null
Timeless Timepieces: An Exploration of Classic Watch Designs That Have Stood the Test of Time

Timeless Timepieces: An Exploration of Classic Watch Designs That Have Stood the Test of Time

Posted by AIS Watches on Aug 17th 2023

In the modern world of luxury watches, it's easy to be swayed into buying a newly released model. After all, today there are more watch brands than ever before - and with many of them releasing new models every year, why wouldn't you want to buy one? However, while there's nothing wrong with wanting something new and exciting, it's worth remembering that there are plenty of classic designs out there - watches that have stood the test of time and remain classics for good reason. In this article I've taken a look at some timeless timepieces that have stood the test of time (and trends).

The Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner was designed by Dr. Hans Wilsdorf and Engineer René-Paul Jeanneret, who were tasked with creating a waterproof watch that could withstand depths of 100 meters (328 feet). The first Submariner was introduced in 1953 and had an acrylic crystal (an early form of plastic) over its dial instead of glass because it was more resistant to cracking under pressure--a necessity for diving watches.

The most notable feature of this iconic timepiece is its 40mm case size: It's small enough to wear daily but large enough to make an impression on anyone who sees it on your wrist. The 904L steel construction makes it tough enough for everyday use, while the sapphire crystal ensures that this watch will look good for years after purchase thanks to its ability not only withstand scratches but also resist scratching other objects when placed against them.

The Omega Speedmaster

If you're looking for a classic timepiece, then the Omega Speedmaster is one of the best. The original Speedmaster was developed for NASA's space program and worn by astronauts on all of their Apollo missions. It's also famous for being worn by Buzz Aldrin when he walked on the moon during Apollo 11 in 1969.

The newest version was released earlier this year after an extensive redesign process that took over five years to complete. The new model features an automatic movement with manual winding capability; a sapphire crystal lens with anti-reflective coating; a stainless steel caseback engraved with "Limited Edition"; and an outer bezel ring made from 18k gold (with diamond markers).

Patek Philippe Calatrava

The Calatrava is a classic design that has been popular since its introduction in 1932. The watch was named after the Calatrava Cross, which is thought to have been used as protection against evil spirits and demons during medieval times. It represents an important milestone in watchmaking history because it was the first timepiece with a perpetual calendar (an invention patented by Patek Philippe).

The watch was also worn by many famous people including Prince Rainier III of Monaco and former United States president George H.W Bush who received his first Calatrava from his father-in-law George Herbert Walker Bush Sr.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was designed by Gerald Genta in 1972 for the brand's 150th anniversary. It's a classic watch design that has stood the test of time.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was originally released as part of a limited edition series, but it became so popular that it was added to their standard collection later on. One reason this watch has remained popular is because of its clean lines and simple aesthetic; even though it doesn't look like much at first glance, there are lots of details to appreciate when you take a closer look!

Cartier Tank Must

The Cartier Tank Must is a timepiece that has stood the test of time, having been introduced in 1936. With its simple and elegant design, this watch makes use of a combination of stainless steel and 18K gold to create an impressive piece. The original Tank was designed by Louis Cartier and inspired by the Renault tank--hence its name.

The brushed stainless steel case measures 37mm x 41mm (1 1/2 inches wide x 2 1/4 inches thick), while the white dial features Arabic numerals at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock as well as small seconds subdials at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock; there's also an aperture at 7:30 where you can view your date window! Inside is Swiss automatic movement Caliber CFB A1003-1 with 45 hours power reserve when fully wound; this means less frequent winding than if you had opted for quartz movement instead which needs daily charging up!

Breitling Navitimer

In 1952, Breitling introduced the world to a watch that would become an icon of aviation. Inspired by the cockpit of a plane and designed to be used by pilots, this timepiece was meant to be worn in flight or on land--a distinction that would make it one of the most versatile watches on earth. The first version had a slide rule bezel (the ring around the outside) which allowed users to calculate things like fuel consumption or distance traveled without having access to any other tool besides their own hands. This feature was removed for later versions because it was deemed unnecessary for everyday use but continues being popular with collectors today due to its unique design aesthetic and historical significance as one of Breitling's earliest designs.

Hamilton Field Khaki

The Hamilton Field Khaki was designed in 1970 with an eye toward durability and reliability rather than style or fashion trends. It's not flashy; it doesn't come with extra features like date windows or chronographs; there aren't any complications at all (unless you count being waterproof). Instead, this piece focuses on simplicity: two hands indicating hours and minutes on an uncluttered dial with Arabic numerals only where they're needed most--at 12 o'clock position--making them easy to read at a glance no matter which hand is used as point of reference during reading timekeeping tasks such as calculating elapsed time between events happening simultaneously (as opposed to sequentially).

Hublot Big Bang

The Big Bang is one of the most recognizable watches in the world. It's also one of the most expensive and complex, with a movement that includes more than 300 components. As you might expect, Hublot has released several variations on this watch over time. Here are some of our favorites:

Hublot Big Bang Unico Tourbillon GMT (above) - The company's first timepiece to feature its Unico system, which allows for an additional power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock; it also has a tourbillon escapement visible through an opening at 6 o'clock Hublot King Power Red Gold Black Ceramic Chronograph (below) - This limited edition model features black ceramic accents on its case and band with red gold details throughout

Tudor Heritage Black Bay

The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is a watch that has stood the test of time. It's a classic diver watch, and it has been in production since 1954 (albeit with some modifications).

This watch looks great on any wrist and can be worn by both men and women alike. The black dial is easy to read at a glance thanks to its large hour markers, while its thick case gives it an undeniable presence on your wrist without being too heavy or bulky.

Watches used to be immune to trends. Styles were timeless - a watch was designed to be worn for life; the concept of a watch wardrobe laughable. However, the 70s and 80s started to change all that. Sizes fluctuated, colours changed and when fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel started to take the catwalk onto the workbench, the idea of watch trends really took hold.

Watches used to be immune to trends. Styles were timeless - a watch was designed to be worn for life; the concept of a watch wardrobe laughable. However, the 70s and 80s started to change all that. Sizes fluctuated, colours changed and when fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel started to take the catwalk onto the workbench, the idea of watch trends really took hold.

In recent years however, there have been signs of this pendulum swinging back again; with brands like Omega bringing back classic designs from their archives (and reissuing them) while others such as Rolex continue making subtle changes in order not just keep up with changing tastes but also maintain their position at the top table when it comes down purely matters relating price point versus quality versus design aesthetic quality etcetera.

We can't help but think that the watch industry has lost something in its quest to stay relevant. It's hard not to look back fondly on those days when timepieces were designed with longevity in mind and designed to stand the test of time. We hope this article has inspired you to go out there and find yourself a timeless timepiece!