Words: Gentleman's Journal
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Time waits for no man. An iconic timepiece, however, can stop a gentleman right in his tracks. Whether it’s the craftsmanship on show, the tradition it represents or the technology behind it, a classic watch tells more than time – it tells the world who you are.
Whether you’re about to invest in your first serious timepiece or looking to add to an already impressive collection, the right luxury timepiece acts as a milestone in life: a marker of time well spent. If you’re struggling to choose the perfect timepiece then allow Watchfinder & Co to help. Founded in 2002, the renowned pre-owned watch specialist offers more than 5,500 watches from 60 premium brands, including Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe, plus watchmakers and industry experts with more than 100 years of combined experience to help you find your ideal timepiece. Here are the classics we suggest investing in now…
Arguably the most celebrated of all diving watches, the Rolex Submariner is a true icon of watch design and, thanks to its exceptional aesthetic and build quality, one of the most recognisable luxury watches ever created. Famous wearers include Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, Ralph Lauren and Sir Roger Moore.
Every serious watch collection needs at least one Rolex. You can’t go wrong with a Submariner, one of its most legendary models, featuring materials you’ll generally only find in aeronautics and the highest of high-end engineering.
Born in 1953 the Fifty Fathoms was made to withstand depths few people, let alone watches, had been to at the time. These features helped this Swiss timepiece to quickly become a favourite of the diving community. Its design has hardly changed in the last 65 years, proof of its quality and timeless appeal.
With a strong military history there is very little that would phase it. If you’re heading for rough terrain then you’ll want this timepiece on your wrist.
When Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong first stepped on the moon’s surface back in 1969, it was a version of this stainless steel chronograph that was strapped to the outside of their space suits. However, it’s true heritage lies on the race track where it made its debut on the wrists of racing drivers in the 1950s. Robust enough to stand the test of space travel or the tarmac, it is a design that is still considered a classic to this day.
There are few examples of watch designs that have stayed so true to their original form for over 50 years. Despite being able to make it to the moon and back this watch is still an extremely affordable model for such an incredible example of watchmaking – and this stunning 1967 example should be snapped up without hesitation.
A modern classic, the Premier B01 was reissued in 2018 as an update to the kind of classic Breitling dress watch that had fallen out of production as the brand moved towards sportier styles at the end of the last century. Sporting a ‘modern retro’ design, it is likely this will serve as the basis for future formal timepieces from Breitling so snap up one of the originals while you can.
Any collector worth their salt will have a Breitling in their winder but you can’t just have any Breitling. If you’ve only got room for one, make sure you include the Premier B01 in your rotation, it’s one of the most versatile watches you’ll ever own.
When the quartz crisis hit the watch industry in the early 1970s, it was this uniquely designed sports watch from Patek Philippe that helped the market rebound. While it was celebrated at the time for its beauty, today it remains a stalwart of the most discerning collector’s portfolio.
Patek Philippe excels in making those timepieces that will surely be handed down the generations. A reminder of your good taste, and appreciation of quality for your children, and their children after.
With 60 years of Tudor diving history behind it, this tough model has very quickly become a modern-day classic, with a rugged, go-anywhere look that Tudor has made all its own. Incorporating an in-house movement, the latest iterations of the Black Bay have been a game-changer in the industry, producing high quality timepieces for under £3,000.
While a Tudor might not carry the weight (or price) of a Rolex, its sister company, that should not put you off picking up a snowflaked hand watch. The build quality is outstanding, with a utilitarian design we thoroughly approve of.
The oldest continually running watch brand in the world (founded in 1755), Vacheron Constantin knows a thing or two about putting together a quality timepiece. The name gives it away in this elegant black tie timepiece – its traditional style is completely timeless.
Its stunning good looks belie the technical expertise behind this watch. The manual in-house movement powers day, date, month, small seconds, day/night indicator and 30 second counter functions.
Get an in-depth look at the Tudor Black Bay GMT…
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