Luxury, Style & Innovation: The 20 Most Famous Watches in History

The 20 Most Popular Watches in the World
Alright, fellow watch enthusiasts (or people just pretending to be for style points), let’s take a stroll through the world of horology and get up close with 20 of the most popular wristwatches ever. I’ll break down the top five icons for each brand—short and sweet—and even sprinkle in their brand net worth. I promise, no ticking puns…well, maybe just one.

Here we go!

1. Rolex
Submariner: The ultimate diver’s watch. Worn by James Bond and thousands of guys who’ve never been near water.
Daytona: The watch of fast cars and cooler-than-you drivers.
Datejust: The classy all-rounder—timeless, just like its name.
GMT-Master II: For those who say they travel the world (even if it’s just in spirit).
Oyster Perpetual: Minimalist and classic, for those who like their luxury understated.
Net Worth: $8-9 billion (yep, that's "billion" with a B).
2. Omega
Speedmaster: The watch that went to the moon. Sorry, no, it doesn’t come with a NASA badge.
Seamaster: Worn by 007. Good enough for Bond, good enough for me.
Constellation: Elegant, accurate, and doesn’t require a telescope to appreciate.
De Ville: For the sophisticated, minimalist gent (or gal).
Railmaster: If your job involves trains or you just think that’s cool, this one’s for you.
Net Worth: $2-3 billion (like the Speedmaster, it's sky-high).
3. Patek Philippe
Nautilus: The “holy grail” of sports watches. Good luck finding one at retail.
Calatrava: Classic and clean. It’s your "little black dress" of watches.
Aquanaut: More sporty than the Nautilus, but still something you’d flex at the yacht club.
Grand Complications: If you need a watch to tell you everything except what’s for dinner, here it is.
Golden Ellipse: A unique shape, for people who are bored of round things.
Net Worth: $3-4 billion (even more if you factor in the waitlists).
4. Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak: The one that made stainless steel look like a million bucks (well, several thousand, at least).
Royal Oak Offshore: For people who thought the Royal Oak wasn’t quite big enough.
Millenary: A little off-center, just like most of us.
Jules Audemars: Classic, elegant, and something your granddad would respect.
Code 11.59: AP’s “modern” play—and a bit controversial, but hey, everyone needs to make a statement.
Net Worth: $1.5-2 billion (you pay for the oak, and then some).

5. Tag Heuer
Carrera: Inspired by car racing, for the speedster in you (or the one that lives in your dreams).
Monaco: Square, cool, and Steve McQueen-approved.
Aquaracer: The diving watch that doesn't scream "I dive!" (which most of us don’t).
Autavia: A pilot’s watch for the grounded flyer.
Formula 1: Sporty, fun, and perfect for weekend warriors.
Net Worth: $1-1.5 billion (so maybe save up for that Carrera).
6. Cartier
Santos: The original pilot’s watch, because even aviators want to look chic.
Tank: Worn by icons like Jackie O. If it’s good enough for her…
Ballon Bleu: Round, elegant, and floats on your wrist like its namesake.
Panthère: For the ladies who lunch (or just like fabulous accessories).
Pasha: For those who like their elegance with a side of bold.
Net Worth: $15-16 billion (Cartier’s bling game is strong).
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso: Flip it, reverse it—Missy Elliot would approve.
Master Ultra Thin: As slim as your patience after missing out on it.
Duomètre: Two movements, one watch. Because, why not?
Polaris: Sporty, but not too in-your-face.
Atmos: This one’s actually a clock, and it runs on air. Yes, air.
Net Worth: $1-2 billion (for the Swiss masters of movement).
8. IWC
Portugieser: A big, beautiful dial made for navigators—real or otherwise.
Pilot’s Watch: The ultimate sky-high style (even if you’re afraid of heights).
Aquatimer: For when you’re pretending you’ll actually go deep-sea diving.
Ingenieur: Built for engineers, because they need some flair, too.
Da Vinci: It’s as sophisticated as the name implies.
Net Worth: $800 million - $1 billion (big brains, big bucks).
9. Breitling
Navitimer: Pilots love it, and so do desk-bound dreamers.
Chronomat: Looks tough, feels tougher.
Superocean: Waterproof to depths you'll never reach.
Avenger: So tough it sounds like a superhero.
Colt: An entry-level but still solid watch from Breitling.
Net Worth: $600 million - $1 billion (fly high, but don’t overspend).
10. Tudor
Black Bay: A vintage-inspired classic with modern flair.
Pelagos: Titanium and tough. Because steel just wasn't rugged enough.
Heritage Chrono: For when you want your wrist to look like it’s got history.
Ranger: Simple, understated, for the wilderness—or the office.
Glamour Date: Dress it up, take it out. It’s got class.
Net Worth: $500 million - $800 million (the younger sibling to Rolex).
11. Richard Mille