15 Iconic Watches You Really Can't Argue With: Rolex, OMEGA, Cartier & MORE

[@Madmanmarque]

I have to disagree with the Daytona. It's only in the last few decades that it's become so popular. The Submariner is probably the most recognized watch in history.

[@danieljhagon4911]

10000000000%

[@Eric-i1r]

30 years ago I was told that I’d probably never get a Daytona at retail. This was at a time when a Submariner was very readily available.

[@A.T.148-Scot-HK]

​@@Eric-i1rYes, but when people think of a Rolex - the submariner is the one that comes to mind. It has barely changed over the decades whilst the Daytona has changed quite a lot over the decades. Tell someone to sketch a Rolex, they'd probably sketch a sub.

[@stinklpups]

@@A.T.148-Scot-HKor a Datejust

[@pellevastano]

Honestly, when it got to the Daytona, the first thing I did was scroll down to see how quickly the Submariner was mentioned as THE Rolex watch. Sure, Daytona's are grail watches, but almost every automatic dive watch owes some design cues to the Submariner, and it doesn't hurt that it's Sean Connery's 007 watch.

[@cheemomugdoo799]

Big miss with the Daytona. The early ones were largely unloved, and unbought, sometimes given away to good customers. I would argue the Sub, Datejust, Day Date, Explorer and GMT are all more iconic than the Daytona.

[@shanghaiffgg]

she wasn't reviewing the MOST iconic watches, she was reviewing the iconic watches SHE PREFERS

[@cecaju9516]

For Rolex, the icon is the Submariner.

[@remus2001]

@@cecaju9516 For me it’s between the Submariner and the Datejust.

[@cecaju9516]

@@remus2001 the Datejust is their top seller.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Absolutely 💯 Rolex couldn't give away Daytonas for decades. Even though I do think vintage Daytonas are beautiful. I say it's the Submariner since Rolex was big on water resistance. I watch alot of older films from the 60s and 70's and I see alot of Submariners and Pepsi GMTS but more the Submariner. 3rd place would be the DJ and 4th the Day date. When it comes to on screen appearances

[@garyboyle695]

The Submarirer, a name that was stolen from another company.

[@nonspecific_thought]

Honestly, love the sub...but explorer 1.

[@Z-S-H]

I love that you lead with Casio and G-Shock getting my favorites in first 😉

[@structurescience]

Britt, you're the only watch youtuber that makes me laugh. And this even when your editing is just god-tier.

[@brittwebb5602]

What an incredibly fun and informative video. Bravo Britt!

[@aaronmauer7225]

The sub is for sure the icon of Rolex.

[@michaeladams9744]

Vacheron Constantin: Am I a joke to you?

[@remus2001]

I must be the only Rolex fan who is not enamored with the Daytona.

[@ListenToPowerViolence]

Same, it's the least legible Rolex and the screw down pushers are impractical. A Sub bezel is a cleaner timing system.

[@andreilayden5690]

How is your comment 12 hours old

[@mjhastings4534]

Nope

[@jacobfaldyn324]

Don’t like the Daytona either.

[@fungus70]

Me too...

[@donulldh4785]

Auntie Britt!! So I vote that you are a Icon of the YT watchfam!! Long Live the Cult(s), and 4:30 date windows.

[@Bemjji]

In Nashville we just got a Tag Heuer Boutique. I tried on a Monaco and I was blown away. I want one now.

[@perroviejo666]

Submariner every day of the week!!! It is the most iconic of the Rolex brand and the most copied by other brands.

[@seminky5341]

Ahahhah thats for common people. Copied by other brands of lower brand, sure. Do your research on zodiac vs rolex period. U will know rolex is a beginner watches and mainly for people of lower class who just discovered money.

[@Agavesyrupisgood]

I love Cartier so much

[@emanuelebuschettu3361]

Good video, but I think the 15th Watch could have been the blancpain fifty fathoms

[@emexokezie7796]

The blancpain is really not as well known to be iconic enough... Yes, iconic amongst those who know deeper.. Otherwise it's obscure!

[@williambeale8275]

I'd argue the gold day-date before the Daytona. That watch is quintessential 80s/90s Rolex. Plus the presidential bracelet is dare I say the most "iconic" bracelet ever

[@CaptainWillard830]

Timex Ironman. I wore a Timex Ironman, in garrison, in the field, and when deployed for the 22 years I served in the United States Marine Corps. Today, I wear Casios when riding my mountain bike. I have the Monaco Calibre, she’s a beaut!

[@Jessejesselewis]

The Lange 1, Reverso, and Speedmaster are three perfect watches IMO. Three of my favorite watches I’ve ever held.

