25 most iconic watches ever

18 Aug 2010

Zenith El Primero 1969
In the 1969 race to create the first automatic chronograph, only Zenith succeeded in designing a fully integrated movement. The El Primero internals are still some of the finest around, and have found their way into such classics as the Rolex Daytona. A 40th-anniversary edition of the original Zenith El Primero watch was released in 2009.

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Comments

thx67

2 years ago

No omega seamaster? I agree lots of these watches are fantastic and superbly designed but I'm not sure they are all iconic. The classic seamaster has been in countless bond films and is up there with the rolex sub. Take the tissot out and put the seamaster in please

lakofka

2 years ago

No Seamaster? What kind of half arsed list is this?

barrowfordred

2 years ago

The Seamaster was in the Bond films purely as product placement. Not on merit.

thelasersailor

2 years ago

And that means it's not iconic because ...?

mattbeef

2 years ago

Not a single Seiko in there.......Poor show if you ask me no mention of the SKX007/009 possibly one of the few watches used by divers

pacfreeman@goog...

2 years ago

Great to see the Breitling Navitimer here, I've had one since 1967. It's a shame that you showed the modern version rather than the actual vintage model which is far nicer looking.

merthyrmafia

2 years ago

Would have to have somewhere in my 25 the classic looking Oris Big Crown!

PastorAlan

2 years ago

The list is fine, and ticks all the "right on" boxes - but no Chopard? The Mille Miglia is about as cool a chronograph as you can lay your hands on, with plenty of racing history to throw all your Tag's into a cocked hat. And whilst we're on the subject of IWC being the best pilot's watch, where's Breguet in your list? They may be relatively new, but by golly they are pretty...

colstewart

2 years ago

Seamaster......

misscrafty

2 years ago

I'm sorry but a lot of them are downright ugly! Even if I could afford them- which I can't- no way would I want them. Where are the subtle watches? Most of these you would need muscles like a navvy just to lift your arm.

clive777

2 years ago

Hi guys what about the Pulsar LED from 1973 or the Cartier Santos from 1904

Artoisguy

2 years ago

Agree with the Seamaster, it should be there .... and no Sinclair black watch????tut tut guys, poor research ...

Horology

1 year ago

I'm amazed that the Accutron Spaceview was not featured in this list. The Accutron was the primary instrument in which the Omega Speedmaster was a back up for. Not only was the Accutron such an amazing watch, the history is more so. So amazing were these watches that they were gifted to heads of state. Fitted on board of Airforce 1, first radio and TV commercial in the USA was for Accutron. I own 2 Spaceviews, simply amazing. Do a wiki search, Im sure you will be pleasantly surprised.