Timepieces That Changed The Watch Industry

The watch industry has a long and iconic history. With groundbreaking innovations and a mindblowing evolution, there are some particular timepieces that have reshaped this narrative. We’ve got watches that have gone to space, chronometers that transformed maritime travel, field watches that became trusted companions for soldiers, and a variety of intricate complications you’ve never even heard of.

If you’re a passionate watch collector or a fellow admirer, you’ve most likely heard of famous names such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Omega. However, going deeper and deeper in history, some particular timepieces have truly made a significant change in the watch industry. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

If you’ve ever wondered which timepiece made angular designs such a popular trend in the luxury industry, you have Mr. Gérald Genta to thank for. The Royal Oak - nowadays an iconic timepiece - was a slow burner. When it was first released, this gorgeous stainless steel watch was selling quite slowly.

It was later that its popularity rose through the charts. The geometric shapes and sharp design aesthetic became a huge influence for other luxury brands as well, permanently leaving its mark in the industry. 

Fortis Hardwood Automatic 

The first ever automatic watch as we know it was actually the creation of Mr John Hardwood. The British watchmaker created this fascinating mechanism. He partnered with Fortis to industrialize the invention. Hardwood got his brilliant idea when watching some children play on a seesaw. 

He thought of the concept of the oscillating weight which he later applied to the winding of a timepiece. He first experimented by creating a self-winding pocket watch. Then, he got the patent for the self-winding wristwatch in 1924, forever transforming the scene of watchmaking.

Omega Speedmaster

If we’re talking about iconic, being one of the most notorious timepieces related to space exploration is high on that list. The Omega Speedmaster is the first and only watch that has been worn on the Moon.

The distinct design quickly became a symbol of engineering and innovation. It was precisely the Speedmaster that was chosen by NASA to accompany the astronauts on their legendary journey in 1962, and it was this timepiece that again helped save the crew of Apollo 13 in 1970.

With such astonishing history, Omega has built its name as a giant in the watch industry, producing timepieces that have created a reality where the watch world would be unimaginable without them.

Rolex Daytona

If we’re talking chronographs, we can’t forget about the one and only - Rolex Daytona. When one thinks of the word chronograph, in most cases the image of a silver timepiece with three sub-dials comes to mind.

Known as the biggest hit in the watch scene in the 1960s, the Daytona paved its way through history. It was precisely its Zenith-powered reference and modern design that made Daytona such an iconic piece.

Later in the years, this watch became a real prized possession among watch collectors, with admirers dreaming of owning a vintage version. Like many Rolex models, Daytona has been repeatedly imitated, however, its originality remains a trademark of Rolex. 

Cartier Santos Dumont

One of the first unique case designs that was explored was the tonneau-shaped case. While Louis Cartier is a popular figure regarding innovative watch design, it was not Cartier who created the tonneau-shaped case. 

A hitherto tonneau design can be traced from the late 19th century; there had been examples of tonneau-shaped watches before Cartier ever made his first recorded model. Although Cartier popularized the style, notably introducing a tonneau-shaped watch in 1906, it was part of its lines of elegant and modern collections.

This was a bold move away from the traditional round case, being the signature of Cartier's innovative aesthetic. To this day, tonneau-shaped watches remain one of Cartier's trademark styles, hailed for their elegance and characteristic length. 

Contrary to the statement about mechanics, the tonneau shape is primarily stylistic rather than functional novel innovation that provided more room for complications. Nonetheless, the design inspired many watchmakers to experiment with variations of the tonneau style.

Abraham-Louis Breguet Tourbillon

Of the most historical inventions in watchmaking, one should undoubtedly consider the tourbillon mechanism, which is credited to Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1801. Breguet designed the tourbillon to counteract the effects of gravity on the balance spring, thereby improving the accuracy of pocket watches.

Breguet's design placed the escapement-the balance wheel, balance spring, escape wheel, and pallet inside a cage that rotated consistently. The constant rotation averaged out positional errors caused by gravitational forces, improving precision in timekeeping. Today, the tourbillon is one of the features of high-class watchmaking and is appreciated not only for functionality but also for its complexity and aesthetic appeal. 

The tourbillon creation is a really laborious process requiring advanced skills and techniques; therefore, its creation is highly regarded in horology. Whereas modern improvements in the design of escapement reduced the practical need for a tourbillon, it is still a sign of haute horlogerie and mechanical skill.

Andre-Charles Caron’s First Skeleton Watch

Skeleton watches have their movements visible and offer an intriguing view of the movement internally. The French watchmaker Andre-Charles Caron was credited with the skeletonized watch in 1760. Removing part of the dial exposed the movement, a new kind of artistry in watchmaking introduced by Caron.

It soon gained a following and became a unique style in luxury horology. Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Hublot and surely Tufina are some of the iconic brands that have adopted the concept over centuries and created iconic  skeleton watches  that display the essential craftsmanship.