co.
Looking to get your hands on one of the most significant timepieces to ever grace the face of the Earth? Look no further than trusted secondary market watch retailer Avi & Co. Join us at any of our three upscale boutiques, located in New York City, Miami, and Aspen, to explore our vast selection of luxury timepieces as well as our own branded Avi & Co. watch lines and fine diamond jewelry collection.
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind watch that you can pass down for generations, there is no better place than Avi & Co. Our knowledgeable customer service team will assist you every step of the way. We guarantee that all of our pieces are 100% genuine and authentic, so you can place your ultimate trust in our proven process.
So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment to visit us in person today. We can’t wait to meet you!
