Friday, May 8, 2009

The 10 most legendary watches 'Down Under'

Straight from the horse’s mouth: The list of watches regarded by Australian watch collectors as cult, sought after or simply the most talked about timepieces from ‘Down Under’.
Ladies- please pay attention – Christmas is just around the corner.

In their own unique way, the watches listed below have left a mark in the history of watchmaking and 'watch enjoyment and appreciation'. They are here to stay, no matter what the future of fashion for men may be. And Aussies just love them!

Rolex 16610
1. Rolex Submariner 16610
The Rolex Submariner watch owes its existence to Rolex's development of the first ever waterproof case. The Submariner was launched in 1953 and became an immediate success - the watch was sold in large numbers, not only to divers excited about the new frontier of deep sea diving but also to anyone looking for a rugged and reliable timepiece.


New:
$A 7,400

Preowned:
$A 4,000
omega_speedmaster_moonwatch
2. Omega Speedmaster Moon
Omega Speedmaster 'Moon Watch' is the official watch chosen by NASA for US astronauts - the one that was actually worn on the Moon! Designed for research, engineering and sport professionals, the Omega Speedmaster has delivered precision timekeeping under the most extreme conditions. Unchanged since 1957.


New:
$A 4,100

Preowned:
$A 2,500
Rolex 16710
3. Rolex GMT 16710
In 1953, Rolex was asked by Pan Am to create a watch for airline crews that could display the time in the home country as well as the present location. The GMT-Master was an instant commercial success for Rolex and over 55 years later is still a major seller.


New:
$A 7,400

Preowned:
$A 4,500
iwc_portugueser
4. IWC Portugueser
In 1938, in response to a request from two Portuguese watch dealers, IWC produces a large wrist watch equipped with an extremely precise 'in house' pocket watch movement. With its regulator style-dial, the watch was perfect for measuring and recording time. Today, IWC remains an absolute classic of timeless design.


New:
$A 8,500

Preowned:
$A 6,000
Jaeger reverso duo
5. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Duo
According to legend, Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso was created for British polo-playing officers serving in India at the end of the 1920s. Polo players were faced with an apparently insoluble problem: that of finding a watch rugged enough to stand up to their chic leisure activity. Nearly hundred years later, Reverso is still regarded as one of the finest and most intricate watches ever produced.


New:
$A 6,500

Preowned:
$A 4,000
breitling navitimer
6. Breitling Navitimer
In 1952 Breitling introduced a chronograph which had a navigation computer for pilots which enabled the pilot to carry out all necessary calculations during his flight. The Navitimer was later selected as the official timepiece of the US Aircraft Owners' and Pilots' Association. An essential instrument for professional pilots and popular fashion accessory for the rest of us.


New:
$A 7,500

Preowned:
$A 4,500
Omega seamaster watch
7. Omega Seamaster James Bond
While it is technically a divers watch, Omega Seamaster James Bond is the preferred choice as a day-wear watch for many Australians. This distinctive, rugged, reliable and truly water proof watch is a true cult timepiece amongst watch lovers with a classical "she'll be right" attitude.


New:
$A 3,700

Preowned:
$A 2,000
Tag carrera watch
8. TAG Heuer Carrera
Since its creation by Jack Heuer in 1964, the Carrera chronograph has been one of TAG Heuer’s most iconic models. It derives its name from the Carrera Panamericana Mexico, a famously difficult car race of the 1950s. Carrera was worn on the wrist by most F1 drivers in the 1970s, and since then it has become the must-have chronograph of young Aussie watch collectors. Stylish and affordable, good value for money.


New:
$A 3,700

Preowned:
$A 2,500
Patek Calatrava watch
9. Patek Calatrava
Originally designed in 1932, the classic round Calatrava watch was named after the ornate cross that is the Patek Philippe’s company symbol. The refinement of the Calatrava's classic design conveys much of the discretion and understated power that keep Patek Philippe at the pinnacle of the watchmaking art. Calatrava is still Patek's best-selling model, it marks its wearer with distinct good taste in any setting in a subtle way.


New:
$A 12,700

Preowned:
$A 10,000
Rolex 116520
10. Rolex Daytona 116520
Launched in 1960s, Rolex Daytona Cosmograph was named after Daytona Beach, Florida - the home of car racing known as 'world centre of speed'. The Daytona was promoted to motor racing world because it was a sophisticated and finely made chronograph suited for calculating average speed over a mile. The watch is regarded as Rolex's most distinctive design. Highly collectable!


New:
N/A

Preowned:
$A 15,000

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

And the Royal Oak??!!!