Breguet is the first name that comes to mind when thinking about watch brands that changed history. You can read our in-depth blog on Breguet’s Contributions to The Watch Industry. But it is not the only brand to shape the world of watchmaking. Here we list a few others that have made important contributions.
Breguet/Patek Philippe
Breguet’s official records state that it created the first wristwatch in 1810. However, it is Patek Philippe that holds the Guinness World Record for the creation of the first wristwatch. According to the records, the brand created the wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1868. The Swiss brand intended for the watch to be an ornamental accessory. However, it soon gained popularity for its practicality.
Rolex
We have talked about the Rolex Submariner before in our blog on Iconic Watches Featured in Movies. It is an iconic watch in terms of both appearance and mechanics.
It was the first-ever water-resistant watch with a resistance of up to 100 meters. Rolex used the Oyster Case to achieve such high levels of water resistance. The case featured crown that was screw-locked and a case back that was screwed in.
Its design and technical specifications laid the groundwork for modern luxury sports watches. The latest Rolex Submariner is water-resistant up to 300 meters.
Seiko
In 1969, the Japanese watch brand Seiko released the first ever quartz wristwatch for the public. Though, Swiss watchmakers had managed to create a prototype of a quartz wristwatch, they had not been able to start production. Seiko beat them to it, marking a monumental moment in history.
The release of the Seiko Astron sent a clear message that the world of watchmaking was changing and it was changing fast. If swiss watchmakers were to keep up, they had to speed up innovation and production.
The release of the quartz watch was also a pivotal moment in history because the use of quartz improved the accuracy of the watch by a 100 times. And the release of the Seiko Quartz Astron 35SQ brought the technological marvel within everyone’s reach.
Ulysse Nardin
Among Important Modern Watch Brands That Changed History
The escapement that you see on most watches, is inspired by a design from the 1700s. Most watchmakers stick to the same escapement. However, Ulysse Nardin ‘Freak’ features a new type of escapement and a carousel tourbillon.
Traditionally, the escapement feature the minute and hour hands that determine the time. However, the Freak does not feature the traditional dial or hands. In fact, if you want to tell the time, you will have to monitor the movement of the carousel tourbillon.
Cartier
Cartier Tank is one of the most imitated watches in the world. And it has been in production longer than most watches. Cartier released the watch in 1917. its design was inspired by Renault FT-17, one of the tanks used in World War I. The watch and tank were both rectangular and square at the same time. It also features one blue sapphire adding elegance that appealed to many. The unisex design of the watch garnered a huge celebrity and high-end clientele.
Even though it has been in production since 1917, the watch is extremely rare. Cartier introduced the watch in 1917 and only released a handful of pieces in the forthcoming years. If you are on the lookout for investment-worthy watches, the Cartier Tank might be a good option.
Swatch
Swatch is no longer a traditional luxury watchmaker. If you are looking for a classic luxury watch, you might look elsewhere. But if you want high-quality Swiss watches at affordable rates, Swatch can be your brand of choice. You will also find a range of funky, affordable, collectable designs.
Watch Brands that Changed History – End Note
There are many other watch brands that changed history. And there are going to be many more in the future. If you want to know more about the watch industry, follow our blog.
