The Most Historically Important Watches (Article to read)

[BNA/LION]

Some nuggets of information here...

By Nerd Voices | June 22, 2022

There are plenty of watches out there that can be considered “classics.” But some watches truly define their time – these watches become icons. Not only do they have great aesthetics, but they have a story to tell as well. Here’s a list of the most desirable and historically important watches.

The Most Historically Important Watches: We may never know who invented the first timepiece. But one thing’s certain—the following watches have shaped what we know as “watches” today. Prize them for their form, or their function, but either way, be sure to pick a few from the list of “The Most Historically Important Watches” for your luxury collectors’ watch choice.

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is an iconic watch that has been worn by many celebrities, sports stars, and even presidents. It was first launched in 1953 and since then it has been a favorite watch of many people.

This watch was designed for divers who wanted to know how deep they were diving. It was waterproof up to 300 meters, which meant that it could withstand the pressure of diving at such great depths.

The Rolex Submariner has a rotating bezel on its face that allows you to time your dive accurately. This is also known as a chronograph and is used by divers to calculate how much air they have left in their tanks during dives.

The Rolex Submariner was designed by engineer Gerald Genta, who also created the Patek Philippe Nautilus. He was tasked with creating a watch that could withstand the pressures of deep-sea diving, which meant using high-quality materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal to make them as strong as possible.

The Submariner is one of the most iconic watches in history, with a distinctive look that makes it instantly recognizable around the world. It’s been worn by celebrities like James Bond (Sean Connery), Prince William (Kate Middleton’s husband), Prince Harry, and many others over the years because of its timeless design and style.

Omega Speedmaster Professional

The Omega Speedmaster Professional is the watch worn by astronauts on the Moon and the watch that is the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking.

The Omega Speedmaster was made famous after Buzz Aldrin wore it during his historic spacewalk on July 21, 1969. With a waterproof case back and a black dial, this watch was made to be worn under pressure. The Speedmaster Professional has been used in space missions like Apollo 12 and Apollo 13, but its key role was in the lunar mission of Apollo 11. It was worn by Buzz Aldrin when he became the second human being to step foot on another celestial body — an achievement that cemented Omega’s place as a pioneer in horology.

The Caliber 1861 movement is based on an ETA base but heavily changed by Omega’s engineers. It has been tested in extreme conditions such as deep-sea diving or even outer space tests for NASA (the result is -4°C/+20°C). The Caliber 1861 movement is also visible through an exhibition case back, so you can see all its components when it’s sitting on your wrist.

Breitling Navitimer

In the late 1940s, Breitling was in desperate need of a new product. The company had been founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, a watchmaker from Grenchen, Switzerland. Léon’s son Gaston had been running the company since 1930, but he struggled to find a product that would keep the firm profitable.

The answer came in 1947 when an American pilot named Jacqueline Cochran visited Breitling’s offices in Grenchen. Cochran was at the time preparing for her attempt to break the world speed record for women pilots and she wanted to use one of Breitling’s chronographs to time her flights. Cochran was delighted with the results — so much so that she asked Breitling if they could make a chronograph designed specifically for pilots that would allow them to take off and land safely even if their instruments failed due to fog or smoke.

Breitling delivered on this request by creating two different versions of its Breitling Navitimer model: one with a small seconds subdial at 12 o’clock and another with larger hour markers around its dial. This watch would become known as the Navitimer 01 (or simply “Navitimer”).

It has since become one of the most popular pilots watches ever made. The name Navitimer comes from “navigation” and “time.”

Breitling launched its first Navitimer watch in 1952, but it was not until 1954 that the model became a bestseller due to its success with pilots and other professionals who needed a precise timepiece that could also be used in navigation. The model was so popular that Breitling decided to produce it in four different collections: Chronomat, Superocean, Cockpit, and Vintage 1945.

https://nerdbot.com/2022/06/22/the-m...rtant-watches/

[Easy E]

The Rolex Submariner was designed by engineer Gerald Genta

I have not ever heard this before, very interesting. Thanks.

[DJ2020]

The Sub was only 100m water resistance at birth. My 5513 (1983) was also 100m. And a acrylic crystal as well.
" scratch-o- matic".

As for sapphire crystals. I believe JLC came first followed by Omega. Rolex came a little later. Rotating dive bezel was invented by Philip van horn weems in 1929.

Article seems misleading in a way.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Easy E

The Rolex Submariner was designed by engineer Gerald Genta

I have not ever heard this before, very interesting. Thanks.

Perhaps it was the Audemars octagonals ...

[Old Expat Beast]

So much wrong there, I gave up with the Submariner section.

[Paka]

So... Rolex Submariner was designed by Gerald Genta and he used sapphire crystal?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

This watch was designed for divers who wanted to know how deep they were diving.

Is this The Onion?

[tedo]

Think perhaps the Cartier Santos should listed here.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Prince William (Kate Middleton’s husband),

[enjoythemusic]

They forgot to add that those brands use "Formula 1" technology within their timepieces.

As a writer, if you're going to write a comedic fluff piece then go all-the-way and add 'clown car' commentary too.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

So much wrong there, I gave up with the Submariner section.

Same

[BNA/LION]

Ha! I told you all it was Interesting...

[enjoythemusic]

It was, thx!

[Chiboy]

"The Caliber 1861 movement is also visible through an exhibition case back, so you can see all its components when it’s sitting on your wrist."

I guess that's true if you also happen to have a see through wrist!

[Tools]

Goodness.

I hope that nobody uses any of those bullets as fact.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Tools

Goodness.

I hope that nobody uses any of those bullets as fact.

Someone probably will, Larry. That's the sad thing. Sad to see garbage like this getting re-posted on TRF, presumably (one can only assume) without being read first.

[MJ EXPLORER]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Is this The Onion?

The Submariner....discovered by the Germans in 1904. The name translates to....