The fascination for timekeepers isn’t new; humans have always been enthralled with the concept of time, whether it be ancient Egyptian sundials or your boss’s Patek Philippe – time bears it all. In the world of horology, every second is precious and desire gets distilled within dials. Embark on a journey through time as we unveil the definitive ‘it’ list of timepieces ruling over this decade.

Cartier Crash

The Crash has become one of the most coveted collectable watches on the planet today and remains one of the maison’s most recognisable icons. The Crash blends mechanical mastery with avant-garde design and an unmistakable signature shape. Endearingly called the London Crash, this timepiece will forever remain tethered to the city’s energy during the Swinging ‘60s. Reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist masterpiece ‘The Persistence of Memory’, the silver-white dial with black Roman numerals forms a lovely, distorted shape that is very rare.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Royal Oak rewrote the codes of haute horlogerie post its 1972 debut. Designed by Gérald Genta, its bold octagonal bezel and visible screws were nothing short of rebellious in an era ruled by dainty gold dress watches. It’s been five decades since its initial release, and the Royal Oak hasn’t lost its edge. In fact, it has matured into a cult icon, blending sporty ruggedness with dressy sophistication. Whether in stainless steel, ceramic, or gem-set gold, the Royal Oak remains the grail of collectors and the ultimate emblem of wrist prestige.

Patek Philippe Nautilus

There are not many watches that make it to the top of the wish list for both ladies and gentlemen around the world, but the Nautilus has proven to be more than just an outstanding Gerald Genta design. With its porthole-inspired case, rounded octagonal bezel, and horizontal embossed dial, it challenged the conventions of elegance and proved that steel could be as covetable as gold. With waiting lists growing longer and longer, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has become as desirable and recognised as a Birkin bag, becoming one of the watches the world can’t stop talking about.

The Rolex Daytona

Rolex had been making chronographs since the 1930s, but it was when Paul Newman’s Daytona sold for more than $17 million and made history as the most expensive wristwatch ever to be sold at an auction that tipped the scales. The Daytona has amassed a cult following that instantly recognises it through its 40mm case, sleek sub-dials, and Art Deco-style numerals.

The Omega Seamaster

The legendary watch owes its popularity to pop culture’s most enigmatic spy, James Bond. “Shaken, not stirred,” echoes as we think about all the times a variation of the Seamaster has been spotted in the 007 movies through the decades. Across thirty years, Omega has released a broad spectrum of watches in the Seamaster series – from dress pieces to divers and everything in between. It’s truly a timeless timepiece; handsome, durable and Bond-approved.

Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas

The allure of Bvlgari’s Serpenti timepieces has not dulled ever since its 1984 debut. The iconic watch has slithered its way across the wrists of doyennes of fashion, from modern muses such as Zendaya and Bella Hadid to vintage beauties such as Elizabeth Taylor, whose diamond-set version became a fixture on the set of the 1963 film Cleopatra. The Serpenti Tubogas honours its roots with fresh form, evolving for The Year of the Snake with a rose gold double-twirl bracelet studded with diamonds and a white guilloché dial that adds contrast.