Top 5 Iconic Watches Every Collector Should Own

There are those certain watches from popular mainstream brands that have a huge following and are the genetic DNA of the brand, if not somewhat - entirely. Here is my list of the Top 5 watches that are generally classic, timeless, and retain value, with the chance of price increases as well in the future years to come.

#1 Rolex Submariner

As cliche as it might sound...but yes the Rolex Submariner is a timeless and classic dive watch and a very capable one. Prices have soared over the years way past inflation and for good reason. It is an awesome everyday, no nonsense, luxury watch. My version is the No date version or just the “Submariner”. It is more true to the lineage of the original submariner which did not have a date with a cyclops nor a date. It is clean, goes well with a suit or just a plain white t-shirt and cargo shorts. This watch retails at $7500 but since the rolex drought this year, new grey market prices have reached nearly $8500-$9000.

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#2 Rolex Day Date “President”

The Rolex Day Date has been seen as a worldwide symbol for wealth, class, and well some gaudiness. You can find many different versions of this model at all different pricepoints. Many of your leaders and presidents have worn this watch at one time or another and it is an awesome looking watch. The solid 18K gold presidential bracelet ( hence the name President ), is seamless, comfortable, and attractive. The 18038 model seen on my wrist is a model from the early 1980s, and can be had for around $10,500 with box and papers. It is one of the best bang per buck solid gold watches one can find. The newer models tend to go for a bit more , and even more in the 40MM case.

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#3 Omega Speedmaster Professional MoonWatch

When Buzz Aldrin stepped on the lunar surface in 1969 on the moon, guess what he was wearing? If you guessed an Omega Speedmaster, you were right. This iconic watch from powerhouse swiss watchmaker Omega has an enormous cult following, so much they created a special day of the week to wear your Speedmaster ( #SpeedyTuesday ). The version that is almost true to the original is the Speedmaster professional reissue which houses essentially the same 1861 calibre that was used in the first. It also can be bought with Hesalite glass which the original had or with a modern Sapphire crystal. This chronograph is sure to hold okay value, with vintage models soaring each year in price at auction. The best part about it is that a new Speedy can be bought for under $4000 USD.

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#4 Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is one of the most iconic aviation watches to date. The newer models feature an all in-house B01 Breitling calibre with some amazing specifications. Older Navitimers can be had with Valjoux based movements for almost half the price, which is a bargain considering the history and iconic status this watch holds. It is a rather toolish watch with a functional slide rule for flight calculations such as multiplication, division, and more. The first Navitimer was introduced in 1952. New models can be bought new for around $6000 USD from various online outlets such as Jomashop, while older pre owned models can go for as low as $3,000.

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#5 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

The JLC reverso was introduced in 1931 and originally intended for the upperclass of Brittain to be used whilst playing Polo. The case design was genius in that era, as one side is solid so that the crystal would not get damaged while playing. The Reverso really made a strong comeback in the mid 1980s and new models have been released each year in special editions. JLC is the watchmakers watchmaker some may say, as they produce all components in their own factory in Switzerland where the company originated. If you want Patek quality at an affordable price, JLC is the way to go. The standard JLC models can be found for around $8,000-$10,000, and higher for precious metals.