Ever since people started wearing wristwatches as opposed to pocket watches on chains, we’ve seen a huge number of different styles grace our fashion magazines (and our arms).
But although trends come and go, a select number of watches are stand-out classics. From the Rolex Submariner to the first watch that went into space, these iconic accessories might keep perfect time – but they’re truly timeless when it comes to style.
Whether you’re an avid watch collector or someone who’s simply looking for their next everyday timepiece, read on to find out about the four watches that will never go out of fashion.
The Omega Speedmaster
What better model to top our list of the most timeless watches than one which has literally crossed the barriers of space (and time)? Introducing the first watch on the moon: The Speedmaster.
Designed by the luxury Swiss watchmaker brand, Omega SA, the Speedmaster is a chronograph watch which was first launched in 1957. It was originally intended as a sport and racing chronograph, a homage to Omega’s status as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games.
But following rigorous qualification tests to find a watch that would withstand the extreme conditions in space, the Omega Speedmaster was selected by astronauts aboard early space missions – and after the success of the Apollo 11 mission in 1966, when both Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore the model, it quickly became known as the ‘Moon watch’.
The Rolex Submariner
This list of the most iconic watches has taken us from the depths of space to the depths of the ocean. As its name suggests, the Rolex Submariner is fully resistant to water and corrosion, and is designed for deep-sea diving and other extreme sports.
The watch was first showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. It’s now considered a classic by everyone from exclusive luxury watch collectors to spy film buffs (the Rolex Submariner was worn by Sean Connery in his role as James Bond).
This watch can withstand depths of up to 300m, or 1000ft. That’s almost three times the depth of the English Channel!
The Movado Museum
Any model known as ‘the museum’ is bound to endure the test of time – and this is certainly true for the Movado Museum watch. Built by the American watchmaker Movado, which takes its name from the phrase ‘always in motion’ in Esperanto, the Museum was first unveiled in 1947. Its now-classic design is a true minimalist masterpiece, with a black dial-face, an hour hand, a minute hand, and a single dot at 12 o’clock.
The Movado Museum was designed by Nathan George Horwitt, who chose the dot at 12 o’clock to symbolise the midday sun. In 1960, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York selected the dial to include in its permanent design collection. It was the first watch in history to be awarded this status – a distinction which more than warrants its place on this list.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most innovative watch designs in the world. Released in 1931 to enable British officers to play polo in India without risking their watches, this model features a fully reversible watch case – meaning the watch face can be easily hidden away to keep it safe from accidental knocks or damage during sport.
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