Watches are more than just tools for telling time—they’re cultural markers, engineering triumphs, and symbols of style that reflect the eras in which they were created. Some watches have gone beyond their horological purpose to change history itself, influencing design, technology, and even world events.
From space travel to deep-sea exploration, these 10 iconic watches have left an indelible mark on history and remain some of the most celebrated timepieces ever made.
1. Rolex Submariner (1953) – The Birth of the Modern Dive Watch
When Rolex launched the Submariner in 1953, it redefined what a tool watch could be. Built for divers, it was one of the first watches to achieve water resistance up to 100 meters, with its now-legendary rotating bezel for tracking dive times.
The Submariner wasn’t just for professionals—it became a pop culture phenomenon, gracing the wrist of James Bond in the Sean Connery era. Today, it’s considered one of the most versatile watches ever made, equally at home underwater or under a tuxedo sleeve.
2. Omega Speedmaster Professional (1957) – The Moonwatch
Few watches have a résumé like the Omega Speedmaster. Initially launched as a racing chronograph, it became the first watch worn on the moon in 1969 during Apollo 11. NASA selected the Speedmaster after rigorous testing, proving it could withstand extreme heat, cold, and zero gravity.
Known as the Moonwatch, it represents human achievement at its finest. Even today, astronauts still wear Speedmasters on missions, cementing its place as one of the most historically significant timepieces ever.
3. Cartier Santos (1904) – The First Modern Wristwatch
Before the early 1900s, pocket watches dominated. That changed when aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont asked Louis Cartier to create a practical watch he could use while flying. Cartier responded with the Santos, one of the very first wristwatches designed for men.
The Santos helped transition watches from pocket to wrist, reshaping horology forever. Its square case and visible screws are still instantly recognisable today.
4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (1972) – The Luxury Sports Watch Pioneer
In the early 1970s, the quartz crisis shook Swiss watchmaking. Audemars Piguet responded with something radical: the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta. With its bold octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and stainless steel construction priced like gold, it shocked the industry.
Initially polarizing, the Royal Oak is now hailed as the first true luxury sports watch, inspiring countless imitations and setting a new design language that continues to dominate.
5. Seiko Astron (1969) – The Quartz Revolution
On Christmas Day 1969, Seiko released the Astron, the world’s first quartz wristwatch. Unlike traditional mechanical movements, the Astron used a quartz crystal oscillator, delivering unprecedented accuracy.
This invention triggered the Quartz Revolution, making watches more affordable and reliable, but also nearly devastating the Swiss watch industry. Today, quartz technology remains the backbone of everyday timekeeping, thanks to Seiko’s groundbreaking release.
6. Patek Philippe Calatrava (1932) – The Standard of Elegance
When Patek Philippe introduced the Calatrava, it set a new benchmark for minimalist elegance. Inspired by the Bauhaus design movement, it featured a clean, round case and uncluttered dial, making it timelessly stylish.
The Calatrava established the modern dress watch aesthetic, and its influence continues across countless brands. For many, it embodies the phrase: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.”
7. TAG Heuer Monaco (1969) – The Square Chronograph of Cool
In 1969, TAG Heuer (then simply Heuer) released the Monaco, one of the first automatic chronographs and the first water-resistant square-cased watch. Its fame skyrocketed when Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 film Le Mans.
With its bold design and racing heritage, the Monaco became a cultural icon. To this day, it remains synonymous with motorsport and cool, retro style.
8. Casio G-Shock DW-5000C (1983) – The Indestructible Watch
When engineer Kikuo Ibe set out to design a watch that would never break, the result was the Casio G-Shock. Released in 1983, the DW-5000C was shock-resistant, water-resistant, and rugged enough to survive virtually anything.
G-Shock became the ultimate tool watch for military, law enforcement, and adventurers. Its cultural impact spread beyond utility, influencing streetwear and hip-hop fashion in the 1990s and beyond.
9. Zenith El Primero (1969) – The First High-Frequency Automatic Chronograph
1969 was a landmark year in watchmaking, and one of the highlights was Zenith’s release of the El Primero. It was among the first automatic chronograph movements but stood apart with its high-beat frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, allowing for precise 1/10th of a second measurement.
Even decades later, the El Primero remains legendary—so much so that Rolex used it (heavily modified) in its Daytona chronograph models until 2000.
10. Panerai Radiomir (1936) – The Military Dive Pioneer
Originally designed for the Italian Royal Navy, the Panerai Radiomir introduced a large cushion-shaped case and luminous dial for underwater legibility. The name came from “Radiomir,” a radium-based luminescent material.
Though it started as a military tool, the Radiomir later became a civilian favourite, especially after Sylvester Stallone wore one in the 1990s. Its bold size and distinct Italian style made oversized watches a mainstream trend.
Why These Watches Matter
Each of these watches didn’t just succeed commercially—they shifted the industry, influenced design trends, or played roles in major historical events. Together, they chart the evolution of horology:
From Cartier Santos pioneering wristwatches to Seiko Astron introducing quartz. From Rolex Submariner defining dive watches to Casio G-Shock proving durability could be stylish. From Omega Speedmaster traveling to the moon to Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reinventing luxury.
They remind us that a watch can be far more than a timekeeping device—it can be a piece of history on your wrist.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore horology, understanding these 10 iconic watches that changed history provides insight into why timepieces continue to captivate us. Each of these models reflects a breakthrough in design, technology, or cultural influence, making them timeless in every sense of the word.
If you’re considering investing in a watch, these icons are not only safe bets but also windows into the moments that shaped the watch world. From boardrooms to battlefields, racetracks to outer space, these watches prove that horology is history you can wear.