[@salty5402]

No way the Daytona is the most iconic - that implies across the public at large. That would be the DateJust without a doubt.

[@fontyyy]

General public have no idea, Sub, GMT, Datejust, Daytona....it's just "a Rolex" to them.

[@Pete...NoNotThatOne]

Toss up between DJ (fluted bezel, Jubilee) and GMT Master II Pepsi - coz I’m a radical free thinker.

[@Mike-DuBose]

I'm subscribed and am now commenting to satisfy the KZbin algorithm! Always enjoy your videos by the way!

[@nbk978]

Rolex = Submariner

[@zillsburyy1]

50 WATCHES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD is a great book

[@stephenbaker4060]

I agree....one brand, money no option.......for me its FP Journe!...Love your videos, keep them going!

[@giuliocaprini-be2pj]

GMT's are very useful for travellers. Omega is fantastic for divers, 120 deep blue as a fantastic compromise. Reverso for minimalists

[@drlawyc]

That vintage Speedmaster with the patina and scratched bezel… *chef’s kiss*

[@gmbell258]

Love it Britt. I agree with all. What a watch collection you’d have if you owned them complete. Wowzers.

[@MrAndy76101]

Day Date > Daytona any day of the week for me. Rest of the list is 😘

[@timeless_journey88]

I love your work, thanks for making these amazing videos. As a woman speaking, I love you don’t focus only in “women’s watches”. I believe watches have no gender. You’re amazing.

[@ryanmurphy7422]

Great video as always! I will say I disagree with the Daytona. I'd love to own one, but in terms of iconic, Rolex didn't even think enough of the watch to create their own movement for it until relatively recently. The Sub literally spawned a genre of Watches that has become the most popular in the market. I think that certainly qualifies as iconic. Also, re. AP. I certainly agree with you. Not a hard pick when they are the ultimate one trick pony in the watch world. I hope for their sake that consumer tastes don't fall out of love with steel integrated sports watches, because the 11.59 ain't the watch that will save them.

[@cheongkienchong7818]

"It is absolutely criminal" 😂, you're a natural! Hope motherhood is treating you well 👍

[@jasonchaney5382]

The Datona is for sure a modern icon, but 30 years ago, before I was even aware of of brands like JLC, PP, AP, VC... I knew what a Rolex Sub was. But you are right that Rolex has a lot of models that could be considered iconic. So any debate is purely academic.

[@avarmauk]

For Rolex I would pick the GMT, because when you mention “GMT”, almost everybody will think of the Pepsi. Also in its early days the Daytona didn’t sell well and that for me puts it out of the running. When you think of a chronograph I think most will think of the Speedy, because it is a bigger icon although the Daytona won’t be far behind. It’s not hate towards the Daytona, it’s a stunning watch. But I wouldn’t say it’s an icon until recent times. For me it’s the GMT, Sub and then maybe the Daytona or Datejust/Daydate Worth mentioning I’m definitely bias since I own a Pepsi 😂 As for the best looking watch ever made it has to be the Royal Oak extra thin 39mm. It’s perfect in almost every way. If they made it 100m WR, it would be the perfect watch

[@MosnaRawr]

Day-date (president), Speedmaster, G-Shock. Apple Watch. Truly iconic. Change my mind.

[@dannyg6592]

Hi Britt! The Submariner is far more iconic than the Daytona (many think the Sub is the most iconic watch of all time). If you are going to review an IWC, I recommend you try a Spitfire - at 39mm, and 10.8" thick, it wears like a dream. Cheers!

[@indrajitsg]

Great collection. I will recommend a Panerai or Seiko Alpinist as your 15th option.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

For Rolex it's the Sub and Pepsi especially the Sub since Rolex was big on water resistance. Rolex couldn't give away Daytonas back in the day. The main reason was. Alot of people didn't like it was a manual wind movement with a screw down crown. So far I have a few icons. Heuer Monaco CAL-11, Rolex EXP1. 114270, Rolex Submariner 14060m ,Seiko tuna Marine master Ninja SBBN035,Breitling Super ocean A17367 and then I have my Cult classic watches which are a Heuer Coral 980 026, Heuer 981.006 Monnin JUMBO ,Heuer 272.006 chronograph and a Tag Heuer Night diver 989 113. Next stop will be a Tag Heuer Formula 1 or a Link chronograph with the Zenith El primero or Valjoux 7750. I do enjoy adding watches to the "Cult classic " part of the collection

[@cfc1001001cfc]

The Sub and the Daytona have their place in the pantheon, but for me, the Oyster Perpetual is the most iconic because it's the most Rolex of Rolexes. Hours, Minutes, and Seconds. That's it. The OP is the distilled essence of the brand in terms of design language. It's usually the first Rolex someone will buy with their own money. Hemingway wore an OP. Britt's black dial OP looks amazing and it endured the accident that she was in while riding her bike...I'm guessing that watch will be one of her lifetime watches.

