Top 3 watch icons worth saving up for.
Every week I’m going to make a 3 watch list to help guys sift through the vast world of watches to find their one watch. While watch collecting is a great hobby and passion most of us don’t have thousands of dollars to consistently spend on watches but I do think every man should have one great watch to accompany him through life and maybe one day pass on. These lists will help with that.
This week I chose “Icon” watches watches rich with history and solid reputations in the watch world all good enough to a mans “one watch.”
3. This watch is for the Artist. The Tag Heuer Monaco
The Tag Heuer Monaco was originally designed to be a watch for people with an eye for design architects, artists, ect. But later morphed into a racing icon when Steve Mcqueen wore the new square faced watch in the film Le Mans about the race of the same name. Along with it’s connection to Mcqueen this was also the first automatic and square cased chronograph watch forever cementing is place in watch history. This watch really works for artists and racing enthusiasts alike. It’s a great classic piece that will also stand out in a crowd. People who know nothing about watches will appreciate it’s avant garde looks and people who love watches will instantly appreciate it for the icon it is. It’s slightly dressier than the other two watches on this list and most versions of it come on high quality leather straps rather than the sportier more robust metal bracelet. Don’t be fooled though, this is still a well built tough watch that can take you from work to the weekend depending on your lifestyle. As long as you’re not wearing it while working construction or playing water polo you should be ok. The piece pictured above (steve mcqueen edition) goes for $6,300 direct from Tag Heuer but it can be had for much less with some shopping around and there are also other less expensive versions of the watch.
2. For the Old Soul. Omega Speedmaster Professional.
This watch easily has the most storied history of any watch in the history of watches and like the watch above became something different from what it was originally designed for. Introduced in 1957 it was originally intended as a sports and racing chronograph watch and included a tachymeter scale on the bezel to help determine speeds the helped add credibility to Omega as the official time keeper of the Olympics. That all changed in 1962 when NASA needed a watch to go to space. NASA tested a variety of watches from many different respectable brands including Breitling and Rolex to see what if any watch was up to the task. After a number of very vigorous tests including extreme vibration, temp. variation, and pressure the Omega Speedmaster Professional was chosen as the only watch suitable and later became the first and only watch on the moon when Buzz Aldrin wore it with him. This is a watch lovers watch and is instantly recognizable by those with a passion for horology and history. If it’s tough enough for NASA it’s tough enough for you. This can easily be an everyday watch and wears perfectly with a suit or shorts and a tee shirt and looks just as good on a bracelet as a leather strap. Being that it is a chronograph it’s not the most water resistant so unless your just lounging and casually swimming in the pool I’d take it off. On dry land as well as space however this watch is very tough. It’s also the least expensive watch on this list. It can be had for about $4,000 from Omega directly and less from other dealers.
1. For a guy whose always ready for anything. Rolex Submariner.
The Rolex Submariner may be the most recognizable and copied watch in the world. A solid dive watch the Submariner has been used for many different oceanic expeditions as well as in the Royal Navy. More famously it has been worn in a number of James Bond movies and has become synonymous with the older versions of the secret agent. It’s classic looks will never go out of style and it is considered by many to be a “perfect watch” it can literally be worn with anything and still look amazing. It’s solid Rolex construction make it near indestructible and will last you a lifetime. You can put this watch on go do some heavy duty work on a construction site, then slip it over your wetsuit and so some super secret dives and finish up the day in a tux with a martini shaken of course and this watch will never fail. While working hard labor with a Rolex on isn’t really recommended the point is it can take it. With this amazing versatility and icon status comes a hefty price tag. This is by far the most expensive watch on the list with a retail price starting at $7,500 and Rolex watches are a lot harder than the other two on this list to get at a discount. But their are great examples of used watches in near new condition to be had.
Here are some useful links to help you find one of these watches at a good price from some reputable dealers. Of course you can always search online for an authorized dealer near you.