Before any item can be considered a classic, it has to withstand the test of time while continuing to be relevant and easily recognisable. After all, classics are defined as works of art with recognised and established value — the Le Smoking by Yves Saint Laurent or even Fender’s Stratocaster are good examples of classics. The same can be said for the horological world, here are some enduring classics from Omega, Longines, TAG Heuer, Bell & Ross and G-Shock.
Picture Above: Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
Before the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch craze took off in 1969, Omega was busy producing a bunch of robust dive watches which were affectionately known as the Omega Seamaster. Since its birth in 1948, it continues to be part of Omega’s fabled history. The Seamaster has spawned smaller sub-collections over the years with differing diving depths but the Seamaster Diver 300m takes the plaudits with its inimitable wave-patterned dial and helium escape valve positioned at ten o’clock when it was released in 1993.
The all blue Seamaster stands out in particular as one of Omega’s classic. The piece shown here is filled with Omega’s latest innovation such as the ceramic laser engraved dial, ceramic bezel with white enamel dive scale and the use of the Omega’s Master Co-Axial automatic calibre 8800.
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Longines Record
With 187 years of history, Longines is considered the oldest registered watch brand in the world. In its pursuit of horological tradition, the Longines Record represents the brands purest expression of watchmaking. Though the Record appears to be a simple looking watch, its movement is anything but simple.
The use of single-crystal silicon in its balance spring has seen the entire Record collection attain Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) certified chronometer standards (variations of -4/+6 seconds per day) — a first for the Swiss watchmaker. Timeless in its execution and modern in technology, the Record continues to be a classic amid Longines’ wide collection.
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TAG Heuer Monaco 50th Anniversary
For a storied brand with deep roots in the motor racing world, many of the TAG Heuer’s collections are rich in history and are viewed as classics. However, we would like to think that the Monaco — founded in 1969 — is a true classic in TAG Heuer’s portfolio of watches. The four-sided case design with its asymmetrical chronograph and crown positions epitomised TAG Heuer’s slogan “Swiss Avant Garde since 1860” perfectly.
Since then, its form has been unmistakable though it has taken on numerous colour iterations over the years. As TAG Heuer celebrates 50 years of the Monaco, it has released a series of the iconic watch to celebrate the milestone. The piece shown above is part of the five-piece 50th Anniversary collection — the latest to be unveiled.
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Bell & Ross BR03-92 Bi-Compass
Though the worlds of aviation and military have heavily inspired Bell & Ross, it is the distinct square and circle form that has set the brand apart since its founding in 1992. The Instruments collection has been a classic since, highlighting the unique design in its chassis. The BR03-92 Bi-Compass retains the same case shape but with a reinterpreted dial design: the hour hand takes the form of a central rotating disc positioned under the minute hand.
Legibility is maintained with the clever use of colours – the green hands and numerals represent the hours while the cream hands and numerals represent the minutes.
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G-Shock GMW-B5000TB
Modelled after the first ever G-Shock DW-5000C, the G-Shock GMW-5000TB pays tribute to a true classic that has graced the wrists of many, since it was first released in 1983. The GMW-5000TB retains the elongated octagonal shape albeit in a different case material. Lightweight titanium is used instead of resin to reflect Casio’s progressive approach to constantly improve its line of watches.
The entire watch is treated with black diamond-like coating (DLC) before being laser engraved with gradation of dots, forming a distinct camouflage pattern.
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