[@ztunelover]

You were right, I think the sub is more iconic. But you were also right money no object I would choose a Daytona. But the platinum ice blue and brown model for me

[@brandonmcdonald6121]

Fantastic video

[@facetiousmonkey5322]

These videos are designed to stir up the comment section. Fine. I’ll bite. 2 Casios? Ok. But everyone else only gets one? That’s a joke. No Seiko. Daytona? A watch that only watch nerds love/hate. IWC stands for I Won’t Care. Well played Britt.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

I agree that Seiko should be somewhere on the list. The two Casios are as low as $110 USD, combined, so they make sense as the gateway drug. Of course, I'm completely not unbaised, since those are the only two watches I own. 😂

[@cunawarit]

I came here ready to argue but you won me over at Casio.

[@hexiestmanintheworld]

Congratulations Britt!!!

[@raghdahasan4941]

Girl! I love you and your channel! Keep it up

[@AlbertusMagnus_44]

The word “iconic” has been grossly overused by virtually everyone over the last decade or so. I long for its absence. 😳

[@watchpapi]

Iconic comment 👌🏽

[@AlbertusMagnus_44]

@@watchpapi 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kkrsnn5632]

Epic also😂

[@mjhastings4534]

Automatic chronograph Monaco was made with a left handed crown on purpose to show off that you wouldnt need to wind it. Most people wore watches on the left hand

[@jamesblonde2271]

Really annoys me the modern ones have a righty......

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Just bought a Heuer Monaco CAL-11 and it did not disappoint.

[@mosmarb]

That's how they explained it away in their advertising but it was about the modular design of the movement as much as anything, with the Dubois-Depraz chronograph module sitting on the Büren automatic movement. But that was less of a tempting by-line for ads!

[@mjhastings4534]

@@mosmarb ok there you go still both good stories

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Congratsm enjoy matey.

[@Jessejesselewis]

As a random aside; Lange AD’s are amazing. I’ve been in a couple of times with zero intent to buy and made that clear. They gave me a drink and a loupe and let me play with a bunch of their watches. Then they started recommended book clubs and gave all sort of baby book recommendations to my wife.

[@watchpapi]

😂😂 that’s not always been our experience. The boutique in Dresden called extra security over to watch us through the windows from the street and did not want to talk or show us anything. 😂

[@Baker_Jonas]

Monaco was also in Breaking Bad

[@jaybee1196]

Brittany video drops are so consistent...you can set your watch by them ;)

[@vincentkr3w]

Britt ,we are on to you and know you chose the Daytona to make us comment because there is absolutely no way we can agree😂😂

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

If money was no object for me and Rolex, may be controversial, but the platinum day date with ice blue dial 🤤

[@Zangoose69]

Is it me or did we get a video edit level-up? Digging it! 🎉

[@SquirrelRIP]

Thank you Britt, loved this.

[@chrisr6710]

I’ve had my Casio F91 for almost 30 years. I don’t think it’s ever had a battery change and is still going strong. I haven’t worn it in years but I’ll never got shot of it.

[@danielbercovici5202]

Why did you leave Seiko out 😄? Congratulations 😊

[@WatchsNBoots]

Love Breitling and the Navitimer, good job Brit.

[@maitrehg]

When I think of Rolex, the Sub immediately comes to mind. Maybe the DateJust for the general public. But in no case can it be the Daytona.

[@saodavi6267]

To be an "icon" it really needs to be something that has been around for a very long time, been in continuous production, and been relatively unchanged (eg: Speedmater, Submariner, etc.). Watches like the Casioak and PRX have only been out for a few years and doesn't make the cut, even though they are very popular.

[@chris555]

F91W & Navitimer have earned the term icon for me

[@markhansen9467]

Willy Breitling... "Yeehaw!!!" 🤣

[@carloslargaespada6051]

Hey Britt I have the 15th iconic watch: The Squale 1521 blue bezel and dial on a mesh bracelet!!!

[@BunnySconce]

Hi Britt, love your channel. My wife is a very successful fundraiser and I want to get her an iconic watch to celebrate her success. Could you do a video on top watches for women? Thank you!

