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ral · 25 May 2010, 02:33 PM

This has been discussed before, but I would like to re-open a deep discussion on the subject.

I think a good place to start is how do we define a "iconic" watch? Is it because of the degree of complication in its design, the number of units sold, the watch having been used in connection with real would use which required guaranteed precision and durability, or one which launched a new design which became adopted as an industry standard?

If complication in design was the basis, the Yatchmaster II would win hands down... but this would pale in comparison to other "iconic" watches of other manufacturers.

In terms of number of units, the Datejust would be king... but if we extrapolated this to all manufacturers, the most iconic watch of all time might be the Timex Easy Reader.

If it was real world use, the Submariner would seem to have the edge being used by Comex and the military.

New design innovation? The date display of the Datejust, or the Day-Date display on the Day-Date and the 24 hour hand on the GMT Master come to mind. It is my understanding that the innovations in these watches were first introduced by Rolex.

How about adding you 2 cents?

Yazo · 26 May 2010, 01:27 PM

No if ands or buts about it... Rolex's most iconic watch is the Daytona.

j ingram · 27 May 2010, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yazo

No if ands or buts about it... Rolex's most iconic watch is the Daytona.

I agree with the Sub as a close second!

nickriebe · 26 May 2010, 01:29 PM

I still hold the original Explorer with high regard... no complication at all, plain and simple yet rugged. I may be crazy for that but.... thats what i think. And the SUB of course!

Singslinger · 26 May 2010, 01:49 PM

I believe the dictionary definition of an "icon'' is that it has to be universally recognised as representing something.

Applied to a watch, I think an icon is a model that everyone, non-watch fans included, would be able to instantly recognise and identify with that brand.

Applied to Rolex, I believe this would be either the Submariner, Datejust or Day-date ("President'').

I don't think a layperson would instantly recognise the Daytona or YM or YMII as being a Rolex.

rickyslam · 26 May 2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I believe the dictionary definition of an "icon'' is that it has to be universally recognised as representing something.

Applied to a watch, I think an icon is a model that everyone, non-watch fans included, would be able to instantly recognise and identify with that brand.

Applied to Rolex, I believe this would be either the Submariner, Datejust or Day-date ("President'').

I don't think a layperson would instantly recognise the Daytona or YM or YMII as being a Rolex.

Good way of putting it. I also agree that the DJ, DD, and the Submariner is easily recognizable by a thief on the streets. Other models would probably take a WIS to know of.

chris russell · 10 June 2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickyslam

I also agree that the DJ, DD, and the Submariner is easily recognizable by a thief on the streets.

a number of watches some years ago. He took the ones he recognized and/or thought were 'valuable'. He left the ones the didn't think he could sell quickly. The moron took a gold-plated Invicta Sub-clone and left the SS Daytona sitting next to it.

I sure wish I had cought the stooge inside my house.

ral · 27 May 2010, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singslinger

I believe the dictionary definition of an "icon'' is that it has to be universally recognised as representing something.

Applied to a watch, I think an icon is a model that everyone, non-watch fans included, would be able to instantly recognise and identify with that brand.

Applied to Rolex, I believe this would be either the Submariner, Datejust or Day-date ("President'').

I don't think a layperson would instantly recognise the Daytona or YM or YMII as being a Rolex.

I do not know why I did not think of looking at a dictionary definition... yes, that is probably the best place to start.

I checked a couple online:

An important and enduring symbol
A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing
any person or thing that is revered
an outstanding example of something which has come to represent the class of things to which it belongs; a paragon; used of persons as well as objects.

The last seems to fit best.

kyle L · 26 May 2010, 01:51 PM

I know this doesn't really help, but all of them are iconic in a way.

Boopie · 26 May 2010, 02:38 PM

The Rolex DateJust, with jubilee band and fluted bezel, is the "iconic" Rolex for me.

GradyPhilpott · 26 May 2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boopie

The Rolex DateJust, with jubilee band and fluted bezel, is the "iconic" Rolex for me.

I agree, but there's no law that says that there can't be more than one.

The Sub and the DayDate are both universally recognized.

To be true to the definition of icon and iconic, it is more accurate to speak of the coronet as being universally emblematic of the Rolex brand, therefore being iconic.

