In terms of brand name recognised by the general public definitely Rolex and now Apple cant be far behind. Casio is also pretty ubiquitous.
But I don't think any particular model name, eg Submariner or Datejust would mean anything at all to the vast majority of non WIS.
As regards the Apple watch, sure it tells the time but is it really just a watch per se? Is comparing it to normal mechanical and quartz watches fair in the so - called watch icon list?
After all a phone tells the time as well but isn't a watch and the Apple watch is a wrist computer IMO.
Cheers,
Neil.
Besides the one already mentioned, I would also add the Breitling Navitimer and IWC Big Pilot to the list.
For TZ-ers of a certain vintage, to quote Mr Connery in another role:-
"In the end, there can be only one"
Last edited by stiglet; 11th September 2024 at 18:11. Reason: can't type..
So is a Navitimer ;-)Originally Posted by Neil.C
Submariner springs immediately to mind, but the Datejust when thinking about it - eclipses it (just), I think.
Personally I'd choose the Speedmaster, but can imagine that it should be the Submariner as it's the one I think a significant majority would go for.
If having to pick an iconic Top 5, I'd imagine;
1. Submariner
2. Speedmaster
3. Tank
4. Nautilus
5. Reverso
Aaaaand……… we are up to the top 5 iconic watches
Iconic: "Relating to or of the nature of an icon; regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration."
So far as a representative symbol is concerned, it must be a Rolex. Their marketing has served them well. As to which model, I've no idea. Been coming here for years, still couldn't tell a DJ from a Sub.
In terms of worthy of veneration, surely a Patek or similar would score over a Rolex?
Got to be the Submariner, then Datejust or Speedmaster Moonswatch.
The icons depend of category for me.
Dive = Blancpain Fifty Fathoms / Submariner
Dress M = Patek Philippe Calatrava
Dress F = Cartier Panthere
Sports = Audemars Piguet Royal Oak / Vacheron Constantin Overseas
Chrono = Speedmaster Professional / Heuer Monaco
1980's = Tag Heuer F1 plasticy one / Tissot Rock Watch / any Swatch
Of course just in my opinion, some may agree, some may not.
The choice is huge and subjective.
It's actually surprising that everyone seems to agree so much on the most iconic watches.
To me, it's also Sub, Speedy, DJ, the most iconic. Reverso, AP, especially the BP FF are more in the connoiseur category to me, iconic in a different way. Then there is the F91W, again iconic in a different category.
I'm surprised the Datejust is mentioned so much.
I'll be honest, as someone with little interest in Rolexes in general, I'm not sure I could correctly identify one now!
A Sub or a Daytona, even a Milgauss or a Yachtmaster, 100%, but not a Datejust.
Take the logo off and I'd be surprised if many outside the forum could.
M
Breitling Cosmonaute 809 - What's not to like?
The classic Datejust with fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet is generally more recognisable than Subs or Daytonas IMO, one black/steel dive watch looks pretty much like another unless you look fairly closely. However, as the general public become more distanced from traditional wristwatches even this association will be lesser in the future.
Joe Public isn`t interested in traditional watches, smart watches and phones have taken over.....sad but true.
I do agree with this. The date just is well known but it’s not iconic (should that be ironic) unless talking about a 2nd had car dealer (Tongue in cheek obviously)
The sub has spawned a thousand imitators, it’s widely copied, it’s the archetype dive watch. I don’t think you could get more iconic.
Good guys wear submariners and save the world. Date just wearers wear sheepskin jackets, gold chains and put sawdust in gear boxes.
If anything the Day Date can be argued as iconic, it is the Presidential/President bracelet, but not the Date Just.
Submariner for me. Cant see anything more iconic than that.
That does not make it iconic
The ones I consider iconic would be
Rolex Submariner
Omega Speedmaster
Rolex DJ (two-tone)
Casio F91-W
Of those I’d say the Sub is the most iconic. Rolex is the most well known watch brand, and the triangle, dots, dashes and Mercedes hands of the Sub are synonymous with Rolex.
No one has mentioned the
Zenith El Primero - the first fully integrated hi frequency automatic chronograph.
“ Ford... you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.” HHGTTG
Surprising, that.
This.
Agreed, put a datejust (or daydate) and submariner side by side and ask Joe Public which one is the Rolex (with name on dial covered obviously) and I reckon the DJ Wouk’s win it by a mile from the sub with a small percentage saying they both are.
And if you walk by or see a Rolex Sign outside a shop or in an airport etc it shows a Date Just with a fluted bezel.
But to WIS it’s still a Sub
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... both may be correct.
I've had one for years which has languished in the safe , but I reckon I am old enough to wear it now I'm an OAP
Then ask them which of the two they would like to own ...
Individually it will be something like Paul Newman’s Daytona due to the publicity received and I doubt most people have even heard of Henry Graves.
As a model it probably is the date just as that’s what most people, not particularly into watches would associate. People into watches would be more likely to say the submariner.
I feel like this should be mentioned:
An Apple watch is ubiquitous, not iconic.
(Yet)
In 40 years hipsters will be wearing then as a retro alternative to an internal neuro-link that does the same stuff, better.
Then they'll be iconic.
Maybe.
I’m going with:
1) Sub date (of any era)
The glistening of the nibbled edge of the bezel and date bubble.
2) DJ
Fluted bezel, date bubble, jubilee bracket.
The Corenet is probably one of the most instantly recognisable logos/ emblems, and the design of the two mentioned above would be instantly notable worldwide imo, and with their longevity “worthy of veneration”.
I know that Rolex is the most well known brand and aspiring to own a Sub is the thing to do, but when it comes to icons I can't see how it could be anything other than the Speedmaster.
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
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