Gerald Genta designed four of the most iconic Swiss Luxury Sport Watches of the 1970s. They represent some of the greatest achievements in watch design to date and are still considered to be the Ultimate Luxury for men and women around the world. Many of them have been updated with slightly larger cases, while remaining true to the original Genta designs.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is considered by many watch enthusiasts to be the ultimate sport watch from the most prestigious Swiss watch company in the world. It has remained true to its original design, but is now larger. Until the recession, a several year wait list could almost be guaranteed and the Nautilus is never discounted like most Pateks.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has spawned countless imitations, including my gold plate and steel 7th grade graduation watch from the local mall discounter, before I ever knew the original. The trademark three plane octagonal bezel with exposed white gold hexagonal screw heads is one of the most identifiable in watch history and wisely, AP never changed this design.
The IWC Ingenieur had an obvious update from its original design, where the asymmetrical porthole design was centered and the bracelet was given a more squared off interpretation. I actually prefer the update's symmetry and chiseled bracelet.
The Vacheron Constantin 222 morphed into the Overseas where it was given a more aggressive bezel and bracelet reflecting the Maltese Cross, the hallmark of the brand. This design departs from the original much more than the IWC Ingenieur.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
image: patekphilippe.com
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
image: audemarspiguet.com
IWC Ingenieur Original 1970s version
image: timezone.com
IWC Ingenieur
image: iwc.com
image: artoftime.com
Vacheron Constantin 222
image: fratellowatches.com
Vacheron Constantin Overseas
image: vacheronconstantin.com
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