Even if one owns one of the lesser known Rolex models, all doubt is removed in the mind of the observer when the coronet comes to his attention, unless, of course, his first thought is of watches of the illegal variety, but even then, he's still thinking Rolex.

rad87gn · 11 June 2010, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boopie

The Rolex DateJust, with jubilee band and fluted bezel, is the "iconic" Rolex for me.

I agree!

Zed Homme · 26 May 2010, 03:07 PM

For me it has always been the Submariner.

learningtofly · 11 June 2010, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

For me it has always been the Submariner.

And me. Mind you, that might be because I have one

gelshocker · 26 May 2010, 05:46 PM

Submariner and GMT Master. Icons and watch pioneers in their respected fields. Cheers,

Nicko · 26 May 2010, 06:04 PM

For me, when I think of Rolex, I think of the Submariner and the Submariner alone. IMO this has got to be the most iconic watch of all times, copied by just about everyone. IMO the Submariner wins hands down.

BASSETHOUNDS · 10 June 2010, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicko

For me, when I think of Rolex, I think of the Submariner and the Submariner alone. IMO this has got to be the most iconic watch of all times, copied by just about everyone. IMO the Submariner wins hands down.

We must admit that Rolex based the Submariner design on the FF by Blancpain .

Johny · 11 June 2010, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BASSETHOUNDS

We must admit that Rolex based the Submariner design on the FF by Blancpain .

does anyone have a pic of one of these. i have never seen one. thank you ..j

Fozzy · 26 May 2010, 06:11 PM

Before I knew much (anything) about Rolex, I knew about the Submariner. For me it has the crown.

Lol-x · 26 May 2010, 06:17 PM

Iconic: Submariner
Flagship: Day-Date
Complicated: YM-II
Quirky: Milgauss GV
Strongest: DSSD
Weakest: Cellini
Prevalent: Date-Just
Classic: Daytona

DanP · 27 May 2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Iconic: Submariner
Flagship: Day-Date
Complicated: YM-II
Quirky: Milgauss GV
Strongest: DSSD
Weakest: Cellini
Prevalent: Date-Just
Classic: Daytona

Hey Steve-O There aint no quirks in my GV

Lol-x · 27 May 2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanP

Hey Steve-O There aint no quirks in my GV

Well crinkled orange second hand, double screw screw in casebacks and mouldy green crystal ain't main stream that's for sure

Maybe the Rolex coronet is the icon, and the watch models are just extensions of that icon, so there is no iconic model only the Rolex icon.

DanP · 27 May 2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Well crinkled orange second hand, double screw screw in casebacks and mouldy green crystal ain't main stream that's for sure

Maybe the Rolex coronet is the icon, and the watch models are just extensions of that icon, so there is no iconic model only the Rolex icon.

Good to hear from ya Steve-O

So now you go from calling the GV Quirky to Moldy

Macro80 · 26 May 2010, 06:19 PM

In terms of icons your either looking at a TT Datejust or the one, the only Submariner.

inLine4 · 26 May 2010, 07:44 PM

Sub.

PanosI · 26 May 2010, 08:35 PM

SS Sub together with TT Datejust on jubilee.

jeangtd · 27 May 2010, 02:24 AM

two tone, jubilee DJ

Denver Dick · 27 May 2010, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boopie

The Rolex DateJust, with jubilee band and fluted bezel, is the "iconic" Rolex for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macro80

In terms of icons your either looking at a TT Datejust or the one, the only Submariner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanosI

SS Sub together with TT Datejust on jubilee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeangtd

two tone, jubilee DJ

TT DJ on a Jubilee bracelet, absolutely!

timetravel125 · 27 May 2010, 03:03 AM

There are instances when the used of "iconic" is over used.

Iconic, IMHO, has stood the test time of being rugged, durable, aesthetically pleasing, reasonable in price and different.

Now, which Rolex is most iconic? It's really hard to pick. It's more of persoanal choice.

If I were to choose, it'll be the Sub.

InVision · 27 May 2010, 02:42 AM

Day date 4 sure !!

