The great Yves Saint Laurent was once quoted as saying, ‘fashions fade, but style is eternal’. This is a moniker that we could all learn a thing or two from, especially when it comes to watches.
There are a select number of timepieces that have gained iconic status over time, thanks in no large part to their functionality and dedication to timeless design. They have become the signature pieces of their respective brands, instantly recognisable and equally admired by connoisseurs, enthusiasts and just those with an eye for quality. These are the 10 most legendary watches.
PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA, , Patek Philippe is arguably the most prestigious of all Swiss watch brands, and this white gold Calatrava is about as iconic as they come, having been around since 1932.
Patek Philippe Calatrava, £POA from Watches of Switzerland
VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY CONTEMPORAINE, , The Patrimony Contemporaine is the embodiment of simple, elegant watch design. Its pink gold case and champagne coloured face is understated yet luxurious in every conceivable way.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine, £20,750 from Watches of Switzerland
A. LANGE AND SOHNE ANNUAL CALENDAR, , The moon-phase, day and month functions on this elaborate A.Lange and Sohne wristwatch really separate it from the rest.
A. Lange and Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar, £33,300 from Watches of Switzerland
BREITLING NAVITIMER 01, , The Navitimer has been the watch of choice for pilots since 1952. Its intricate design is as functional as it is beautiful, able to perform a range of airbourne calculations.
Breitling Navitimer 01, £5,760 from Goldsmiths
IWC PORTOFINO CHRONOGRAPH, , IWC’s Portofino Chronograph is about as stylish as it gets. Its slick design perfectly portrays what the Swiss brand is all about, and it’s garnered plenty of fans over the years.
IWC Portofino Chronograph, £POA from IWC
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING, , The number one choice for the mega-rich jet-set of today, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a mark of distinction. This self-winding model is the one that started it all.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding, £POA from Audemars Piguet
ROLEX SUBMARINER, , There’s not much that hasn’t been said about the Rolex Submariner. It’s the king of diving watches, simple.
Rolex Submariner, £POA from Rolex
CARTIER TANK LOUIS CARTIER, , This watch was worn by Louis Cartier himself. If it’s good enough for the founder of Cartier, it’s good enough for us.
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, £6,950 from Cartier
OMEGA SEAMASTER, , The quintessential Omega timepiece is a favourite of James Bond, and we all know how much of a style icon he is.
Omega Seamaster Diver Co-Axial 300M, £POA from Omega
TAG HEUER MONACO, , Tag Heuer’s Monaco was the first ever square-cased waterproof watch back in 1969. It’s legendary status has since been cemented on the silver screen, having been featured on the wrist of none other than Steve McQueen.
Tag Heuer Monaco, £POA from Tag Heuer
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