... this is, I guess, a matter of personal input and supporting argument for the calls we're making, right?
- Rolex Explorer (line). Everest, iconic sports watch with broad, perpetuating (no pun intended appeal), and, wait for it Ian Fleming choice / original James Bond watch.
- Hamilton Pulsar. Commercial LED, widely recognized, worn by President Gerald R. Ford, and introduced Roger Moore as James Bond.
- Ball railroad pocketwatch. Established standards, safety, and industrialized a nation.
- Omega Speedmaster. Moon watch; perpetuating appeal (particularly given, in my experience, it enjoys a popularity inversely proportationate to its actual functional use.
- Seiko quartz (especially LCD). Raised the bar on accuracy, brought it to everyman; nearly destroyed, and arguably re-defined Swiss watchmaking industry.
These are always timekeepers that get my attention when reading, irrespective of any call for a list. So that in and of itself would be why I've listed them here.