25 May 2010, 02:33 PM	#1
ral Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Philippines Posts: 650	Putting the crown on Rolex's most iconic watch This has been discussed before, but I would like to re-open a deep discussion on the subject. I think a good place to start is how do we define a "iconic" watch? Is it because of the degree of complication in its design, the number of units sold, the watch having been used in connection with real would use which required guaranteed precision and durability, or one which launched a new design which became adopted as an industry standard? If complication in design was the basis, the Yatchmaster II would win hands down... but this would pale in comparison to other "iconic" watches of other manufacturers. In terms of number of units, the Datejust would be king... but if we extrapolated this to all manufacturers, the most iconic watch of all time might be the Timex Easy Reader. If it was real world use, the Submariner would seem to have the edge being used by Comex and the military. New design innovation? The date display of the Datejust, or the Day-Date display on the Day-Date and the 24 hour hand on the GMT Master come to mind. It is my understanding that the innovations in these watches were first introduced by Rolex. How about adding you 2 cents?

26 May 2010, 01:29 PM	#4
nickriebe "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Nick Location: 3026'23N 8638'41W Watch: out for pirates! Posts: 692	I still hold the original Explorer with high regard... no complication at all, plain and simple yet rugged. I may be crazy for that but.... thats what i think. And the SUB of course! __________________ ~Nick Riebe~

26 May 2010, 06:17 PM	#20
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,587	Iconic: Submariner Flagship: Day-Date Complicated: YM-II Quirky: Milgauss GV Strongest: DSSD Weakest: Cellini Prevalent: Date-Just Classic: Daytona __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

26 May 2010, 07:44 PM	#25
inLine4 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: KC Location: GMT-5 Watch: GSAR Posts: 2,104	Sub. __________________ "Be Real, Buy Real."

27 May 2010, 02:24 AM	#27
jeangtd "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colombia Posts: 427	two tone, jubilee DJ __________________ Pepsi GMT Master II (Z series)Sub 14060M COSC (M series) Platinum yatchmaster (random) JLC Master Compressor Chrono Sub-C (random) Sub C bluessy (random) IWC big pilot

26 May 2010, 01:27 PM	#2
Yazo "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,812	No if ands or buts about it... Rolex's most iconic watch is the Daytona.

26 May 2010, 01:49 PM	#5
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	I believe the dictionary definition of an "icon'' is that it has to be universally recognised as representing something. Applied to a watch, I think an icon is a model that everyone, non-watch fans included, would be able to instantly recognise and identify with that brand. Applied to Rolex, I believe this would be either the Submariner, Datejust or Day-date ("President''). I don't think a layperson would instantly recognise the Daytona or YM or YMII as being a Rolex.

26 May 2010, 01:51 PM	#9
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	I know this doesn't really help, but all of them are iconic in a way.

26 May 2010, 02:38 PM	#10
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,952	The Rolex DateJust, with jubilee band and fluted bezel, is the "iconic" Rolex for me.

26 May 2010, 03:07 PM	#13
Zed Homme "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: usa Watch: Rolex Posts: 6,962	For me it has always been the Submariner.

26 May 2010, 05:46 PM	#15
gelshocker Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 318	Submariner and GMT Master. Icons and watch pioneers in their respected fields. Cheers,

26 May 2010, 06:04 PM	#16
Nicko Banned Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Not here anymore Posts: 4,787	For me, when I think of Rolex, I think of the Submariner and the Submariner alone. IMO this has got to be the most iconic watch of all times, copied by just about everyone. IMO the Submariner wins hands down.

26 May 2010, 06:11 PM	#19
Fozzy "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: UK Watch: 16610LV Posts: 132	Before I knew much (anything) about Rolex, I knew about the Submariner. For me it has the crown.

26 May 2010, 06:19 PM	#24
Macro80 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: London Posts: 248	In terms of icons your either looking at a TT Datejust or the one, the only Submariner.

26 May 2010, 08:35 PM	#26
PanosI 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Panos Location: Athens, Greece Watch: 16710 Posts: 8,704	SS Sub together with TT Datejust on jubilee.

27 May 2010, 03:03 AM	#29
timetravel125 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Louie Location: California Watch: Rolex Posts: 644	There are instances when the used of "iconic" is over used. Iconic, IMHO, has stood the test time of being rugged, durable, aesthetically pleasing, reasonable in price and different. Now, which Rolex is most iconic? It's really hard to pick. It's more of persoanal choice. If I were to choose, it'll be the Sub.

27 May 2010, 02:42 AM	#30
InVision Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Destin, FL USA Watch: Outerspace DayDate Posts: 2,662	Day date 4 sure !!

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