Life before the lunar landing

The Omega Speedmaster might’ve been the first watch to be worn on the moon, but before the 1969 lunar landing, the classic sports chronograph was the trusty companion of everyone — from racing drivers to track-and-field athletes. This ‘Pre-Moon’ example was, if the engraving on the caseback is anything to go by, delivered new to Stockholm, and it still retains its wonderfully aged original hands and crown.

For the explorer

The first Explorer was a timeless classic and, over the years, Rolex has managed to keep the model faithful to the original. Take this stainless reference #214270, for example, with its Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 and its classic Mercedes-Benz-style hands. Complete with its box and papers, and still under the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s expected to fetch 2,400–3,400 GBP — a fraction of the price of a ref. #1016.

Role reversal

One of history’s most iconic wristwatches, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso embodies elegance, yet its versatility means it can be worn casually, too. This 18-carat rose gold example (est. 3,500–4,500 GBP) boasts a beautifully textured dial and is fitted with an appropriately stylish black crocodile strap.

Travel companion

Whether you’re a businessman crossing time zones on a weekly basis or simply love to travel the world for pleasure, the Girard-Perregaux World Time is a trusty companion. It’s also remarkably elegant, in spite of the wealth of information displayed on the dial. We love this rose gold example, estimated at 4,000–6,000 GBP.

Masterful

If the Girard-Perregaux is a little too ‘busy’ for your taste, then you can’t go far wrong with a Rolex GMT Master, preferably with a ‘Pepsi’ bezel like this example from 1963 (est. 5,500–6,500 GBP). While not in pristine condition, we adore the way the markers on the dial have turned a sumptuous cream colour with age. If watches could talk… 

Photos: Fellows