Iconic Watches: 5 Models That Made Horological History

Rolex, Piaget, Seiko, or Casio... The range of watch brands is as varied as it is qualitative. But, over time, some models literally become icons, more than just timepieces. Here is a non-exhaustive list of famous watches that have marked history.

1- Tag Heuer Monaco, the icon of motorsport

In the chronograph category, the "Monaco" from the Swiss house Tag Heuer is undoubtedly at the top of the list of the most famous watches. The Omega Speedmaster or the Breitling Navitimer certainly have nothing to be ashamed of. But the "Monaco" has a sporty image that the others don't. Its square case, prominent pushers, and often contrasting hands make it an icon in its category. It gained popularity when it appeared on Steve McQueen's wrist in 1971 in the film Le Mans. The latter was sold at auction in 2020 for... 2.2 million dollars!

See: Famous watch painting by NoracTime: Tag Heuer Monaco

2- Lip Général De Gaulle, the watch of Presidents

Nicknamed "The Presidents' Watch," this French watch, manufactured by the Lip house, is also an icon. Founded in 1867 in Besançon, LIP left its mark on the evolution of watchmaking in France. With its "Electronic" model, as the prototype was named, the brand gained immense visibility, as its owner offered a copy to General De Gaulle; it then also appeared on the wrists of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bill Clinton.

3- G-Shock 6900, the icon of street culture

Wu-Tang Clan, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, or Pharrell Williams, all have worn or created a version (customized or not) of the G-Shock 6900. Every good collector has a G-Shock in their watch box, but the 6900 has a particular charm. Its retro look is both modern and vintage. At the request of their wealthy clients, New York's greatest jewelers took it up in the early 2000s to customize it and adorn it with diamonds and other precious stones. Because of its pop culture aspect, in addition to its legendary solidity, this G-Shock model is still highly prized today for collaborations and by watch enthusiasts.

See: Famous watches painting by NoracTime: G-Shock 6900

4- Casio F-91, the inexpensive icon... associated with terrorism

If we had to name just one accessible, reliable, robust brand that can be worn by both a child and an adult, it would undoubtedly be the Casio F-91W. This digital watch costs around €20 today. A symbol of nostalgia for people born in the last century, it also has a slightly less glorious reputation... that of being THE watch of terrorists. It has often been used by terrorist organizations (in addition to being seen on Bin Laden's wrist) as training for manufacturing time bombs or as a detonator.

Today, this emblematic watch still adorns many wrists and delights modders, who customize it in all sorts of ways.

Hand-customized Casio F-91W "Alien".

5- Cartier Ballon Bleu, the counterpoint to the square

When thinking of Cartier, the circle is not the first shape that comes to mind. The Tank, the Santos, the Panthère... all feature angular, square or rectangular cases. So when the French brand decided in 2007 to release a round model, it pulled out all the stops. It's no coincidence that this model was the first to integrate a Cartier manufacture movement with a complication - and not least, the tourbillon: The Ballon Bleu Tourbillon Volant, the first model adorned with the Geneva Seal.

Classic versions exist in both gold and steel.

It was very difficult to choose only five watches, as there are so many iconic models. I will certainly have to do a Part II. Let me know in the comments which watch you think should be included!