[@Voltanaut]

FP Journe's icon must be that sideways tourbillon. That is the stuff of legends.

[@sevionxx]

also funny how you used a picture of Rothenburg together with other pictures of bavarian culture while Glashütte is in Saxony, so basically the complete opposite of Bavaria 😅

[@tweakin_panda9910]

Love the chronomat ! Iused to (and still) watchi Seinfeld and I remember finding the bracelet gorgeous, and not being able to identify it. It's the bracelet that really caught my eye, face looked like a Breitling but I kept wondering about this bracelet... until they brought em back! ( or did they never leave ? )

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

I'm glad my only two watches were covered right at the beginning. 😂 Small note, the G-Shock full-metal square shown at 1:45 is the GMW-B5000D-1. The "5000- series" has the higher priced models, over $500 USD.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

For ICONS I would ave added Panerai Radiomir and the Tag Heuer Manaco And even the Seiko SKX 😅

[@cecaju9516]

She mentions the Monaco.

[@JARRODLEE-f8w]

My Rolex icon is the gold day date

[@BonDijon]

The 15th watch is Timex Weekender. Love it or hate it, it's the first watch that'll come to mind when thinking of Timex.

[@morgan97475]

What about the Timex Ironman digital?

[@BonDijon]

@@morgan97475 that's the second watch i think of 😆

[@JonathanCho-ni4bv]

IWC's most iconic model is the Portuguese/Portugieser and it's not even close. Excluding WW2, the Big Pilot is a fairly recent model (1994). The Portuguese/Portugieser is the core of IWC even today. Developed in the 1930s for two Portuguese sailors who wanted a highly accurate marine chronometer as a wrist watch. IWC then took their best pocket watch movement and put it into a 42mm case (considered truly massive at the time). It has continually evolved since then and IWC always released special editions of that model to commemorate several of the most important anniversaries of the company. Also, the popularity of the Daytona is a fairly recent phenomenon. I may be showing my age, but I remember first-hand when they were discounted by dealers. I'd say the most iconic Rolex is the Datejust. The Submariner and GMT-Master are only big with watch collectors, "hypebeasts", certain cultures, and the occasional actual diver or pilot. But the Datejust is recognizable and worn by everyone across all ages, occupations, income levels, and cultures.

[@seminky5341]

You sir, comes from old money.

[@A.T.148-Scot-HK]

@@JonathanCho-ni4bv perhaps the Mark series too. It's been in continuous production since 1948 and has barely changed.

[@chris_f_eden]

Wearing my two tone Datejust as I watch this video. Money no object my first choice in Rolex lineup is Skydweller.

[@Lintybaybay]

You could always borrow my Big Pilot 43 on a bracelet if you want to do a review? It has a few scratches but would still be good 😅

[@swampThaang]

I can't imagine Patek having a guy named "Willy" anywhere in their history. That would be revised to "William" real quick. Respect to Breitling.

[@marcod.r.3299]

IWC Big Pilot yes....but Ref 5002, THE one and only

[@PhantomObserver]

There are at least 3 companies that you should put on this list: - Timex. Yes, the “take a licking and keep on ticking.” One of the few major watchmakers taking on Casio at the entry-level market, and for their iconic line it’s a tossup between the Easy Reader and the Ironman. - Seiko. One of the few watchmakers with a model line for almost all price points (5 Sports, Prospex, Prestige, Astron, etc.). Pretty well known for their ISO-rated dive watch line, and you could pick the “Tuna” or the “Turtle” for their icon. - Hamilton. A major part of the Swatch Group, and the one that gives G-Shock a run in the “military field watch” category. For their icon, easily the Field Mechanical.

[@patrickjean-philippe7679]

I do love Hamilton, their watches are great 🤗

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@PhantomObserver I find Hamilton's neo vintage and vintage pieces to be alot better looking. I find alot Hamilton watches now. Just look very cheap to me

[@Juanjo191]

OMG the Seiko Astron is not in the list? The responsible of the quartz crisis? Maybe not as successful as the other videos here in this video, but was a huge shock for the industry 👍🏽

[@joshuakaplan5726]

For Rolex, you should allow two icons, one from the classic line (Datejust 36) and one from the professional line (Submariner). That way you are covered on both ends!

[@halfsourlizard9319]

I'm quite confident that muggles could more reliably identify the Sub or the GMT if you Greeked a set of watches and asked them to 'pick the Rolex'.

