For better or for worse, genuine pieces of watchmaking history don’t often keep up with the latest style trends as well as they keep time. But there are a handful of exceptions; a few masters of style that are so well built and designed, they look just as good today as they did when they first rolled out the workshop.
The following five watches manage to do just that, standing the test of time and proving themselves as icons in the worlds of both fashion and watchmaking. And as they carry such a timeless and universal appeal, they show no signs of hitting the cabinet drawer anytime soon.
1. Hamilton Aqua Date Supercompressor
With their iconic dual crown case and inner rotating bezel, Supercompressor watches are an instantly recognisable style that was as popular in the 70s as it is today.
The watch gets its name from being a dive watch that is designed to become more watertight the deeper it goes below the surface. Although every brand from Zenith, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and Blancpain all made their own take on the watch, this one from Hamilton has a particularly contemporary-esque beauty and appeal to it.
2. Scubapro 500 Automatic Diver
Another iconic style of dive watch (you may see a trend emerging), the Scubapro 500 Automatic Diver is almost as old as the sport of scuba diving itself. The watch is a rarity to find in the vintage market due to it being of immense practical value in the field — or sea — but nonetheless, it’s worth highlighting for its unique ‘tuna can’ design and rugged chassis.
The Scubapro brand has an almost cult-like following today, and the famous tuna can style lives on in many Seiko models. Keep it modern and yet traditional by pairing it with a rubber dive or colourful nylon strap.
3. Rolex Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date
Straight from the record books of watchmaking, the Rolex Submariner is a classic dive watch that is as nearly as age-defying as it is desirable.
This Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date model is particularly in vogue today due to its bold black bezel and black dial that perfectly highlights the characteristic magnified date window. In true Rolex fashion, the Submariner combines understated sophistication with heritage and quality; as proved by the original model first being launched in 1953 and the line still going strong today.
4. Omega Seamaster Professional Automatic
Another dive watch that was popularised by one of the world’s most stylish men, James Bond, the Omega Seamaster also bears the mantle for being the oldest model in Omega’s extensive collection.
Although it has evolved from its original design, this Seamaster Professional Automatic retains most of the characteristics that made it famous. Modelled on the waterproof watches made for the British military during World War II, it features a significant 41mm steel case, black dial, luminous hands, and blue, unidirectional rotating bezel. These features give the Seamaster a robust and chiefly sporty look that wouldn’t look out of place on a dive ship or Michelin star restaurant.
5. Tag Heuer Aquaracer Day-Date Automatic
Coming from a collection that spans over 150 years, the Aquaracer is a unique timepiece — built for lovers of sailing and water sports — that has become one of Tag Heuer’s most sought after watches.
And as a chronograph with a black dial, unidirectional bezel, luminous batons, and day-date indicator function at the 3 o’clock position, it’s clear to see why. In optimum condition, it looks like it could have come straight from a 2018 model line. And yet, thanks to its quality workmanship and trademark Tag Heuer features, it retains much of its historical value and vintage appeal.
