Modern watch enthusiasts tend to be polarized over the topic of quartz watches. On one end, the technology provides a better product: quartz watches are more affordable, more accurate, require no interaction (especially solar, and radio-controlled models), can include many complications, and can be made very thin and light. On the other end, the introduction of quartz watches killed or hurt countless brands, and many argue that the technology doesn’t appeal to the romantic side of watch-collecting. While there is no arguing that mechanical watches are an amazing thing to behold, it is a tough case to argue that there aren’t quartz watches that appeal to enthusiasts’ hearts. Note that today’s list will not be limited to affordable models. From technical innovators to affordable gems, here are the 10 most iconic quartz watches of all time.
10 - Timex Weekender
Photo Courtesy of Cool Material
Near the top of the all-time sales charts, the Timex Weekender is what the dictionary should ave next to the entry for “watch.” Coming in at $40 with various sizes, layouts, colors, straps, etc., there is a weekender for everyone. The case is as simple as it gets. The straps are as simple as it gets. The dial is fully printed. The crown is as simple as it gets. And yet, it all works. It’s the watch that a kid buys their dad for father’s day, and It’s the watch he’ll keep forever.
9 - Bullova Accutron Spaceview
Photo Courtesy of Esquire
The Accutron Spaceview, from Bullova, was the brand’s reentering into the mainstream after the quartz crisis. This watch was aimed directly at the mechanical beat rate, and achieved its goal. Innovation is expensive, however, and this costs $3500. The watch, while perhaps out of the public eye now, was truly an innovator of its time, and an icon in the industry.
8 - Grand Seiko SBGA211 “Snowflake”
Photo Courtesy of Worn and Wound
The snowflake is, maybe, the biggest hit of any brand in the past couple years. If it wasn't so new, and half mechanical, it would definitely be higher on this list. The spring drive movement inside brings the perfectly smooth sweeping seconds hand by using a mechanical movement to help charge it's btteries- truly a spectacle. A spectacle that comes with a spectacle sized $6000 prize tag as well.
7 - Breitling Aerospace
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee
The only mixed ani-digi display on the list, the Aerospace has an extremely unique style. For $5000, you can not only enter one of the most iconic brands, but get one of their most iconic models. Whether it's retro charm holds up in the modern age is up to you, however.
6 - Carrier Tank Must de Cartier
Photo Courtesy of Vintage Portfolio
The Cartier Tank is, in many people's eyes, the ultimate dress watch. It is as elegant as it is iconic. Cartier is one of the most important brands, being the (probably) first mainstream wristwatch maker. The tank is timeless, and unbeaten, all for $3000.
5 - Rolex Oysterquartz
Photo Courtesy of Chrono24
No list is complete without the infamous big R. Rolex is simply the most iconic watch brand ever, and while they no longer do quartz, their late OysterQuartz was ahead of it's time. This watch today would be a smashing success, if it weren't discontinued. With its classic aesthetic, and integrated bracelet, good luck finding one that won't cost a kidney.
4 - Bulova Lunar Pilot
Photo Courtesy of Teddy Baldassarre
The story goes that, after the originally used Omega Speed master's crystal popped off, the Bulova Lunar Pilot was instead used on a mission to the moon. If you haven't read about it, I'd highly suggest looking it up, as well as the auction for the Bulova that actually went there. The Lunar Pilot is incredibly accurate, and has an extremely high internal oscillation that powers it. And look at it, it's beautiful! The only concern is how big it is. This is a very large watch. However, a newer, smaller version was recently released to the surprise of the community.
3 - Casio G-Shock DW5600
Photo Courtesy of Ben's Watch Club
If you need something durable, this is your best bet. End of story. The G-shock is one of the most famous models ever, and with good reason. It is $50, instantly recognisable (even with non-enthusiasts), and comes in tons of colors. It really has no competition, besides from other Casio models (and maybe the Timex Ironman).
2 - Seiko Quartz Astron
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee
The Model-T is an iconic car. Adam and Eve are iconic people. The Astron is an iconic quartz watch, and the first quartz watch. A historical model no doubt, the Astron is revered and despised. As the model that started the quartz crisis, it is responsible for a fad that almost killed every brand, but at the same time led the industry to where it is today. On a list of importance, this would almost certainly top it.
1 - Casio F91W
Photo Courtesy of Casio
Perhaps the most popular watch in history, the $15 F91W is one of the most recognisable. Worn by children, parents, grandparents, students, teachers, the rich, the poor, men, women, and everyone in between, there is no way a list can ignore it. Every digital watch must be compared to this one, and Casio is still releasing models inspired by it.
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