[@tachillecremonini387]

Omega ❤❤

[@patrickjean-philippe7679]

I vote for JLC and Oméga 😉

[@uckBayNguyen]

Oh yeah, Casio is very iconic. I remember my Casio calculator watch back on college. How nerdy but I was a part of the Casio boom

[@stefanosanfilippo]

I would ask you what do you think about the Tudor bb36 as first luxury watch? And what about if I would like to differentiate my collection with different brand but I probably will add the bb58 as a second watch.🤦🏻‍♂️

[@voric2893]

I thought you were going to mention Icon watches :)

[@jeebusmcfries8114]

before filming, Britt tried to argue with these watches

[@remus2001]

@@jeebusmcfries8114 I could also make an argument for the Datejust and even the Day-Date.

[@pasust1688]

No one outside of the watch world really knows about Daytonas. The Sub is not only Rolex's most iconic watch, it's arguably one of the most iconic watches ever.

[@MJP3055]

Zenith is awesome❤

[@chowda4u]

I know the TAG Heuer Monaco is iconic but for me if I'm going TAG, it's the Carrera Chronograph all day.

[@clubsportlarry4835]

Def Sub. Never the Daytona. Couldn’t give them away when first released. Everyone knows a Sub even if not into watches.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Title sounds like a dare.......😂 But I must say I agree mostly. I think the Sub is more Iconic than any other watch on earth imho. Oh & you like the 11.59? Thats an exclusive club........

[@CayenneTurboDriver]

The Submariner may be the most iconic Rolex, but the Daytona is the most recognizable. The three subdials are for the Daytona what the crown guards are for Panerai Luminors.

[@steveboyd3455]

Interesting list for sure but no Hamilton Khaki Field, or Timex Marlin? And the man-or-woman-on-the-street is not going to say Daytona; it is the Rolex Untersee all the way as the one they know about.

[@scottt.4596]

I know I know. Most, if not all, would disagree with me, but one of my main criteria for being an ‘iconic watch’ is the watch must have been and still is hugely popular. Neither the Monaco nor the Navitimer were/are popular watches. Yes, they both had their time in the sun (due to their novelty) but they are no longer relevant.

[@MrPleers]

Santos de Cartier for me.

[@jhuggs8840]

How could you not mention the SKX??? Its the watch that got so many people into this hobby....Shame. Toss the Monaco (I own one) and add the SKX 😊

[@ericdhadden]

Fairly certain Breitling has been acquired by a private equity firm.

[@renedelapaans647]

Imho the icon Rolex is the GMT

[@skyworks1621]

Sure the hype around Daytona in bigger but a true icon and legend is the submariner. Sure in the last few years Rolex made more promo for the GMT but icon will always be submariner, Daytona and then GMT.

[@uncles2000]

ICON see why you made this video

[@andrewdavid9333]

a question for the Cartier Fan Girl , in Canada🇨🇦, when would you quess the next $ price increase might be? Does it follow a cycle? Looking at the Panthere, Thank you

[@darrenc5563]

Screw down pushers for a chronograph is by far the most inconvenient feature on a watch, ever.

[@JustMeTalking]

That's why I love my Omega Seamaster 300 Chronograph... you can use the pushers underwater and in the rain... perfect watch 😊

[@tweakin_panda9910]

OMG that new cartier movement that only comes with skeletonise dial is a freakin obsession. I think the rotor system is inverted and stays fixed and the rest of the movement revolves around it... not sure at all it was just my personal conclusion. please correct me if Im wrong ...actually Im gonna research that right now. Heard you cant just walk in and buy one...but hey, who knows

[@GustapoGomez]

Difference between iconic and desirable. One is timeless. The other is relative to the times we are in.

[@mosmarb]

Oh, how you underestimate the internet's collective capacity for arguing! :D I agree with a lot of them, but not all - the iconic IWC for me is either the Ingenieur or the Portugieser, the Big Pilot never even comes into frame (though is probably easier to pronounce for 97% of the planet's population). The Carrera is Heuer's icon - from the mind of Jack Heuer into the metal as opposed to the case designers at Piquerez for the Monaco. Given to the Ferrari drivers in the 70s when Ferrari was sponsored by Heuer. The Carrera massively outsold the Monaco at the time too and still does today. And what is iconic about the Daytona aside from managed availability spiking the price up to ridiculous heights? For me, an iconic actor wearing a watch is not going to confer icon status on the watch. The Oyster case had a huge impact on watchmaking in general so for me anything in an Oyster case would be the iconic Rolex, despite often being at the cheaper end of the range. And don't worry about getting Söhne right until you are pronouncing Lange with an A and not an O! The Lange 1 is the right answer for icon though. Good luck with the birth!

[@watchpapi]

The birth went well… little George is doing well, as is BP… four weeks old now. ❤